User report by Julian Schiuma

As a dentist working in a very busy practice, I must be able to rely on technology and equipment functioning consistently and intuitively every day. This is especially true for light curing. For many years, our practice has trusted the proven curing lights of the VALO™ product family (Ultradent Products). In addition to the traditional VALO™ and VALO™ Grand curing lights we have been using the latest version, the VALO™ X curing light, for quite some time now. Since I started using the VALO X curing light the treatment experience has improved noticeably, both in terms of handling and efficiency.

A quick and patient-friendly curing process is particularly important to us. However, this can sometimes be challenging with certain patients. We treat many children and adolescents, who are often unable to sit still for longer periods of time. With these patients, or equally with other more restless patients, every second can be crucial. If the light curing process takes too long, the cable gets in the way or the patient moves, the clinician may, in the worst case, have to stop the procedure and start it again. This not only costs time but also tests patience. Additionally, children often touch the treated area in their mouth with their tongue immediately after the light curing process. In these situations, as well as in many others, the VALO X curing light is invaluable.

On the one hand, it offers an outstanding performance with two modes (Standard and Xtra Power) and thus short curing cycles. On the other hand, it provides reliable, fully cured results, even in more complex situations such as interproximal restorations with a depth of 4 mm. In combination with the 12.5 mm lens, which can even cover a molar in one cycle, and the subsequent quick treatment, it facilitates the workflow tremendously. The cordless use ensures maximum flexibility and freedom of movement at any time.

Moreover, the VALO X light is particularly well designed and intuitive to use. It is extremely lightweight, ergonomically balanced and stands out with its exceptionally slim light head. Therefore, it is easy to access even hard-to-reach areas around the molars or to treat patients with limited mouth opening abilities.

I am personally impressed by the fact that the VALO X light can be operated comfortably with just one hand. This is a great advantage in cases in which I must hold a mirror at the same time or when no assistant is available. The light activation with quick movements is incredibly simple, and the control button on the front of the device is easily reached, so I do not have to search for it. With one fully charged battery, I can easily complete several treatments in a row without recharging. Even on long treatment days, the batteries do not show any signs of weakening.

The VALO X curing light is very versatile, we use it daily for a wide range of indications, whether it be for traditional restorations or for adhesive bonding of ceramic inlays and crowns.

Beside the innovative curing features, the VALO X light offers two diagnostic modes with white and black light. I use the white light specifically to evaluate suspicious areas which I am unsure about after visual inspection, or which are impossible to diagnose on an x-ray image. For example, a patient’s premolar presented with a hairline crack which turned out to be a longitudinal fracture. It was located in a very difficult-to-visualize area and the X-ray image did not provide any helpful information. However, when I verified the situation by means of the diagnostic aid mode on the VALO X light, the crack became clearly visible, and I was able to treat it accordingly.

The VALO X curing light is complemented by a range of helpful accessory lenses, which I use regularly in combination with the various curing and diagnostic aid modes. At first, I was not familiar with the application of the lenses. Fortunately, it is so easy that a short YouTube tutorial was all I needed to start right away. The Interproximal Lens makes caries detection significantly easier, especially when it comes to older fillings. The TransLume™ Lens enhances the visualization and localization of cracks and fractures that are not visible clinically or radiologically. Additionally, the PointCure™ Lens allows focused spot curing of smaller composite areas, such as retainers or repairs.

Beside my personal enthusiasm for the VALO X light, I would like to mention that my colleague Dr. Edith Preuß and the entire practice team are likewise fully convinced by this curing light.

In addition to the advantages already mentioned in terms of handling, safety and performance, Dr. Preuß appreciates the black light diagnostic aid mode for reliably detecting adhesive residues from removed retainers or after the removal of crowns, ensuring optimal security. The "cherry on top": she uses the VALO X light specifically as an educational and marketing tool. When treating children, she primarily applies the diagnostic aid mode and the Interproximal Lens: "In many cases, I can work without X-rays but still visualize the situation to the parents, which creates a great level of trust. I also use the VALO X curing light regularly for check-ups, for example when the first molars are about to break through. For me, it is a real all-rounder, which can be used for all indications," so Dr. Preuß.

Our practice team not only appreciates the VALO X light’s weight, which prevents working fatigue, but also the smooth surface, which can be disinfected and cleaned quickly and easily.

Last but not least, our patients greatly value the short treatment times. Especially after the insertion of crowns, many patients are surprised that they can usually eat straight away, which is another noticeable advantage of complete polymerization.

The VALO X curing light has become an indispensable part of both our daily practice. It offers safety, flexibility, and efficiency at the highest technical level. I use it every day and in almost all treatment situations and, to be honest, I don't know what else I could expect from a curing light. Therefore, I can highly recommend it to all colleagues and users. My conclusion in a nutshell: powerful, reliable, excellent handling.

About the author

Julian Schiuma

• 2017 – 2023 Degree in dentistry University of Münster, Germany
• 2023 Graduation and license to practice
• Since March 2024 Assistant dentist at the dental practice Dr. Preuß in Münster (Germany)
• Treatment focus Conservative dentistry, microscope assisted endodontics, digital dentistry (with Cerec®).