Deep Polymerization Performance of a Third-Generation Polywave LED: Comparison of Standard and High-Power Modes in Conventional Resin Composites

Objective: This article aims to compare the polymerization effectiveness of two curing modes of a polywave LED unit in four conventional resin composites at a 2-mm increment thickness, using bottom/top microhardness ratios as the evaluation method. Materials and Methods: = 0.05). Results: = 0.022). The mean ratios for Mode 1 were ≥0.80 for CC, FU, and CP (ranging from 0.84 to 0.85), and were slightly below 0.80 for GP (0.79). In contrast, all materials in Mode 2 exhibited mean ratios below 0.80 (ranging from 0.75 to 0.78). The proportion of specimens with ratios ≥0.80 in Mode 1 ranged from 30% (GP) to 90% (FU); however, it was lower in Mode 2 for all materials. CP exhibited the highest hardness values and GP the lowest, irrespective of curing mode. Conclusion: Despite delivering higher total radiant exposure, the high-power/short-time mode of the PolyWave LED did not improve deep polymerization of 2-mm increments; often, it compromised it. For conventional resin composites, standard power with longer exposure is a more reliable method of achieving clinically acceptable curing at a 2-mm depth. High-power modes should only be used for thin surface layers or repair procedures.