Effects of distance from tip of LED light-curing unit and curing time on surface hardness of nano-filled composite resin

Polymerization process depends on several variables, including the hue, thickness, and translucency of the composite resin, the size of the filler particles, the duration of exposure to light (the curing time), the intensity of the light, and the distance from the light. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the distance from the tip of the light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit and of curing time on the surface hardness of nano-filled composite resin. 60 specimens were prepared in a mold and divided into 6 groups based on various curing distances and times: 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm and 20 seconds and 40 seconds. The highest surface hardness was seen in the group both closest to the tip and having the longest curing time, while the lowest hardness was seen in the group both farthest from the tip and having the shortest curing time. Significant differences were seen among the various tip distances, except for in the two groups that had 8-mm tip distances, which had no significant differences due to curing time. Both decreased distance from the tip of the LED light-curing unit and increased curing time increase the surface hardness of nano-filled composite resin. However, curing time increases the surface hardness only if the tip distance is ≤ 5 mm.