What’s the difference between 20 seconds and 3 seconds? “17 seconds,” you say, and you are just as right as you are wrong! Ivoclar’s new Bluephase PowerCure light, when used in conjunction with their new Tetric PowerFill composite and Tetric PowerFlow composite will allow you to photocure up to 4 mm in depth in just 3 seconds without sacrificing the integrity of your work and resulting in a strong, durable, aesthetic restoration.
Most other composites require a 2-mm increment and 10 seconds of photocuring. Tetric PowerFill and Tetric PowerFlow are both available by either unit dose or syringe, in shades IVA, IVB, and IVW. Obviously, efficiency increases by not having to load the restoration in 1–2-mm increments and photocure each increment. The Bluephase PowerCure and Tetric PowerFill system also eliminates the potential for insufficient curing at the deepest portion of the restoration and avoids application errors. An example of application error would be the operator not being aware of the light drifting off the center of the target. Similar technology to lane change avoidance found in cars, the light will warn you of a drift via vibration and ultimately shut down if off target, thereby allowing you to reapply the light correctly. The Bluephase PowerCure light features three curing modes: it provides 3,000 mW/cm2 in the 3-second mode; a high-power mode of 1,200 mW/cm2; and a turbo mode of 2,000 mW/cm2. It’s a multifunctional light, and can be used with Tetric PowerFill or Tetric PowerFlow composites or with the other Tetric composite and flowable restoratives. The light is ergonomic, and has easy-to-read indicators and a solid charging base. The next time you are doing a class I or class II restoration, consider the 3-second PowerCure system. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 seconds and done!
Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, is a columnist for Dental Economics. He is a key opinion leader in dental products and maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Dr. Glazer is a fellow and past president of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). He lectures frequently on the subjects of dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry, and patient management.
