Light emitting diodes (LED) produce light via quantum mechanical effects using doped semiconductors whereas a halogen light bulb generates light by heating a tungsten filament in the presence of a halogen gas. Blue LEDs emit highly efficient light (10 times more efficient than halogen bulbs) in a narrow spectrum that closely matches the absorbance peak of campherquinone - the most commonly used photo initiator in Visible Light Cured (VLC) dental materials.

The lifetime of an LED is up to 100,000hours operating time.

Since the SmartLite PS comprises a powerful 5W LED, the average light intensity of 950mW/cm2 of the SmartLite PS is comparable to other LED curing lights.

The curing times of DENTSPLY DeTrey and the most commonly used Non-DENTSPLY VLC materials are listed in the Curing Guides. Generally speaking, most bright and dark shades are curable within 10 or 20 seconds per 2mm layer.

DENTSPLY bleaching shades (e.g. Ceram.X DB) which are listed in the Material Curing Guide, can be cured with the SmartLite PS. Regarding bleaching shades of other materials, please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Most materials are curable in 10 or 20 sec. per layer. In order to keep the operation of the SmartLite PS as easy as possible, a 10 sec. curing cycle was chosen.

According to the ISO-Norm EN-60601 the surface of medical devices should not exceed a temperature of 50°C during operation. Therefore if the SmartLite PS is operated in a continuous manner, it should be used intermittently as stated: 10 sec. ON 30 sec. OFF.

The intermittent use of 10sec ON 30 sec OFF needs to be maintained during continuous operation to comply with EN 60601. For operations according to the SmartLite PS Curing Guides there is no need to wait 30 sec. in between the curing cycles for a single layer of material. A ‘worst case’ simulation showed that temperatures on the surface of the LED tip (measured at the cover glass) are slightly above 50° C but lower than 60°C in any measured case.

If the SmartLite PS is used for indirect restorations, which means curing through porcelain with a high number of consecutive exposures without any cooling period between the cures, the surface of the LED-tips exceeds the stated 50°C.

After a recharging time of 1h the SmartLite PS can be operated at least for 2 min. (12 x 10 sec. cures).

The nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) of SmartLite PS does not show a NiCd (nickel cadmium) like memory effect. However, in order to minimize any effect on the capacity, the battery should be discharged as far as possible during regular use before it is recharged again. Under most conditions of use, the device only needs to be recharged over night Furthermore the SmartLite PS should be discharged by regular use at least every 6 months and recharged immediately thereafter.

The warranty of the SmartLite PS LED Tip is 6 months, the guarantee on the charger and handpiece is 1 year. The Extended Warranty Card included with the Smartlite, when completed and returned, grants a warranty of two years on the handpiece.