How to Use Cure Lights to Harden Dental Materials

Dentists use curing lights to harden composite material used for tooth fillings or bonding. The four different types of curing lights are LED, plasma, laser and halogen. The light waves produced by the curing light initiate a change within the composite and enable it to harden and bond with the tooth. The curing (hardening) process is quick, typically between 10 to 40 seconds, allowing the patient to leave the dentist office without worrying about damaging a filling.

Things You'll Need

• Cure light
• Composite

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Instructions

• 1

  Read the instructions completely. Functions vary with different types of dental curing lights. Curing times may vary with each unit and type of composite being cured.

• 2

  Apply composite material in a layering fashion. Shrinkage usually occurs with resin-based composite materials. Layering reduces the amount of shrinkage, enabling a better fit.

• 3

  Bring the cure light as close to the composite as possible. The closer the curing light can get to the composite material, the quicker and surer the bond. Additional curing time will be needed if the cure light cannot be positioned directly on top of the composite.

• 4

  Turn the cure light on using the controls on the unit. Newer cure lights have controls on the unit itself, which makes them user-friendly. Older units may have a foot control.

• 5

  Hold the cure light in place for the recommended curing time. Each type of composite will cure at different rates. The proper amount of curing time is necessary for the bonding material to set completely. The composite will not be hard enough if the curing time is too short. The composite and tooth will become too hot if the curing time is too long.

• 6

  Remove the curing light after the recommended time. Test the composite to ensure it has cured completely.