Buyer beware: Curing lights

Osseiran et al discuss the need for dentists to beware of budget curing lights purchased from online marketplaces. Light-cured resin-based composites (RBCS) have become the material of choice for anterior and posterior direct restorations, unfortunately, a Cochrane review published in 2021 concluded that direct RBC restorations placed in posterior teeth have almost double the failure rate of amalgam restorations. The gingival margin of class II RBC restorations is the most prevalent site for new caries formation. This area is farthest away from the light tip, and it may be in a shadow due to the angle of the light tip over the RBC. Therefore, it is crucial that the dentist purchase a good light-curing unit (LCU) and then uses it correctly.