Effect of light curing protocol on the degree of conversion of a light cured resin cement

Objective: This study was conducted to detect the effect of different modes of light curing on the degree of conversion of a light cured resin cement.
Materials and methods: Three types of different ceramic materials with shade A3 were divided into 3 groups (n=60) (Group 1; resin nano-ceramic material (CERASMART, GC, Tokyo Japan), Group 2; Polymer reinforced ceramic (Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany) and Group 3; feldspathic porcelain (Vita MARK II, Vita Zahnfabrik). Each group was then divided into three subgroups (n=20) according to the light curing mode (subgroup A; low intensity curing, Subgroup B; high intensity curing, and subgroup C; soft start curing). Subgroups were then divided into two divisions according to the curing time (divison I; 10 seconds and divison II; 20 seconds). Degree of conversion of resin cement beneath different kinds of ceramic was tested using FTIR spectroscopy.
Results: Three-way ANOVA revealed statistical significance between the three variables. Significant interactions were also observed. The type of ceramic and mode of curing showed significant differences on the degree of conversion of resin cement. Curing time had no significant effect on the degree of conversion of resin cement.
Conclusion: Type of ceramic and curing mode used had a direct effect on the degree of conversion of resin cement.