Effect of Irradiance and Exposure Duration on Temperature and Degree of Conversion of Dual-Cure Resin Cement for Ceramic Restorations

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of irradiance and exposure duration on dual-cured resin cements irradiated through ceramic restorative materials. A single light-curing unit was calibrated to three different irradiances (500, 1000, and 1500 mW/cm(2)) and irradiated to three different attenuating materials (transparent acryl, lithium disilicate, zirconia) with 1-mm thicknesses for 20 or 60 seconds. The changes in irradiance and temperature were measured with a radiometer (or digital thermometer) under the attenuating materials. The degree of conversion (DC) of dual-cure resin cement after irradiation at different irradiances and exposure durations was measured with Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that irradiance (p<0.001) and exposure duration (p<0.001) significantly affected temperature and DC. All groups showed higher DCs with increased exposure times (p<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the groups irradiated with 1000 mW/cm(2) and 1500 mW/cm(2) (p>0.05). Higher-intensity irradiances yielded higher temperatures (p<0.05), but exposure time did not affect temperature when materials were irradiated at 500 mW/cm(2) (p>0.05).