Effect of LED curing on the microleakage, shear bond strength and surface hardness of a resin-based composite restoration

To determine the effect of Light emitting diode (LED) curing on dental resins, microleakage, shear bond strength and surface hardness of a dental composite cured with different LEDs were determined and compared with conventional halogen curing. For microleakage, Class V cavities were restored with Esthet-X, divided into groups, and exposed to one of the curing protocols (Elipar Freelight in soft start and standard modes; Ultra-Lume 2; Spectrum 800). Standard dye penetration tests were performed and the data summarised in a 2-way contingency table of observed frequencies. The Chi-square test was used (p<0.05) to test for significant differences between the lights. For surface hardness, samples of Esthet-X were exposed to the light-curing units (LCUs). Vickers hardness was determined on the upper and the bottom surfaces. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA (p<0.05). Shear bond strength was determined using a push out method. Comparisons (ANOVA, p<0.05) were made between the different curing protocols. No significant difference in microleakage could be demonstrated between the different LCUs at the enamel side (p=0.60). At the dentin side only the Elipar Freelight (soft start), could significantly reduce microleakage (p<0.01). The hardness score for the halogen light was significantly lower than for the LED lights (p<0.01). The Spectrum 800 and the Elipar Freelight (soft start) have significantly higher shear bond strengths than the others (p<0.01). It was concluded that the LED source is more efficient for a comparable overall power output.