Abstract
Introduction
Various factors such as the type of light source, irradiance power, exposure time, curing tip distance, degree of conversion, and type of fillers influence the polymerization of light-cure resins and ultimately, the final properties of the restoration. The present study aimed to compare the efficiency of light-emitting diode (LED) and Quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) curing lights and their effect on the polymerization of microfilled (MF) and nanofilled (NF) composite resins.
Materials and Methods
A total sample of n=80 was divided into eight groups (n=10 each) comprising of two types of MF and NF composites each, cured by QTH and LED. The depth of cure, rise in temperature during curing, and the Vicker’s hardness number (VHN) at various depths were evaluated.
Results: The depth of cure was significantly more (p<0.05) in the NF composites as compared to that observed in the MF composites. The temperature rise was found to be significantly more (p<0.05) in samples cured with QTH than in LED. The VHN were found to be significantly higher at 1mm and reduced as the depth of cure increased to 2 mm and 3 respectively.
Conclusion: LED light curing units are more efficient as well as biocompatible as compared to QTH units. NF composites exhibit a greater depth of cure and surface hardness as compared to the MF composite. The rise in temperature during curing is dependent on the curing unit but not the type of composite.
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