Product Evaluation

VISTA APEX

PinkWave

With proprietary QuadWave Technology, PinkWave combines 4 wavelengths into 1 pink beam to increase polymerization, decrease shrinkage, and improve curing effectiveness and efficiency

Needing to find a cure for your curing woes is more than a play on words. For most dentists, at least at one time or another, it’s an absolute necessity. Naming shrinkage and postop sensitivity as common issues after curing restorations, Dr. Antigone Skoulas began searching for a cure, specifically a light that could tack cure and provide effective curing to eliminate shrinkage and postop sensitivity. Fortunately, Vista Apex provided Dr. Skoulas with the cure she needed, and she disclosed, “All these problems have been solved with the PinkWave!”

A next-generation curing light from Vista Apex, PinkWave enhances the efficacy of curing procedures with proprietary technology that combines 4 wavelengths into 1 pink beam to increase polymerization, decrease shrinkage, and reduce pulpal energy absorption. Featuring 3 curing modes and a large curing area, PinkWave also includes a built-in transilluminator and an ergonomic design.

As someone who is “always looking for the most advanced system to polymerize composites,” Dr. Randy Shoup found just that when he purchased PinkWave. He appreciates the light’s “excellent ergonomics and head design with a very low profile and a wide cure table.” He is also impressed with “the element of infrared heat, which facilitates the composite’s flow during polymerization,” and provides him with “better access to difficult-to-reach areas.” Dr. Shoup is pleased that “the battery has a very long charging life so there’s no need to recharge during the day,” and praised the “excellent support from Vista Apex.”

Curing Time

For peak performance, PinkWave’s patented QuadWave Technology leverages 4 wavelengths into a single collimated pink beam of blue, red, nearinfrared (NIR), and UV light. The light boasts a large curing area of 113 mm2 with 3 curing modes—20-second Standard Mode at 1,515 mW/cm2 , 3-second Boost Mode with output of 1,720 mW/cm2 , and 20-second Ramp Mode that gradually increases in intensity. PinkWave’s 150 cures on a single battery charge is an additional benefit, but Dr. Ronan Freyne would like to see better battery life on high power.

“I like having a 20-second curing time compared to 40 seconds on my old light,” noted Dr. David Gutwirth, and Dr. Jordan Brunson is pleased “that it cures faster than blue spectrum lights.” Describing PinkWave as a “very strong light,” Dr. Freyne appreciates the “multiple curing times and power settings for fast curing and all wavelengths,” and Dr. Bret Van Dyken said, “I love the dual capabilities of curing and transillumination.”

Completeness of Cure

PinkWave’s QuadWave Technology cures all light-cured dental materials and, when compared to standard blue lights, provides a 19% increase in polymerization on both the top and bottom of the composite and decreases shrinkage by up to 37%, according to Vista Apex. The large curing area cures even large restorations in a single cycle, and the built-in transilluminator detects cracks and caries for improved diagnostics.

Stating that he loves the PinkWave, Dr. Vaughn Teuscher shared, “I feel my composite curing is much better with this light. With the new QuadWave Technology, there has been almost no shrinkage, as seen with my previous light, and there’s less stress on the resin.” Calling the light “great at tack curing resin cements,” Dr. Skoulas said, “PinkWave speeds up the patient encounter.” For Dr. Kenneth Leahy, “the light appears to penetrate deeper than other lights I’ve used over the years,” and Dr. Luke Moran said it “allows for uniform results and more predictable patient care.” Dr. Freyne “feels very confident that polymerization is complete with this curing light.” Two dentists, including Dr. Van Dyken, reported that some patients complained about too much heat coming from the light.

“With the new QuadWave Technology, there has been almost no shrinkage, as seen with my previous light, and there’s less stress on the resin.”
—Vaughn Teuscher, DDS; Vancouver, WA

Ergonomics

With a slim design and a light weight of 72 g, PinkWave is ergonomic and comfortable for the clinician and easily accesses posterior restorations without causing patient discomfort. “I love the ergonomics,” said Dr. Skoulas. “It’s small and thin and fits perfectly everywhere I need it to be.” Dr. Van Dyken described it as very lightweight, and Dr. Damon Westwood said it has a small footprint and is “easy to pass the light cure wand between the assistant and doctor.” Dr. Shoup suggested a more effective anti-roll feature to keep the light from rolling on flat surfaces.

Overall Satisfaction

Regarding Vista Apex’s customer service, Dr. Morgan said, “Any issue or question is quickly resolved or answered.” Dr. Teuscher agreed that customer service is prompt and concluded, “PinkWave has been very nice to use, the results are excellent, and we love it.” Praising the light’s ease of use, ergonomics, and “cure confidence,” Dr. Morgan declared, “The office has adapted well to the PinkWave and the clinical results are leading to better patient care.”

Takeaways

• QuadWave Technology increases polymerization and decreases shrinkage while reducing pulpal energy absorption
• 4 wavelengths in a single pink beam of UV, blue, red, and nearinfrared light
• Three curing modes and a large curing area for maximum coverage 
• Built-in transilluminator for improved diagnostics
• Slim, lightweight design improves posterior access