HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What characterizes a "light-cured" material?

1. It hardens with heat application

2. It hardens on its own without external factors

3. It polymerizes with the use of a curing light

4. It requires moisture to set properly

The correct answer is: It polymerizes with the use of a curing light

A light-cured material is characterized by its ability to polymerize or harden when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, typically a blue light emitted from a curing lamp. This process involves a photoinitiator within the material that activates when it absorbs the light, leading to a chemical reaction that causes the material to form a solid structure. This method of curing is advantageous in many dental applications because it allows for precise control over the setting time, enabling dental professionals to work with the material until it is cured, thus improving the overall quality and accuracy of the dental work. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe light-cured materials, as they rely on different mechanisms for setting. For instance, materials that harden with heat or those that polymerize without external factors do not fit the definition of a light-cured material, nor do those that require moisture to set properly. These distinctions are crucial for understanding the properties and applications of various dental materials.