Technical Details

Beam Collimation and Uniformity

The collimation of a curing light’s beam affects the amount of energy that reaches the restoration site. A beam that disperses will deliver less power than a beam that remains collimated; a dispersed beam can lead to undercured restorations and eventual failures. The VALO curing light delivers optimally and consistently collimated power. With refined optics that create excellent light collimation across the nearly 10mm lens, the VALO light maintains intensity over a greater range of distances.

It is not easy to maintain a specific distance from the restoration, where the typical proximal box is approximately 7mm deep. With a superior beam profile, the VALO light ensures more energy is delivered to resin and significantly reduces the possibility that the practitioner will experience distance and offset issues while curing.

In addition to its collimation, a beam’s uniformity affects energy delivery across the restoration site. A beam with hot or cold spots yields inconsistent curing, which can compromise restorations. The VALO light’s multiple LEDs and specialized optics produce evenly distributed energy to deliver consistent results, regardless of the restoration type, size, or location.

Spectral Distribution

The VALO curing light uses a custom, multiwavelength light-emitting diode (LED) for producing a high-intensity light at 385-515nm. This LED pack produces true broad-spectrum light, which provides uniform curing across the restoration with two significant peak wavelengths, utilizing two shades of blue and violet required for lower-level initiators. This means that the VALO light is capable of polymerizing all light-cured dental materials—including camphorquinone and the entire range of proprietary photoinitiators.²

As the options for light-cured materials keep expanding, the composition of the materials becomes more and more varied. Aside from camphorquinone, many manufacturers have turned to other photoinitiators particularly for esthetic composites. Photoinitiators such as Lucerin and PPD require low-wavelength light for complete polymerization. With the VALO light’s reliable and proven performance, you can be certain you’ll get a quality cure, regardless of the material.

Unprecedented Access

The typically limited working range, along with the posterior location of many restorations, makes properly positioning a traditional curing light with an oversized head and angled light guide almost impossible. The VALO curing light’s 5° head angle and large 9.6mm glass lens allow for easy positioning of the light and more surface area to be cured at once, saving time and effort. In addition, the VALO light’s large footprint can cure the entire surface of a Class II posterior preparation in just one exposure.

Complete Cure with Any Composite

When composite is exposed to light, its reaction depends on the composite’s hue, refractive properties, filler type, filler load, and translucency/opacity. Regardless of variations in composite, the VALO LED curing light has the ability to provide a complete cure because of its power distribution and output of broad-spectrum light, which effectively penetrates layers of composite.

3 Powerful Curing Modes

• ​Standard Power: 1000 mW/cm2
• High Power: 1400 mW/cm2
• Xtra Power: 3200 mW/cm2

Each of these 3 curing modes offers varying timing intervals to best meet the needs of the clinician and the procedure.

Proven Performance

In a study, the energy delivered to a Class I preparation by 20 dentists with different curing lights was measured with the MARC system, the only device available that calculates a curing light's actual power delivered in a truly simulated curing environment. It provides clinically relevant data to better manage the variables that determine the effective use of curing lights in clinical practice. Through this process, it has been repeatedly shown that the VALO LED curing light consistently delivers more energy in less time. Even with the inevitable variation in curing results among testers, the VALO light delivered more energy more consistently.^{3, 4}

Clinicals

Low-Profile Design

Beam Collimation and Uniformity

Videos

The Award-Winning VALO Curing Light

VALO Light Accessibility and Quality Resin Curing with Dr. Fischer

Dr. John Flucke Reviews the VALO Curing Light

Testimonials

Dr. John Flucke Reviews the VALO Curing Light –

​Dr. John Flucke is the chief dental editor for Dental Products Report and serves on several review boards within dentistry. Dr. Flucke provided his insights on the VALO curing light and how it benefits a dental practice and patients.

Dr. Grant Quayle Reviews the VALO Curing Light –

​"It feels like a handpiece—very tiny, easy to hold, and easy to manipulate."

Dr. Michael R. Bronson Reviews the VALO Curing Light –

​"It cures everything I point it at!"

Dr. Neil J. Dansie Reviews the VALO Curing Light –

​"I don't like VALO—I LOVE VALO!"

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do the Standard Power, High Power, and Xtra Power (Plasma Emulation) modes differ? Which mode should I use?

  ​As its name implies, Standard Power mode is the standard mode of operation (1000 mW/cm2). High Power mode (1400 mW/cm2) is more powerful than Standard Power mode and shortens the curing time. For example, a 10-second cure in Standard Power mode would take 4 seconds in High Power mode, saving 6 seconds. Xtra Power, or Plasma Emulation, mode is the most powerful mode (3200 mW/cm2). It offers similar intensity to plasma arc lights and is ideal for those practitioners who are interested in or currently using a plasma arc curing light. It is especially effective in situations where you need to cure as quickly as possible, such as curing a sealant on an uncooperative child.

• Why would I use the Xtra Power mode?

  Xtra Power mode supports the “higher intensity/shorter exposure time” philosophy. For example, you might want to cure a sealant on an uncooperative child as quickly as possible. With the VALO curing light, you can quickly achieve a complete cure in Xtra Power mode.

• Why would I use the High Power mode?

  High Power mode shortens curing time for composites and other products. The VALO curing light’s power output shortens curing time from 10 seconds in Standard Power mode to 4 seconds in High Power mode, saving 6 seconds per cure.

• How does Xtra Power mode compare to plasma arc lights?

  Xtra Power mode offers similar intensity to plasma arc lights, allowing you to shorten exposure time. But the VALO curing light costs significantly less than a plasma arc light, it doesn’t take up as much room, and it doesn’t need bulb replacements.

• Will using Xtra Power mode cause my composite to shrink more than if I use Standard Power or High Power mode?

  ​Regardless of how a composite is cured, it will shrink only the amount it was designed to by the manufacturer. The amount of stress applied will differ from Standard Power mode to higher-intensity modes, but this can be overcome with different placement methods.

• How can I reduce the amount of stress affected by the rate of shrinkage when using the higher-intensity modes?

  ​There are a few accepted methods for reducing the stress from the composite being cured with high-intensity lights. Here are 3:

  • Place a maximum thickness of 2mm increments. This will eliminate as much stress as possible.
  • Wedge the increments to decrease the amount of tooth surfaces being cured at one time.
  • Allow a second or two between cures to let the composite rest.

• Does the heat from a VALO curing light’s Xtra Power mode affect the tooth?

  While the VALO curing light’s Xtra Power mode is able to produce intensity similar to a PAC light, it does not produce the same amount of heat as a PAC light.

  The VALO light in Xtra Power mode and all other curing lights, do raise the temperature of the composite restoration. There are two sources for this rise in temperature: the energy emitted from the light and the exothermic reaction of the composite as it cures. In a test performed, the VALO curing light did not cause damage in terms of temperature increases in pulp chambers while in Xtra Power mode.⁴ The blood flow of the tooth is its cooling mechanism and is one of the reasons why the pulp is minimally affected.

• You say the heat in Xtra Power mode does not adversely affect the tooth, but it does cause discomfort on my finger when I test it. Why?

  You are feeling the heat on your soft tissues, which reacts differently than the tooth structure. The finger has a “red” tone to it, which absorbs the energy and causes you to feel the heat. In a test performed, the VALO curing light did not cause damage in terms of temperature increases in pulp chambers while in Xtra Power mode.⁴ Additionally, the blood flow in the tooth immediately cools whatever heat is applied.

• Does heat from the VALO curing light’s higher-intensity modes affect soft tissues?

  The VALO curing light’s instructions include a warning about placing the beam on soft tissues. The VALO light, like all other curing lights, will generate enough heat to make the patient aware of the heat on the soft tissues. If held on the soft tissues for an extended period of time, the VALO light, like all other curing lights, could cause damage to the soft tissues.

  Damage is a function of two things: heat and duration without relief.

  Brief exposure to higher temperatures is possible without damage. The body has cooling mechanisms such as respiration and blood flow. Live dental pulp uses blood flow as a cooling mechanism.

• What can I do to reduce exothermic heat to the tooth while using the VALO curing light’s Xtra Power mode?

  It has been suggested that using higher-intensity lights have suggested that using a steady stream of air on the tooth while curing will counteract the heat.

• What cleaning agents should I use to clean the VALO curing light?

  To clean the VALO curing light, you should use isopropyl-alcohol based cleaners, ethyl alcohol-based cleaners, or another non-bleach, non-abrasive cleaner. We recommend using:

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Ethyl alcohol-based cleaners
  • Lysol^®* Brand III Disinfectant Spray (recommended)
  • Lysol^®* Concentrate (alcohol-based only)

  We have seen repeated issues of corrosion and discoloration with the use of CaviCide products over time, so we no longer recommend using CaviCide to clean your VALO curing light.

  
  

  Please note: Damage to the VALO curing light caused by the use of cleaning products, including discoloration and corrosion, is not covered under the VALO curing light warranty.

  
  

  *Trademark of a company other than Ultradent Products, Inc.

• What is the VALO curing light’s depth of cure?

  Depth of cure is more dependent on the type of composite being cured than the light being used. However, for maximum effectiveness, we recommend curing at 2mm increments regardless of which mode you are in.

• Is it possible to cure sealants in three seconds with the VALO curing light?

  Yes, the VALO light cures UltraSeal XT^™ plus pit and fissure sealant in three seconds in Xtra Power mode.

• What are the differences between the original corded VALO and VALO Cordless LED curing lights?

  The VALO and VALO Cordless LED curing lights both offer the same power output and beam intensity, and both have a lightweight, durable wand-style body. But as a battery-operated light, the VALO Cordless light gives you the freedom of increased mobility. The batteries that have been selected are inexpensive, convenient and have been specifically chosen for their ability to deliver the same power and output of the original corded VALO light. The VALO Cordless light’s wand is slightly larger to house the batteries, and it weighs 2oz more than the original VALO light.

• Are the modes, output, and wavelength in the VALO Cordless light the same as in the original VALO light?

  Yes

• How many batteries come in the VALO Cordless curing light kit?

  4

• Are the batteries rechargeable?

  Yes

• Is the battery charger included in the kit?

  ​Yes

• Can I use any type of batteries in the VALO™ battery charging units?

  The VALO™ battery charging units are designed to only work with VALO™ branded rechargeable batteries.

• Do replacement batteries have to be purchased from Ultradent?

  We recommend using VALO batteries, which are inexpensive and rechargeable, to ensure the best performance of your VALO curing light.

• Can nonrechargeable batteries be used in the VALO Cordless curing light?

  Yes. Please see the instructions for use for approved nonrechargeable batteries. Ultradent does not offer these at this time.

• Can batteries, chargers, etc. be purchased separately from the kit?

  ​Yes

• Can a VALO Cordless curing light be purchased separately from a kit?

  Not at this time.

• How long will the battery on a VALO Cordless curing light last?

  Charged VALO Cordless curing light batteries will last ~400 cure cycles or ~1 week on average. The battery can be charged 1000–2000 times before a replacement may be needed.

• How does the battery charge work on a VALO Cordless curing light? Will I lose intensity if the charge starts fading?

  ​The batteries will always deliver complete power for the light to emit the specified mw/cm2. The intensity will remain the same always.⁵ If you use the same batteries for a VERY extended time period, the battery life will wear down, and they will simply need to be charged more frequently (similar to a cell phone); however, the power intensity will remain the same, always.

• What do I do if my batteries appear to be charged but the VALO Cordless light indicates low battery?

  ​Try one of the following:

  1. Remove the back cap and then refasten it
  2. Try a different set of batteries that you know are charged

• Should I purchase a VALO Corded LED curing light or a VALO Cordless LED curing light?

  Both the VALO Corded light and the VALO Cordless light offer broadband LED curing with 3 power modes and timing options. In addition, each one offers unique benefits, and the light you choose depends upon which of these features suits your needs best.

  The cord on the original VALO Corded light is made with Kevlar strands for durability and ease of movement. The cord allows the wand body to remain exceptionally slim and lightweight because it does not have to house batteries. Some practitioners prefer the corded version for the convenience of having a constant power supply and because they never have to worry about recharging or replacing batteries.

  The VALO Cordless light features the same award-winning curing technology as the VALO Corded light, but in a cordless, battery-operated wand body. It was designed for those practitioners who prefer the freedom that only comes with a cordless handpiece. The batteries for the VALO Cordless light were selected for their consistent power output, battery life, and battery expectancy. The batteries will last more than 1000 recharge cycles and approximately 400 cures before needing to be recharged. They are convenient to find, safe, and inexpensive, making the VALO Cordless light your best option in a battery-operated curing light.

Research & Studies

Brochures

VALO LED Curing Light Family Sales Sheet

1006381-PKAR01