Standardization of distance and angulation of light curing unit tip using distometer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the light intensity of selected light curing unit with varying distance and angulation of the light curing tip and lightmeter. Four types of light units; Spectrum 800 (Dentsply), Coltulux 3 (Coltene), Elipar FreeLight 2 (3M Espe) and Starlight Pro (Mectron) were evaluated for light intensity at various distance between the light curing tip and the lightometer Cure Rite Denstply (0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 mm). The light curing units were angulated at 45o, 60o and 90o at a standardized 5 mm distance. The intensity of light curing is affected by the distance between the light curing tip and the lightmeter. However, the decrease in light intensity of the light curing unit was found not to obey the inverse square law for the distances 0 to 15 mm. The study found that there was no significant difference between 45o and 60o angulation between the light curing tip and the lightmeter. However, the decrease in light intensity is significant when compared to the light tip is placed perpendicular (90o) to the aperture of the light meter.