Modern sealant products polymerize or "cure" through use of what type of light source?

Modern sealant products typically polymerize or "cure" through the use of a blue light source. This blue light activates photoinitiators within the sealant material, leading to a chemical reaction that hardens the sealant when applied on tooth surfaces. This polymerization process is crucial because it allows the sealant to form a durable protective layer over the teeth, helping to prevent decay.

The choice of a blue light source is due to the specific wavelengths that these photoinitiators respond to most effectively. They absorb this blue light and trigger the curing process efficiently. When sealants are applied in a clinical setting, the blue light ensures that the material reaches its optimum hardness quickly, benefiting both the practitioner and the patient.

Other light sources such as red, white, or green do not effectively activate the photoinitiators in most dental sealants, which is why they are not suitable for this purpose. The use of a blue light source has become a standard in dental practices for this reason.