Battery Levels of a Light Emitting Diode Unit Affects the Properties of Various Flowable Composites

Essentials of Dentistry, cilt.2025, sa.4, ss.1-7, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Background: The battery levels may affect the light intensity of light-emitting diode (LED) cur-

ing units which can, indeed, directly influence the various properties of composite resins that are

polymerized by light activation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of battery levels of

a cordless LED unit on the various properties of composite resins polymerized by light activation.

Methods: Firstly, the light intensity of the cordless LED unit (Elipar Deep Cure, 3M ESPE) was

individually checked and 88 composite discs with the dimensions of 8 × 4 mm were prepared

from 2 universal (Estelite Palfique [Tokuyama]; Nova Compo HF [Imicryl Dental]) and 2 bulk-

fill composites (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk [Ivoclar Vivadent]; Beautifil-Bulk Flowable [Shofu]). The

polymerization process was obtained at different battery levels: high level (HL, 100%), and

low level (LL, 10%). The parameters evaluated included the degree of conversion (DC), color,

and top/bottom microhardness scores. Data were statistically analyzed, with significance set

at P < .05.

Results: The composite materials tested in this study exhibited significantly different scores across

the parameters evaluated (P < .05). However, aside from the DC, the changes in color and the

top/bottom microhardness scores were only numerically significant. The LL battery level for all

tested composites demonstrated a significantly lower DC compared to the HL samples (P < .05).

Conclusion: The varying battery levels of the cordless LED curing unit affect the DC of the tested

composites. Therefore, it is essential to routinely check the battery levels of LED units to ensure

adequate light intensity during the polymerization process.