LIGHT CURING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING DENTAL DEVICES

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 1O°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.