When it comes to curing lights, Dr. Rodolfo Olmos expects far more than simply “seeing the light.” His ideal curing light would be reliable, lightweight, easy to use, fast, and, of course, perform accurate and efficient curing of dental materials. Loaded with the latest and greatest in curing light technology, Ultradent’s VALO X meets every one of Dr. Olmos’ expectations and more.
“VALO X performs flawlessly, has excellent design and perfect weight, and is fast and easy to operate,” he shared. “Most importantly, we achieved perfect outcomes every single time it was used.”
Calling the product design “by far the best I’ve used in my 20-year career,” Dr. Rachna Surana said, “VALO X is extraordinarily efficient and accurate at curing without overheating the tissues. My staff and I loved the short cure time and the ‘wow’ experience of using one of the best curing lights/caries diagnostic [aid] tools available.”
Design & Durability
VALO X’s simple design includes one-button activation, and the Accelerometer Function allows clinicians to cycle between the power and diagnostic modes with a wave of the wand. The low-profile, compact, ergonomic wand allows for optimal access without compromising clinician or patient comfort and offers both corded and cordless functionality. Aerospace-grade aluminum construction provides exceptional durability, and VALO X-brand batteries can last up to 120 curing cycles without recharging.
“It’s a great light for sure,” said Dr. Troy Schmedding, who called the “great pen-style design” helpful for reaching mesial box forms on upper second molars. “The narrow, compact body was very easy to hold and position; it feels like a dental instrument,” noted Dr. Nathan Vassiliades, and Dr. Todd Phelan said, “The size and durability of the light were great.”
Calling VALO X “easy to use and lightweight,” Dr. Thomas Morgan praised the “great battery life and no need for a charger,” and Dr. Lisa Hou “really liked the cordless features and portability.” Agreeing that “the battery life was long and the product was very efficient and durable,” Dr. James Merrett explained, “If it were dropped, it could probably sustain the fall.” For Dr. Surana, “the small head proved to be very useful during a Class V restoration on tooth No. 1, and the switch between curing and diagnostic modes was very well integrated.” On the other hand, Dr. Phelan found it too easy to unintentionally switch between curing and diagnostic modes.
Curing Performance
With a large 12.5-mm lens aperture, long-lasting custom LEDs (including 8 curing and 4 white lights), and optimized power output (standard and “Xtra” power modes), VALO X provides a uniform and complete cure of all light-cured dental materials within a large curing area. A powerful custom LED chip delivers superior curing depth and beam collimation, according to Ultradent.
“VALO X is a must-have for any dentist who is serious about getting perfectly cured restorations, from composites to ionomers, to liners and even sealants,” said Dr. Olmos, whose assistants “love the design, the curing speed, and the battery’s working time” and reported less heat with curing. “The light was very bright, and the cure depth was great,” shared Dr. Merrett, who said VALO X is “excellent due to the light polymerization depth, versatility, and size of the curing light head.” Dr. Nicholas Nicosia called it “a light with a great cure depth that can get into difficult areas,” Dr. Morgan appreciated the “great fast cure and broad area of cure,” and Dr. Lauren Koch’s favorite features were the lightweight and curing speed. Noting that “fast curing reduces chair time,” Dr. Trupti Nadkarni said it was “hard to use in the distobuccal area of the teeth.”
Versatility
In addition to its exceptional power, performance, and durability, VALO X is also remarkably versatile, thanks to the 2 diagnostic aid modes and 5 accessory lenses. “I like the versatility of being able to use it for different functions, such as transillumination,” said Dr. Merrett, who was “able to see some craze lines and cracks that I might not have seen without the diffuser attachment.” He added, “The spot curing, interproximal, and diffuser lenses were nice options to utilize just by changing a tip on the light.” Dr. Olmos found VALO X helpful in multiple restorative and preventive cases and for placing gum barriers for whitening procedures. Naming the light’s versatility as his favorite feature, Dr. Steve Dater felt it was challenging for assistants to learn but said, “I think once you’re comfortable with all the different modes it would be an excellent addition.”
