Here we introduce three curing lights featured as follows: tungsten halogen, light-emitting diode (LED), and plasma arc curing (PAC). However, the most widely used by dentists are the halogen and LED versions.Curing lights were first introduced in the 1970s, with the Nuva Light the very first of its kind. Unfortunately, the Nuva Light required UV light to effectively cure resin composites, which lead to its eventual discontinuation. By the 1980s, technological advancements created the blue in the curing lights we recognize today. This halogen curing light replaced the UV lights used in the 1970s. Time marched on, of course, and so did dentistry. By the 1990s, the goal was to design a light that cured the composite quicker and to a greater depth than ever before. To that end, in 1998, dentists were presented with the availability of a plasma arc curing light. This high-intensity light featured plasma inside its fluorescent bulb and reportedly cured resin composites in a mere three seconds. But, in reality, it actually took longer than that, was pricey to purchase, and expensive to maintain. Next! Although LED curing lights were, in fact, developed in the 1990s as well, specifically 1995, they took a backseat to the plasma arc curing lights partly because of their rumored three-second speed. Once plasma arc curing lights proved too good to be true – and costly – their LED counterparts took center stage. Good thing, too. The heat emitted from the LED light is much cooler than that created by plasma arc curing lights, which meant that LED curing lights did not require a fan. Thanks to this, LED curing lights are lightweight, and smaller in design.
0 comments