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Curing light

Also called: light cure, polymerization light, blue light

A handheld blue light that hardens sealants, composites and bonding agents.

A curing light shines a strong blue light that sets off a chemical reaction in light-cured materials, hardening them in seconds. Most modern lights use LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The blue light can damage the eye's retina, so everyone nearby needs a blue-light filter.

How to spot it

  • A pen or gun-shaped wand with a curved glass or plastic light guide, often in a charging base.
  • An orange shield or paddle may clip onto the tip.

What it is used for

  • Hold the tip close to and steady over the material for the time the material maker lists.
  • Some offices check light output with a radiometer (a light meter).

Safety and care

  • Use orange filter eyewear, a tip shield or a handheld paddle; never look at the light.
  • Cover the tip with a barrier or sterilize it if the maker allows; barriers can lower the light output.
  • Keep the tip clean of stuck-on material; follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Related

Sources: ADA. Oral Health Topics: Dental Curing Lights, Pit and Fissure Sealants