The Four CORE Variables

Four discrete variables determine how long a dentist needs to use a curing light in order to adequately cure a resin restoration. These variables are:

1) C uring Light: The individual product specs and design itself play a role in energy delivery. How much energy do your restorations need?

2) O perator Technique: All else being equal, it has been shown that an individual can have a 10x variance in the energy they deliver from one instance to the next*. Has your technique been measured?    * Citation here   

3) R estoration characteristics: The size, the type, and the location of the restoration all vary the efficacy of energy delivery. How can you prepare for all these variations?

4) E nergy Requirements: Different resins require different amounts of energy and at different wavelengths. How much energy are you delivering to your restorations?

To understand the extent to which management of these four variables can influence the ultimate biocompatibility, safety and longevity of composite resin restorations, it is important to understand the potential breadth of variability within each of these four variables.