Polymerization Lamps and Photocuring in Orthodontics

The purpose of this article is to review the fundamentals of photocuring with various types of lamps in orthodontics. Information on the characteristics of lamps, photopolymerization, from the perspective of both the material composite resin adhesive and source (lamp) are discussed, with reference to light scattering, optimum filler size, extent of polymerization, and the degree of cure of resins irradiated with different lamps. This discussion is followed by a review of the clinically useful listing of properties of lamps and their application to orthodontic bonding as these are reflected in 4 key properties of the material, such as polymerization efficiency (degree of cure), mechanical properties (bond strength), clinical performance (failure rate), and biological properties of blue light.