As a dentist, you know how critical it is to have reliable and efficient equipment in your practice. One of the most essential tools in your arsenal is the dental curing light. This device is used to cure and harden dental materials such as composite resin and dental adhesive. With so many different options available, it can be challenging to choose the right curing light for your practice. In this blog, we'll explore the excellent Valo range from Ultradent, to help you find the best light for your needs.
Discover what the Valo range from Ultradent can bring to your dental practice.
Curing lights have been used in dentistry since the 60s, with lights that used ultraviolet to cure resin. However, UV light has a short wavelength, and struggles to reach deep enough to provide a thorough curing. This then led to the development of halogen lights for dental curing, plasma arc curing lights, and finally the LED curing lights used today.
In recent years there has been a growing trend; patients in need of restorations prefer the more natural looking composite resins to traditional amalgam fillings. As well as patient preference, composite resins offer further benefits, such as being unaffected by temperature, versatile enough to fix minor cosmetic flaws such as chips, and the resin bonds with enamel particularly well.
With the growing demand for resin composite restorations, you need a curing light you can rely on.
The Valo curing light range from Ultradent
Valo X
The Valo X curing light is a versatile and durable tool, featuring:
- Aerospace-grade aluminium construction for extreme durability.
- Compact, ergonomic wand design for optimal comfort.
- 5mm lens and custom LED chip for superior curing depth and thermal management.
- Two power modes and two diagnostic aid modes for versatility.
- Simplified design with one-button activation and accelerometer function for easy mode switching.
Valo Grand
The Valo Grand is an energy-efficient hardened glass lens curing light that features:
A large 12mm head size.- Efficient broadband LED.
- Low access angle (11°).
- Front and back activation buttons and a lightweight design for comfortable handling.
- Scratch-resistant coating.
- Four different colour options, to match the aesthetics of your practice.
Valo Cordless
The Valo Cordless curing light is a battery-operated wand that offers the same accessibility and accuracy as the original Valo, with added features including:
- Three curing modes (Standard, High, and Xtra Power) for increased versatility.
- Slim wand-style body that fits easily in the mouth.
- 5-degree head angle that provides direct access to the restoration site.
- 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
How do I know which curing light is best for me?
With so many dental curing lights on the market, it can be difficult to know which model is best for you. Things to consider include: wavelength and intensity, guide compatibility, battery life, and ergonomics.
When it comes to wavelength and intensity, it's important to choose a curing light that emits light in a spectrum that is compatible with the materials you use in your practice. Additionally, look for a curing light with an intensity of at least 1,000 mW/cm² for efficient curing. A broad-spectrum curing light can provide greater flexibility and better results across a range of different materials.
Light guide compatibility is another important factor to consider. Some curing lights are designed to be used with specific light guides, so make sure that the one you choose is compatible with the light guide(s) you use in your practice. Nothing could be more frustrating than picking a curing light only to discover it doesn’t work with your guides!
Battery life and charging time are also key considerations if you opt for a cordless curing light. Make sure to choose a curing light with a battery life that is appropriate for your needs, and consider how long it takes to charge the battery. Some curing lights may offer a rapid charging option or the ability to use the light while it's plugged in, which can be useful if you need to use the light for extended periods.
Finally, ergonomics and ease of use; the curing light is a tool dentists use a lot, so it needs to be comfortable to use. Choose a curing light that is ergonomic, intuitive, and easy to manoeuvre. Look for features like a lightweight design, a comfortable grip, and smart features.
The Valo range from Ultradent includes a variety of curing lights, so that you can find the model that works best for your dental practice.
Top tips when using curing lights
- Make sure you’re curing at the right distance. Too close and you risk disturbing the resin, too far and you might fail to get the depth of cure needed.
- Always follow the recommended curing time. You must be mindful of both an incomplete cure and overheating.
- Use an eye shield. Prolonged exposure to LED curing lights can cause long-term eye damage.
- Keep your curing light clean. Most curing lights have removable tips that can be cleaned in the autoclave.
If you're looking for a reliable and efficient dental curing light, the Valo range from Ultradent is an excellent choice for your practice. With features such as superior curing depth, thermal management, energy-efficiency, and ease of use, Valo X, Valo Grand, and Valo Cordless can meet your specific needs. With the Valo range from Ultradent, you can trust that you are investing in a quality product that meets all your requirements.
