An Investigation of the Polymerization of Orthodontic Adhesives by the Transillumination of Tooth Tissue

Abstract

Prepared samples of light-activated composite were cured by transillumination of tooth tissue in healthy volunteers. Positioning of the samples and the direction of illumination was designed to simulate curing during direct bonding. The effectiveness of curing was investigated by determination of surface microhardness. The degree of polymerization of the specimens cured by transillumination was found to be reduced compared to the control samples cured by direct exposure to the light source.

Index words:

• Composite
• Light-activated
• Transillumination