Don’t Let Your Barrier Block Your Light

Irradiance at various distances with and without infection control barriers

Attention all curing light users...

We’re coming to you from our famous Bluelight Lab where we just finished documenting some very rigorous testing on whether an infection control barrier affects the irradiance of a curing light at various distances, and guess what? It does!

You can read all the details of the study here but since we know you are super busy creating great smiles, here are the key insights that will help you make any necessary adjustments in your practice to ensure you always cure with confidence.

Insight: Depending on the distance from the surface (we tested from 0-10mm), infection control barriers were found to reduce the expected/stated irradiance level of a light by more than 20%.

Action: Make sure you are always testing your lights with the infection control barrier on to get the most accurate irradiance. Not testing your lights? Read more about our Solutions here.

Insight: In an industry where every millimetre counts, proper placement of the control barrier is particularly important. Especially at a longer distance, since the highest reduction in irradiance (20.8%) we found was when the seam of the sleeve was covering the light at 8mm.

Action: Before each use of the light, be sure to check that the infection control barrier is placed properly with no folds or seams covering the light.

Insight: Standard radiometers test the light at 0mm, since you’re placing the light directly on the surface of sensor, so the irradiance levels would be reduced when curing at a distance. This is particularly important with deeper procedures like Class 1 and 2 restorations.

Action: For a deeper filling, where your light would be more than 4mm above the surface of the restoration, you should cure for longer to ensure proper polymerization of your materials. Not sure about your curing times? Check out our free Curing Time Calculator.

Infection control barriers are an important measure in keeping your patients protected, so please keep on using them, just do so with this information top of mind. The last thing you need is a failed restoration because your barrier blocked your light, and the composite did not cure properly!

Bluelight Analytics is a worldwide leader in dental composite curing. From the classroom to the clinic, our data-driven platform combines science, technology, and education to ensure all restorative procedures are optimized for the best patient outcomes. We are your partner in restorative excellence.  Want more info on our DSO Platform? Send us an email to schedule a free demo.