The type of curing is the factor that influences the stress generated during curing shrinkage. The light energy applied on the composite resin bulk filling should produce a surface with high wear resistance, low shrinkage and better marginal sealing. Suh (1999) advocated the pulse-delay cure with a view sealing the cavosurface margins of restorations. Class I cavities measuring 4mm in length, 2 mm in width and 2 mm in depth were prepared in 45 bovine central incisors, transversely to the long axis of the tooth. This cavity was selected because it presents a factor C = 4. Three curing techniques, namely single increment, gradual and pulse-delay cure, were employed on the restorations accomplished with the Suprafill (SS White) hybrid composite, the matrix of which is mainly composed of BISGMA. The adhesive system employed was that indicated for this composite resin. The results revealed that the pulse-delay cure is an adequate method and may be indicated to reduce or even eliminate gaps, providing better marginal sealing. The Suprafill resin did better when cured by the gradual technique or the pulse-delay cure, since curing by light activation occurs very rapidly, from 40 to 60 seconds, and does not allow the composite resin to flow, which then hardens immediately.

KEY WORDS: composite resin, pulse-delay cure, curing