Abstract
Light-emitting diode (LED) curing unit has been introduced in recent years. The most beneficial feature of LED is that it is small and light enough to operate compared with other conventional visible light-curing unit. In addition, it has also many other interesting features. However, there are few studies and clinical experiences reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of composite materials cured by a LED curing unit compared with those of cured by a halogen light-curing unit and xenon light-curing unit. A LED light-curing unit, Luxomax (Akeda, abbreviated to LUX), a conventional halogen lamp light-curing unit, XL 3000 (3M, abbreviated to XL) and a xenon light-curing unit, Credi 8000 (3M, abbreviated to CR) were tested in this study. The curing deph, bi-axial flexural strength and micro-tensile bond strength to dentin of resin composite were measured.
The results were as follows:
The curing depth of the specimens cured by LUX was significantly less than those cured by XL and CR in any irradiation time. The bi-axial flexural strength of specimens cured by LUX was equal to or significantly lower than those cured by the XL and CR. The microtensile bond strength of specimens cured by LUX was equal or inferior to those cured by the XL and CR.
