Q: What are the differences between the VALO Grand curing light and the VALO Cordless light?
A: The VALO Grand light and the VALO Cordless light both offer the same power output and beam intensity, and both have a lightweight, durable wand-style body. However, the VALO Grand light has a 50% larger footprint, with a lens measuring 12 mm. The VALO Grand light also has as an additional curing button on the underside to allow for more intuitive operation.
Q: Are the modes, output, and wavelength in the VALO Grand light the same as in the original VALO light?
A: Yes.
Q: How many batteries come in the VALO Grand Cordless kit?
A: Four. The batteries that have been selected are inexpensive, convenient, and have been specifically chosen for their ability to deliver the same power and output of the original corded VALO light.
Q: Are the batteries rechargeable?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the battery charger included in the kit?
A: Yes.
Q: Do replacement batteries have to be purchased from Ultradent?
A: We recommend using VALO batteries, which are inexpensive and rechargeable, to ensure the best performance of your VALO curing light.
Q: Can non-rechargeable batteries be used in the VALO Grand Cordless curing light?
A: Yes. Please see the instructions for use for approved non-rechargeable batteries. Ultradent does not offer these at this time.
Q: Can batteries, chargers, etc. be purchased separately from the kit?
A: Yes.
Q: Can a VALO Grand curing light be purchased separately from a kit?
A: Not at this time.
Q: How long will the battery on the VALO Grand Cordless light last?
A: Charged, VALO batteries will last ~400 cure cycles or ~1 week on average. The battery can be charged 1000–2000 times before a replacement may be needed.
Q: How does the battery charge work on the VALO Grand Cordless light? Will I lose intensity if the charge starts fading?
A: Even when the charge starts fading on your VALO batteries, the power intensity remains the same. If you use the same batteries for a VERY extended time period, the battery life will wear down, and they will simply need to be charged more frequently (similar to a cell phone); however, the power intensity will remain the same, always.
Q: What do I do if my batteries appear to be charged but the VALO Grand Cordless light indicates low battery?
A: Try one of the following:
- Remove the back cap and then refasten it
- Try a different set of batteries that you know are charged
Q: How do the Standard Power, High Power, and Xtra Power (Plasma Emulation) modes differ? Which mode should I use?
A: As its name implies, Standard Power mode is the standard mode of operation (1000 mW/cm2). High Power mode (1400 mW/cm2) is more powerful than Standard Power mode and shortens the curing time. For example, a 10-second cure in Standard Power mode would take 4 seconds in High Power mode, saving 6 seconds. Xtra Power, or Plasma Emulation, mode is the most powerful mode (3200 mW/cm2). It offers similar intensity to plasma arc lights and is ideal for those practitioners who are interested in or currently using a plasma arc curing light. It is especially effective in situations where you need to cure as quickly as possible, such as curing a sealant on an uncooperative child.
Q: Why would I use the Xtra Power mode?
A: Xtra Power mode supports the “higher intensity/shorter exposure time” philosophy. For example, you might want to cure a sealant on an uncooperative child as quickly as possible. With the VALO Grand curing light, you can quickly achieve a complete cure in Xtra Power mode.
Q: Why would I use the High Power mode?
A: High Power mode shortens curing time for composites and other products. The VALO Grand light’s power output shortens curing time from 10 seconds in Standard Power mode to 4 seconds in High Power mode, saving 6 seconds per cure.
Q: How does Xtra Power mode compare to plasma arc lights?
A: Xtra Power mode offers similar intensity to plasma arc lights, allowing you to shorten exposure time. But the VALO Grand light costs significantly less than a plasma arc light, it doesn’t take up as much room, and it doesn’t need bulb replacements.
Q: Will using Xtra Power mode cause my composite to shrink more than if I use Standard Power or High Power mode?
A: Regardless of how a composite is cured, it will shrink only the amount it was designed to by the manufacturer. The amount of stress applied will differ from Standard Power mode to higher-intensity modes, but this can be overcome with different placement methods.
Q: How can I reduce the amount of stress affected by the rate of shrinkage when using the higher-intensity modes?
A: There are a few accepted methods for reducing the stress from the composite being cured with high-intensity lights. Here are three:
- Place a maximum thickness of 2 mm increments. This will eliminate as much stress as possible.
- Wedge the increments to decrease the amount of tooth surfaces being cured at one time.
- Allow a second or two between cures to let the composite rest.
Q: Does the heat from the VALO Grand light’s Xtra Power mode affect the tooth?
A: While the Xtra Power mode is able to produce intensity similar to a PAC light, it does not produce the same amount of heat as a PAC light.
The Dental Advisor’s Biomaterials Research Center published an article that investigated concerns about heat generated with higher-intensity LED lights. In particular, the VALO Grand curing light in Xtra Power mode and all other curing lights, did raise the temperature of the composite restoration. There are two sources for this rise in temperature: the energy emitted from the light and the exothermic reaction of the composite as it cures. The Xtra Power mode did not raise the temperature of the pulp more than 0.1 °C.1 This means that it takes the tooth from 98.6 °F to 98.78 °F. The blood flow of the tooth is its cooling mechanism and is one of the reasons why the pulp is minimally affected.
Q: You say the heat in Xtra Power mode does not adversely affect the tooth, but it does cause discomfort on my finger when I test it. Why?
A: You are feeling the heat on your soft tissues, which reacts differently than the tooth structure. The finger has a “red” tone to it, which absorbs the energy and causes you to feel the heat. The tooth colour does not absorb the energy and therefore does not transfer the heat to the pulp. The white nature of the tooth means that much of the light is reflected and not turned into heat. Additionally, the blood flow in the tooth immediately cools whatever heat is applied.
Q: Does heat from the higher-intensity modes affect soft tissues?
A: The VALO Grand curing light’s instructions include a warning about placing the beam on soft tissues. The VALO Grand light, like all other curing lights, will generate enough heat to make the patient aware of the heat on the soft tissues. If held on the soft tissues for an extended period of time, the VALO Grand light, like all other curing lights, could cause damage to the soft tissues.
Damage is a function of two things: heat and duration without relief.
Brief exposure to higher temperatures is possible without damage. The body has cooling mechanisms such as respiration and blood flow. Live dental pulp uses blood flow as a cooling mechanism.
Some laser surgery studies have suggested that irreversible tissue damage occurs at 69 ± 6 °C, irrespective of exposure time.
Q: What can I do to reduce exothermic heat to the tooth while using the Xtra Power mode?
A: Notable clinicians who advocate using higher-intensity lights have suggested that using a steady stream of air on the tooth while curing will counteract the heat.
Q: What cleaning agents should I use to clean the VALO Grand curing light?
A: To clean the VALO Grand curing light, use only acceptable cleaners:
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ethyl Alcohol-Based Cleaners
- Disinfectant Spray
- Lysol®* Brand III
- Lysol®* Concentrate (alcohol-based only)
Please note that CaviCide™ is NO longer an acceptable cleaner for VALO Curing Lights as it causes corrosion and discoloration. Please refer to the updated Maintenance Guide.
*Not a registered trademark of Ultradent Products, Inc.
Q: What is the VALO Grand light’s depth of cure?
A: Depth of cure is more dependent on the type of composite being cured than the light being used. However, for maximum effectiveness, we recommend curing at 2 mm increments regardless of which mode you are in.
Q: Is it possible to cure sealants in three seconds with the VALO Grand curing light?
A: Yes, The VALO Grand curing light cures UltraSeal XT™ Plus Pit and Fissure Sealant in three seconds in Xtra Power mode.
1According to a study by The Dental Advisor, temperature increase within the pulp chamber while using VALO was as follows: Standard Power: 0.8 °C, High Power: 0.0 °C, Plasma Emulation: 0.1 °C. The Dental Advisor (2009) 26.
