What does "auto cured" mean in dental materials?

"Auto cured" refers to the process in which curing happens due to a chemical reaction between a base and a catalyst, typically without the need for additional energy sources such as light or heat. In dental materials, this mechanism is particularly valuable for certain types of resins or adhesives that require a hardening reaction initiated by the mixing of components. When these materials are combined, they undergo a specific chemical reaction that initiates the curing process, resulting in the material hardening and setting effectively in a relatively short period.

This characteristic allows for greater ease of use in clinical settings as dental professionals can prepare the materials and place them without the need for additional curing devices, thus streamlining procedures. The advantages include a reduction in operational complexity and time spent on curing, enabling improved efficiency in dental treatments.