Dentsply/Caulk has recently introduced the Spectrum 800 Curing Unit. The company claims that the unit provides flexibility to match modern resin composite curing techniques. The Spectrum 800 features variable intensity settings from 300 to 800 mW/cm2 in 50-mW increments and has a built-in, digital radiometer that is said to confirm light unit output. The most commonly-used light intensity may be preset if so desired. Curing time is adjustable in 10-second intervals from 10 to 60 seconds and a continuous curing interval of up to two minutes is also available. Dentsply states that hand fatigue is reduced by Spectrum 800's ergonomic design. This unit accepts a range of light guides from 3 to 13 mm, but an 8-mm curing probe is provided as the standard light probe. The Spectrum 800 has a two-year warranty on the curing unit while the Kevlar®-reinforced light cord has a five-year warranty.
The Spectrum 800 Curing Unit is a well-designed, ergonomic unit that is easily positioned to reach all areas of the oral cavity. Its adjustable irradiance settings, from 300 to 800 mW/cm2, and its wide range of timer settings provide clinical flexibility to match newer resin composite curing techniques. An internal voltage regulator insures constant power, which can be monitored with the built-in digital radiometer. The LCD exposure display shows duration in 1-second increments. The light shield is easily positioned. The cooling fan is quiet and its operation is proportional to bulb usage. The sterilizable curing tips swivel 360-degrees and autoclaving the tips resulted in no loss of light intensity or damage to the tip. The unit is easily cleaned and barrier protected, and it passes all electrical safety standards.
Although the light's irradiance values were found to be acceptable with the 8-mm tip, use of the 13-mm tip is not recommended because laboratory testing demonstrated only minimally adequate irradiance. The internal radiometer gave accurate readings for the 8-mm tip but produced erroneous findings for the 13-mm tip.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
Review Synopsis
Product
Spectrum 800 Curing Unit
The Good
Adjustable irradiance settings from 300 to 800 mW/cm2. Wide range of timer settings. Quiet cooling fan proportional to bulb usage. Designed for easy bulb change or filter inspection.
The Bad
Expensive. Minimally adequate irradiance with 13-mm curing tip. Built-in radiometer inaccurate with 13-mm tip.
The Bottom Line
A well-designed, ergonomic unit that is highly adjustable, though the advantages of this flexibility may not outweigh the extra expense.