The Optilux 501 is Kerr/Demetron's newest entry into the visible light curing market. The Optilux 501 is an attractive, hand-held, corded, visible light polymerization system. It consists of a power unit that can be mounted on a wall or cabinet, or be left portable. The unit is connected to a pistol-style handpiece via a six-foot-long cord. It is equipped with Demetron's 80-watt quartz-halogen Optibulb and features a built-in digital radiometer. Two autoclavable curing tips, a 7-mm turbo-tip and an 11-mm standard tip, are included with the unit. The 501 provides a choice of several curing modes, including continuous high output, ramp, boost, and bleaching. The minimum output is reported to be 850 mW/cm2 and, in the high output modes, the output is purported to be in excess of 1000 mW/cm2. The ramped mode begins at 100 mW/cm2 and increases to 1000 mW/cm2 in the first ten seconds; during the final ten seconds, the output is a continuous 1000 mW/cm2. An internal voltage regulator is standard and ensures a steady electrical supply that is reported to increase lamp life by eliminating voltage fluctuations to the unit. The cooling fan operation is proportional to the length of time the bulb was activated. The unit is available in both 120V and 220V models and is CSA certified. The Optilux 501 measures 8" H x 6.25" W x 7.5" D and weighs 6 lbs. 6 oz. The pistol handpiece weighs only 10 ounces.
The Demetron Optilux 501 Polymerization Unit is well-designed, easy-to-use, and light-weight. One of the most powerful units evaluated by DIS, it is capable of producing an irradiance that is two to four times the value many researchers consider adequate to cure resin composite. The unit offers a variety of curing modes, including continuous, ramp, boost, and bleach. An internal voltage regulator ensures steady voltage supply to the unit and a built-in digital radiometer displays irradiance. The unit’s audible time indicator has adjustable volume and interval settings. The on/off activation switch is ergonomically placed and the light shield is easily positioned. The sterilizable curing tips swivel 360 degrees, facilitating intraoral access. A wide range of tips is available and autoclaving the tips resulted in minimal loss of light intensity and no deleterious effects on their physical integrity. Cooling fan operation is proportional to bulb usage, and the display gives the cumulative time the bulb has been illuminated, allowing monitoring of bulb life. The unit is easily cleaned and barrier protected, and is CSA certified.
This unit is more expensive than other corded curing lights. The power cord is easily dislodged from the power unit and the activation trigger is easy to activate inadvertently as the handpiece is being removed from the unit. The built-in radiometer is not as accurate as the manufacturer claims. Evaluators found that the supplied curing tips were too short to easily reach 2nd molars. The manufacturer's recommended curing times for the boost (10 seconds) and ramped cure (20 seconds) modes were insufficient to adequately polymerize a 2-mm-thick increment of a microfill resin composite. This is not unique to this light--DIS testing demonstrated that ramped polymerization requires longer curing times compared to continuous, full-intensity polymerization. The manufacturer recommends only its own disinfectant, Cavicide, on external surfaces--manufacturer’s instructions specifically prohibit use of denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, Lysol, phenol, ammonia complex, or iodine complex solutions.
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.
