First Impressions: December 2013

EQUIA Fil
GC America

The restorative dentist’s primary ob-jectives (which happen to coincide with patient goals as well) include a minimally invasive preparation design, minimal operative time and trauma, and the preservation of healthy tooth structure. Since not all procedures can be accomplished under ideal conditions, some moisture tolerance is preferable. For long-term benefits, wear resistance and sustained fluoride release are also important. GC America has recently introduced EQUIA Fil, a comprehensive, glass ionomer-based, bulk-fill, rapid restorative system. It is a self-adhesive posterior restorative system that combines easy handling and rapid application with excellent aesthetics. It is indicated for Class I, II, and V cavities, as an alternative to amalgams and composites, particularly in the pediatric, geriatric, and special needs situations. It can be used for high caries risk patients and as a core build-up material. A retrospective 2-year study indicated that EQUIA Fil can be used as a permanent restorative material for all Class I and conservative Class II preparations; there is evidence that the resin coating optimizes its physical properties. In a 12-month study, EQUIA Fil was found to be as effective as a microhybrid composite resin system. Self-adhesive, it is very easy and convenient to place, and no bonding steps are required. Since the material is moist- field compatible, practitioners can utilize it in the most difficult oral environments, including situations where isolation is impractical or im-possible. EQUIA Fil’s sustained fluoride release protects the marginal integrity of restorations and tips the local microenvironment of the restored tooth toward the antibacterial. The material’s high strength and ex-cellent wear resistance make it a reliable choice for long-term dental restorations, even in posterior load-bearing areas of the dentition.
For more information, call (800) 323-7063 or visit the company Web site at gcamerica.com.

ExperTemp
Ultradent Products

At one time, the temporary restoration was indicated for several relatively simple functions. It was needed to prevent adjacent teeth from tipping into the crown preparation site, to guard the vital dentin of the prepared tooth against sensitivity, and to prevent the super eruption of the abutment. Throughout time, the chemical and mechanical advances in material technology and the growing patient demand for aesthetic temporary restorations have changed the purpose and the role of this procedure significantly. “Temporaries” have morphed into “provisionals,” and the task of the provisional restoration includes full form and function as well as the aesthetics of the natural dentition. Ultradent Products has recently introduced ExperTemp Temporary Crown & Bridge Material, a bis-acryl composite provisional material that is indicated for both short- and long-term crowns, bridges, onlays, and inlays. The 10:1 chemistry provides excellent compressive and diametral strengths along with a low volumetric shrinkage during polymerization. ExperTemp has a rapid self-cure chemistry with a working time of 40 seconds. The intraoral set time is between 40 and 100 seconds, convenient for both the patient and the practitioner. The wide range of available shades, from A3.5 to Bleach White, offers natural aesthetics for every patient. The built-in fluorescence is similar to that of healthy enamel. Should there be any voids, bubbles, or marginal fractures, it can be easily repaired with flowable or packable composite or the ExperTemp repair material. It is easy to trim and polish and exhibits high abrasion resistance. The ExperTemp provisional restoration closely resembles the final restoration, anticipating any functional or aesthetic problems that may arise. In the meanwhile, the patient continues smiling and chewing.
For more information, call (888) 230-1420 or visit the company Web site at ultradent.com.