Resumo

CALDARELLI, Pablo Guilherme et al. Light-curing units: evolution and clinical application - a literature review. Odontol. Clín.-Cient. (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.4, pp. 317-321. ISSN 1677-3888.

Due to the emergence of light cure composite resins on the market, was developed over the years a variety of technologies to produce the necessary light for activation of these materials. Based on the importance of the quality of light, when the curing of composites, this paper aims, based on related literature, to present some fundamental concepts concerning to the polymerization of composite resins and the relationship between the characteristics of light curing units, light emitted and clinical behavior of resin composite restorations. Thus, we conclude that, whatever the system employed, the light intensity emitted by the curing unit is very important for the clinical longevity of restorative procedures performed. Furthermore, the LED light units represent a promissory technology, compared to the quartz-tungsten halogen, that are very used yet.

Palavras-chave : Composite resin; Polymerization; Curing unit..