Effect of time and polymerization cycle on the degree of conversion of a resin composite

• Published in: Operative dentistry Vol. 31; no. 4; p. 489
• Main Authors: Schneider, Luis Felipe Jochims, Consani, Simonides, Ogliari, Fabrício, Correr, Américo Bortolazzo, Sobrinho, Lourenço Correr, Sinhoreti, Mário Alexandre Coelho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2006
• Subjects: Composite Resins - chemistry; Composite Resins - radiation effects; Dental Materials - chemistry; Dental Materials - radiation effects; Humans; Light; Lighting - instrumentation; Materials Testing; Polymers - chemistry; Polymers - radiation effects; Radiation Dosage; Radiometry; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0361-7734
• DOI: 10.2341/05-81

The aim of this investigation was to verify the influence of 3 light curing units on the degree of conversion, using different irradiation conditions: 1) manufacturers' recommended times of photo-activation, 2) standardizing total energy density among the units and 3) standardizing energy density at the 450-490 nm wavelength range among the units and the effect of these irradiation conditions on the post-cure. Three light curing units were used: halogen, light emitting diodes (LED) and xenon plasma. Seven groups were tested (n=6). Twenty-four hours after the photo-activation procedures, half of the composite specimens were submitted to Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. The other half was analyzed after 1 month. The results were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). Twenty-four hour analysis revealed that the second set of irradiation conditions produced a similar degree of conversion among the LCUs. After 1 month, the conversion values were statistically higher for 20 seconds of halogen exposure (increased from 46.78 to 49.66%), 20 seconds of LED exposure (from 46.20 to 51.15%), 30 seconds of LED exposure (from 48.29% to 50.68%) and 3 seconds of PAC exposure (from 42.57 to 51.39%). The initial degree of conversion and post-cure depended on the photo-activation condition applied.