Light curing in orthodontics; should we be concerned?

OBJECTIVES: Light cured materials are increasingly used in orthodontic clinical practice and concurrent with developments in materials have been developments in light curing unit technology. In recent years the irradiances of these units have increased. The aim of this study was to determine the safe exposure times to both direct and reflected light. METHODS: The weighted irradiance and safe exposure times of 11 dental curing lights (1 plasma arc, 2 halogen and 8 LED lights) were determined at 6 distances (2-60 cm) from the light guide tip using a spectroradiometer. In addition, using the single most powerful light, the same two parameters were determined for reflected light. This was done at a distance of 10 cm from the reflected light, but during simulated bonding of 8 different orthodontic brackets of three material types, namely stainless steel, ceramic and composite. RESULTS: The results indicate that the LED Fusion lamp had the highest weighted irradiance and the shortest safe exposure time. With this light the maximum safe exposure time without additional eye protection for the patient (at 10 cm), the operator (at 30 cm) and the assistant (at 60 cm) ranged from 2.5 min, 22.1 min and 88.8 min respectively. This indicates a relatively low short term risk during normal operation of dental curing lights. For reflected light at a distance of 10 cm the risk was even lower, but was affected by the material and shape of the orthodontic bracket under test. SIGNIFICANCE: The short term risks associated with the use of dental curing lights, halogen, LED or plasma, appear to be low, particularly if as is the case adequate safety precautions are employed. The same is true for reflected light from orthodontic brackets during bonding. What is still unclear is the potential long term ocular effects of prolonged exposure to the blue light generated from dental curing lights.

Dental light curing and its effects on color perception.

INTRODUCTION: Light curing has become increasingly popular for orthodontic bonding, partly as a result of improvements in light-curing unit technology and higher light intensities. The aim of this study was to determine orthodontists' knowledge of dental light-curing units, their safety aspects, and the possible effects on color perception. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 120 specialists or trainees to assess their knowledge of light curing and safety issues. In addition, 15 orthodontists and 15 nonorthodontists were asked to complete the Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test to assess color perception. RESULTS: One hundred four questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 86.6%. Light-emitting diode lights were the most popular (73.4%), followed by quartz-halogen (9.2%) and plasma lights (5.5%); 11.9% were unsure of the type of light used, 84% did not know the intensity, and 67% did not know the wavelength of the lights. Although most used safety equipment-eg, paddles-7% used no safety measures. Seventy-six percent were either unsure or took no precautions during light curing for staff or patients who had previous cataract surgery, and up to 99% were either unsure or took no precautions during light curing for staff or patients taking photosensitizing medications. With the Farnsworth Munsell test, 28 participants had average color discrimination, with 2 demonstrating superior discrimination. There were no differences between the orthodontists and the controls, or between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists' knowledge of dental light-curing units and hazards is poor. Although potential risks are associated with the long-term use of these light-curing units, no effect on color discrimination was detected.