Felix, C. A.Price, R. B.2013-12-122013-12-122003-WinteFelix, C. A., and R. B. Price. 2003. "The effect of distance from light source on light intensity from curing lights." The journal of adhesive dentistry 5(4): 283-291.1461-5185http://hdl.handle.net/10222/41014PURPOSE: To investigate how light intensity changes as the distance increases from the tip of the light guide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten different curing light/light guide combinations were used. Light intensity was measured at 0, 3, 6, and 10 mm from the tip of the light guide with a radiometer. Measurements were repeated in five separate trials and the mean light intensity +/- standard deviation was calculated. The fiber density was measured at the entrance and exit of all ten light guides and the light dispersion patterns were recorded. RESULTS: Light intensity decreased as distance increased for all lights tested; however, the rate and extent of this decrease was not similar for all lights (p < 0.0001). Turbo light guides exhibited a more rapid decrease in intensity as the distance increased than standard light guides. At 10 mm, all the turbo light guides had lost over 80% of their intensity recorded at 0 mm. CONCLUSION: 1. The rate and extent of the decrease in intensity is not similar among curing lights (p < 0.0001). 2. It is not possible to predict light intensity at 10 mm from measurements made at 0 mm. 3. Curing light manufacturers should state intensity over clinically relevant distances (0 to 10 mm).Check Language CodeText54283