LED and halogen light: comparative study on resins physical properties

The clinical success of a dental filling depends directly on the level of polymerization process and light intensity of the curing devices, including adequate wave lengths, curing time and intensity of light. Objective: to compare and to present the advantages or disadvantages in using different curing devices (LED or halogen light) in three groups of dental resins: Esthet®, Concept® and Surefil®. The main purpose of this study was to investigate materials with lower costs for the public Brazilian dental services but also with good properties. Methods: the study was conducted at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro testing LED and halogen light, comparing Vickers hardness and compression hardness values of the three dental resins samples cured by these two equipments, in a total of 6 groups. Results: statistical study using ANOVA showed no difference between LED or halogen in Vickers hardness for Concept®. Esthet® and Surefil® presented higher Vicker hardness values when cured by halogen light. LED and halogen light did not show statisticaly diference in compression hardness values for the three groups. Conclusions: Esthet® and Surefil® resins are adjusted for the use in public dental clinics, presenting greater durability and smaller cost for the health services.