David Juliani, DDS

When I introduce new technology into the office, I generally like to spend some time evaluating the product and how it integrates into my daily practice before recommending it to my friends or colleagues. With that in mind, my process is very simple. If the product can positively answer the following three questions for me, I am sold, and will happily recommend it to others.

	Do I need the product?
	Will it make my days easier in the office and improve the experience of my patients?
	Does it make sense financially to integrate into the office?

	We are all creatures of habit with almost every procedure we do. Certain technology is now such a given, I believe in many instances we begin to take it for granted-even ignoring basic maintenance needs and assuming it will always work and work predictably. Our curing lights almost define that thought process. We need them. We use them every day on almost every procedure we do. But is there a difference? I have spent the last six months using the new Ivoclar Vivadent Bluephase PowerCure every day on every procedure where a light is needed, and I can say without a doubt, yes-not only is there a difference, the Bluephase PowerCure system is the most versatile, efficient light curing system in dentistry.

	Initially we are all intrigued by the Bluephase PowerCure for the 3 second setting. Clinically, that comes into play a few times per day and is a unique feature that we use and appreciate when needed. But this light is so much more than the 3 second setting. The PowerCure light has four basic settings that can be easily toggled to with the ergonomic design of the unit. Each setting has a different light wave intensity that allows you to be efficient and predictable as you move through your clinical procedure.

	The first setting is the “pre-cure” setting. This is basically a 2 second tack cure that, at 950 mW/cm, will pre-cure your Variolink® Esthetic cement to a state that allows easy cleanup without having to worry about the restoration moving during the initial cleanup of the bulk-extruded material. This is my favorite feature of the PowerCure. No longer do we have to count in our heads or rely on our assistants to move the light away before the cement over sets and we need to chip it away.

	The “high power” setting is the traditional 1,200 mW/cm

 setting we are all familiar with to cure traditional composites in most of our restorative procedures. Timing can be adjusted to 10, 15, or 20 seconds depending on the needs of the materials.

	The “turbo” setting is a 2,000 mW/cm

setting that allows for a 5-second cure. Timing is not adjustable with the Turbo setting and will automatically shut off at 5 seconds. This allows sufficient light intensity to pass through the crown for efficient final curing of resin luting cements, compared to 20 seconds with most systems.

	That brings us to the 3 second setting. At 3,000 mW/cm

, this setting allows us to cure to full set when used with the Tetric line-Tetric Power Fill and Tetric Power Flow composites, and Adhese® Universal bonding agent from Ivoclar Vivadent. This 3 second feature is useful for posterior restorations in our adult patients where isolation is difficult, or for restorations on adult molars in pediatric patients. This is a great feature to have, but probably only makes up 10 to 15 percent of the way I use the 3 second setting.

	Our curing lights are one of the most important pieces of technology we have in our office. This is not a place to “save money” in your practice. They should be able to work predictably, be easy to maintain, and manage every aspect of your direct or indirect bonding procedures. The Bluephase PowerCure light meets all of these requirements, and based on the different settings available, allows you to be more efficient clinically and more confident in your bonding procedures. 

	Designed for the intraoral polymerization of light-curing materials, the Bluephase LED uses Polyvision® technology, an automatic assistance system that helps achieve reliable curing results and automatically extends the exposure time by 10 percent. The Bluephase has three intensity modes that measure from 1,200 to 3,000 mW/cm2. The 3s mode allows for extremely short curing times of only 3 seconds when paired with the Tetric material line.

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The Bluephase® PowerCure™ from Ivoclar Vivadent allows for predictable bonding procedures.