Curing Techniques of Composite Resin: Continuous or Intermittent?

Abstract

While composites have continued to be refined, significant differences between the available systems in
physical and mechanical properties, and clinical performance have minimized. Nevertheless, with all the
changes, there is one constant: it is necessary to light-cure direct composites. Clinicians need to understand
the importance of light curing principles because unbound monomers are cytotoxic and poorly cured
composites are less biocompatible. Four techniques are currently available for light-curing composites.
The clinician will consider multiple factors once the light source is chosen to ensure that the composite is
satisfactorily cured. This article analyses the various current technologies, their strengths and weaknesses,
and the importance to ensuring proper polymerization by following such protocols.