Effect of light-curing method on wear and hardness of composite resin

The primary aims of this study is to determine the wear and microhardness of composite resin cured with a light emitting diode (LED) and to make a comparison with a conventional halogen light curing unit (VLC LCU). The effect of load on weight loss was also investigated. For the wear tests, composite specimens were prepared in a rectangular mold. Specimens were divided into 5 groups; the first three groups were polymerized with LED LCU for 10, 20, and 40 s. Groups 4 and 5 were polymerized with VLC LCU for 20 and 40 s. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the wearing loads (60 N and 90 N). Weight loss was recorded using a conventional Tribometer (mg). Specimens cured using LED showed greater hardness and less wear compared to conventional VLC-cured specimens under comparable test conditions. The improved wear resistance of LED-cured material–demonstrated here for the first time–suggests significant advantages for clinical practice.