What does "light cured" refer to in temporary restorative materials?

"Light cured" refers specifically to the process of hardening certain materials, including temporary restorative materials, through exposure to a curing light. This method utilizes a specific wavelength of light, usually from a blue LED, that activates photoinitiators within the material, causing a polymerization reaction. This process leads to a rapid change from a soft, workable state to a hard, solid state when exposed to the light.

Using light curing allows for precise control of the setting time and ensures that the material cures uniformly, which can be especially beneficial in dentistry where the accuracy of restorations is critical. This technique is widely used for various dental applications, including temporary restorations, composites, and sealants, because of its convenience and efficacy.

The other options do not accurately describe the "light cured" process; heat activation, air curing, and immediate hardening upon mixing refer to different materials and processes in dental restorative practices. Each of these methods has its specific applications and properties, but they do not fit the definition of "light cured," which is distinctively about the use of a curing light.