초록 ▼

A method and system are disclosed for curing polymeric materials including dental composites. Preferably, modulated light is used to control the formation of polymer chains in the polymeric material so that a cured polymeric material that has the desired physical characteristics for its intended fun

A method and system are disclosed for curing polymeric materials including dental composites. Preferably, modulated light is used to control the formation of polymer chains in the polymeric material so that a cured polymeric material that has the desired physical characteristics for its intended function. Formation of short chain and long chain polymers from monomers in the polymeric material is initiated and controlled by using a light source with a wavelength suitable for one or more initiators found in the polymeric material.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for obtaining a cured a polymeric dental material comprising the steps of:(a) preparing the dental material for application to a dental surface, said dental material including monomers and at least one initiator, the initiator being sensitive to light of a particular wavel

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for obtaining a cured a polymeric dental material comprising the steps of:(a) preparing the dental material for application to a dental surface, said dental material including monomers and at least one initiator, the initiator being sensitive to light of a particular wavelength,(b) applying the dental material to a dental surface,(c) accessing a light source capable of producing light of the wavelength that the initiator is sensitive to,(d) exposing the dental material to light from said light source at a first power level, said light including light of the wavelength to which the initiator is sensitive, thereby causing the initiator to initiate polymerization of at least some of the monomers in the dental material into polymers,(e) simultaneously decreasing the power level of said light to a second power level that is lower than said first power level while simultaneously continuing to expose the dental material to the light,(f) maintaining said light at about said second power level and continuing to expose the dental material to said light until the dental material is substantially polymerized.