The Elipar™ FreeLight is a light unit that uses focused Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology to polymerize visible-light-activated materials. Compared to standard halogen bulbs, LED units use semiconductors, usually gallium nitride, to produce a more narrow spectral range that is closer to the absorption spectrum of the camphorquinone (450 to 490 nm) that initiates resin polymerization. Due to the combination of this more specific spectral range and the LED's superior energy conversion rate when compared to halogen lamps, the Elipar™ FreeLight is purported to generate sufficient intensity for polymerization using rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries rather than line voltage. Because it does not have a bulky power unit and cords, 3M ESPE claims that the light is portable, lightweight, and very convenient to use. A new, fully-charged battery is reported to typically provide 45 minutes of exposure time and requires two hours to recharge when completely discharged. The timer controls and on/off control are located on the handpiece. Four curing times can be selected (10, 20, 30, or 40 seconds) and audible beeps alert the user to the length of exposure (i.e., one beep at 10 seconds, 2 beeps at 20 seconds, etc.) The Elipar™ FreeLight is shipped with an 8-mm-diameter, autoclavable, Turbo light guide. Other light guides that are separately available include the "maxi fiber rod," a 13-mm-diameter light guide, and the "proxi fiber rod" which has a point-shaped tip for interproximal areas. An intensity tester is built-in to the charging stand and indicates the relative intensity of the light's output (i.e., 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100%). The Elipar™ FreeLight handpiece is 11.2 inches long X 1.2 inches in diameter and weighs 11.3 ounces. The charging unit is available in 120V and 220V models.
The Elipar™ FreeLight is a lightweight, portable curing light that uses the latest Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology. Clinical evaluators appreciated its portability and convenience and found the positioning of the timer controls and activation button appropriate. The light adequately polymerized hybrid resin composite in 30 seconds and maintained constant irradiance as its batteries discharged. Autoclavable curing tips swiveled 360 degrees to facilitate intraoral access and generated very little heat during use. The unit requires little counter space for stroage.
Some evaluators disliked the balance and length of the handpiece, and were concerned that the unit became warm with repeated use. The handpiece was not held well by the unit, making it easy to accidentally knock it from its charging base. The LED required more time than a control halogen light unit to adequately polymerize resin composites, and did not adequately cure microfill resin composites using the composite manufacturer’s recommended exposure times. It should be noted that low intensity halogen lights also inadequately cure microfill resins using the same exposure time. No blue-light eye protective devices were provided with the unit.
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.
