Edward Lynch (Dental) recently published a research paper titled “Effect of Different Thermo-light Polymerization on Flexural Strength of Two Glass Ionomer Cements and a Glass Carbomer Cement”. (J Prosthet Dent.  E-pub ahead of print).

This novel “thermo-light polymerization” work proved that simple polymerization lights can be used for heating the more biocompatible filling materials glass ionomer cements (GICs) or glass carbomers to dramatically improve their mechanical properties. This should improve their longevity in the oral cavity as well as allowing these materials to be used more frequently instead of less biocompatible alternatives. In addition, this novel process can speed up the setting time thereby saving time and costs for these procedures.