Step Seven – Curing the Sealant

After the light cured sealant material is applied and the operator is satisfied all surfaces are coated using the correct amount, the sealant should remain undisturbed for 10‑20 seconds before applying the curing light. This delay allows the resin to flow into the etched surface. It takes about 30 seconds of concentrated visible light to set the light cure material. The tip of the curing light wand should be held approximately 3 to 5 mm from the surface of the sealant (Figure 17).

Figure 17. Curing light wand positioning.

Figure 17. Curing light wand positioning.

As previously stated the curing process for chemically cured sealant material begins as soon as the material is mixed. After the material is applied and the operator is satisfied all surfaces are coated using the correct amount, the sealant should remain undisturbed for 60 seconds. The sealant material will be completely cured 60 seconds after mixing.