Light curing system and method

摘要

A method for light-curing polymerizable materials to form a dental device is provided. A light-curing apparatus having at least one integrated lighting and heating source, a curing volume, and a temperature controller, preferably a fan, is used in the method. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat a first polymerizable material to temperatures within a first temperature range. A second polymerizable material is applied on or adjacent to the first polymerizable material. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat the second polymerizable material to temperatures within a second temperature range. The first temperature range has a first midpoint and the second temperature range has a second midpoint. The first midpoint temperature is at least 10° C. apart from the second midpoint temperature. The system is particularly suitable for making dental devices such as full dentures, removable partial dentures, relines of full and partial dentures, nightguards, and occlusal splints.

主权项

1. A method for light-curing polymerizable materials to form a dental device, comprising the steps of:
providing a light-curing apparatus having a least one light source and a curing volume; positioning a first polymerizable material within said curing volume; heating said first polymerizable material to a temperature within a first temperature range; maintaining said first polymerizable material at the temperature within said first temperature range for at least one minute; positioning a second polymerizable material on said first polymerizable material that has been at least partially polymerized, within said curing volume; heating said second polymerizable material to a temperature within a second temperature range; and maintaining said second polymerizable material at the temperature within said second temperature range for at least one minute, said first temperature range having a first midpoint and second temperature range having a second midpoint said first midpoint temperature being at least 10° C. apart from said second midpoint temperature; wherein the intensity of light energy and heat energy imparted on the first polymerizable material is controlled to cure the first polymerizable material while not causing a substantial deformation of shape; and wherein the intensity of light energy and heat energy imparted on the second polymerizable material is controlled to cure the second polymerizable material while not causing a substantial deformation of shape.