Curing Lights & Parts

Which curing light do you need for Tooth Gems?

A Tooth Gem is attached with light-curing bonding material. During treatment, this material must receive sufficient light according to the protocol of the bonding system being used.

Do not look only at wattage or the visible colour of the light. The wavelength, light intensity, beam, distance, angle, curing time and condition of the light guide all influence how much light actually reaches the bonding material.

What should a good curing light provide?

Why not use a nail lamp or teeth whitening lamp?

The fact that a lamp produces blue or UV light does not automatically mean that it is suitable for a particular dental bonding material. Relevant factors include the light spectrum, the amount of light that reaches the material, the distribution of that light and the prescribed curing time.

Distance & position of the light guide

Distance and direction remain important even when using a suitable curing light. As the distance between the light guide and bonding material increases, less light may reach the treatment area.

Therefore, according to the protocol, hold the light guide as close and as straight as possible above the area being cured, without touching or moving the Tooth Gem or uncured bonding material.

Also pay attention to the angle of the curing light and make sure that the relevant bonding material around the Tooth Gem can be reached by the light.

Extra attention with gold Tooth Gems

Gold Tooth Gems and other opaque tooth jewellery do not allow curing light to pass through the jewellery. Bonding material underneath the central covered area therefore cannot be illuminated directly from above.

Position the light guide carefully and cure the accessible bonding material around the jewellery according to the technique you were taught and the protocol of the bonding system being used.

Check the light guide regularly

The end of the light guide should remain clean and undamaged. If the light guide touches uncured bonding material, material can remain on the tip and subsequently cure.

Built-up bonding residue can block part of the light. The curing unit may still visibly illuminate while less light reaches the treatment area.

Battery, heat & careful use

A cordless curing light contains a rechargeable battery and electronic components. Battery performance can change over time, particularly with intensive use and repeated charging cycles.

Protect the curing light from drops, impacts and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Do not leave it for long periods in direct sunlight, on a hot windowsill or inside a hot car.

If you regularly work at events or on location, store the curing light safely and protect it from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

When should you check or replace a curing light?

The practical lifespan of a curing light varies considerably depending on the model, intensity of use, battery and how the equipment is handled. It is therefore better to assess its actual condition and performance rather than relying only on its age.

Correctly curing BLINQ® bonding

Working with the BLINQ® Tooth Gem Bonding System? Use Blue Etch, Primer and Glue according to the BLINQ® protocol and combine the system with a suitable professional dental curing light.

Correct curing is one part of the complete bonding process. Tooth-surface preparation, moisture control, correct application of Primer and Glue and accurate Tooth Gem positioning must also be carried out correctly.