‘Let there be Light,’ and there was Light, but was it Enough? A Review of Modern Dental Light Curing

Abstract

Light curing, or photopolymerization, is a very common method of effecting the set of resin-containing dental materials. This review summarizes key aspects that influence optimal photopolymerization, and how both a basic knowledge of chemistry and properties of the light-curing device are essential to achieve optimal clinical performance of the material. Tips are offered with respect to both the light-curing units and those materials which are cured by them to ensure best practice when working clinically. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A thorough knowledge and understanding of photopolymerization is critical to clinicians given that many dental materials in contemporary use are cured by this means.