European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Evaluation of 278 New Bluephase Style Light Curing Units Purchased Over Six Years

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Cover Date

June 2024

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Electronic ISSN

2396-8893

Vol

32

Issue

2

Abstract

Objective: This study measured 278 new curing lights (LCUs) to determine if they met the manufacturer’s specifications. Materials and Methods: Over a 6-year period, the light output from 278 Bluephase Style LCUs was measured before the LCUs were given to students (41 in 2017, 44 in 2018, 46 in 2019, 48 in 2020, 50 in 2021, and 49 in 2022). The radiant exitance (mW/cm2) from each year was compared using ANOVA and Tukey- Kramer multiple comparisons test with adjustment for the unequal sample sizes (α=0.05). The results were also compared against the manufacturer’s stated radiant exitance of 1200 mW/cm2. Results: The 278 LCUs delivered an average (± standard deviation) radiant exitance of 1203 ± 16.7 mW/cm2. The lowest radiant exitance was 1149 mW/cm2 and the highest was 1257 mW/cm2. Although there were statistically significant differences in the LCUs from each year, these values were within the manufacturer’s
tolerance of values of ± 10%. Approximately 13% of the emitted light was below 420 nm, and 87% was above 420 nm. Conclusion: These new LCUs were all multiple peak LCUs that emitted an average radiant exitance of 1,203 mW/cm2 (range 1149 to 1257 mW/cm2. Purchasers of the Style LCU can be confident that their new LCU will meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Keywords
Irradiance
Quality Control
Emission Spectrum
Curing Lights
Radiant Exitance