Case by Dr. Enzo Attanasio

The introduction of new-generation composites, equipped with nanofillers and highly loaded, has opened doors to new techniques for managing direct and semi-direct restorations. In particular, over the last ten years, there has been a significant revolution in the world of flowable composites. Nowadays, these materials offer a filler percentage very similar to packable composites through precise interventions in resin matrix management. They come in various viscosities, offering numerous advantages both in terms of handling and clinical use, as well as beneficial mechanical and physical characteristics.

FLOWABLE INJECTION TECHNIQUE

This new era of flowable composites has seen the development of a technique known as the Flowable Injection Technique (also referred to as injection moulding). It enables dental practitioners to reproduce anatomical forms created by a dental technician in the laboratory through a diagnostic wax-up. The shapes planned on the model are transferred directly in the patient's mouth using transparent silicone matrices or indexes, into which the composite is injected through specific injection holes.

The main difference compared to traditional mock-ups is that the reproduced dental elements remain separate from each other. This technique provides predictable results identical to those developed on the technician's wax-up, requiring less chair time than direct veneering and offering a longevity similar to traditional composite restorations.

BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

The major benefit of this technique is the faithful reproduction of morphological details that the technician creates on the diagnostic wax-up, which the clinician can reproduce with minimal effort. The restoration produced through the flowable injection technique, if all steps are followed correctly, requires minimal finishing by the clinican, who only needs to focus on polishing the composite.

However, one limitation is the difficulty in isolating the operative field, often requiring a split-dam technique or labial retractors, with all the associated adhesive challenges. The use of a rubber dam is only feasible if the peripheral dental tissues around the restoration are euchromatic, allowing the technician to create a wax-up with supragingival preparation margins.

Another compromise with the flowable injection technique is the management of the composite as a single mass. This makes it only possible to reproduce natural incisal translucencies typical of young patients by performing complex cutbacks and subsequent incisal painting. Without specific operator skills, the outcomes of this time-consuming manual procedure are unpredictable.

HYBRID TECHNIQUE: BEST.FIT

To leverage the advantages of both classical direct anterior restoration and flowable injection techniques and eliminate the limitations, a hybrid technique known as BEST.FIT (Buccal Enamel Shade Through Flow Injection Technique) has emerged. This technique allows the operator to manage the delicate phase of reproducing the buccal enamel layer of the anterior restoration through the flowable injection technique, keeping certain aspects in mind during the injection phase.

PROCEDURE

The transparent silicone key used for the creation of the buccal enamel layer is similar to the one used in the original flowable injection technique. The initial phase of restoration management follows all the classical steps of direct technique, requiring isolation with rubber dam. The palatal enamel layer is recreated with a highly translucent packable composite, and the palatal portion of the interproximal walls is produced using a suitable matrix system. Then, the core of the restoration is defined with opaque masses, creating mamelons and adding incisal effects. It's crucial to control the residual enamel thickness using a vestibular silicone index, aiming for about 0.3 mm of space. The buccal portion is finally reconstructed during the injection phase. The transparent silicone index created on the wax-up should be tested after each reconstruction phase to ensure passive insertion.

After creating the restoration core, the element to be injected is separated from the contiguous ones with thin PTFE tape. The transparent mask is then inserted, and fluid composite is injected through the injection holes to precisely reconstruct the buccal enamel thickness. The composite tip should be positioned at least halfway through the buccal surface, and the injection should be slow and controlled to avoid air bubbles in the material.

FINISHING

Following a 40-second polymerization vestibularly and occlusally, the transparent matrix is carefully removed, and excess interproximal composite above the PTFE tape as well as any remaining composite cylinder from the injection holes are removed. After completing all restorative elements, the rubber dam is dismantled, and composite excess is finished. After checking the occlusion, the composite is polished, usually requiring no further intervention.

CASE EXAMPLE

Fig. 1. Female patient with discoloured anterior restorations desiring a smile makeover.

Fig. 2. Close-up of her maxillary anterior teeth.

Fig. 3. Restorations in need of replacement: Lateral view from the right.

Fig. 4. Restorations in need of replacement: Lateral view from the left.

Fig. 5. Printed model based on a digital diagnostic wax-up based on a digital impression.

Fig. 6. Palatal silicone index produced for the conventional direct restoration steps.

Fig. 7. Transparent matrix with injection holes produced for the build-up of the buccal enamel layer using the flowable injection technique.

Fig. 8. Operative field isolated with rubber dam.

Fig. 9. Existing restorations removed and tooth surfaces roughened at the start of treatment.

Fig. 10. Palatal silicone index positioned intraorally for the build-up of the palatal wall.

Fig. 11. Checking of the space available in the vestibular area with a second silicone index.

Fig. 12. Etching with phosphoric acid etchant.

Fig. 13. Application of a universal adhesive (CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.).

Fig. 14. Palatal walls built up with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Premium in the shade A1E with the aid of the palatal silicone index.

Fig. 15. Build-up of the interproximal walls with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Premium in the shade A1D and establishing of the contact points using anatomical sectional matrices for the posterior area placed vertically.

Fig. 16. Dentin core built up with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Premium in the shade A2D. CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Super Low in the shade XW was applied on the mamelons, while CHROMA ZONE™ COLOR STAIN Blue (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) was used to reproduce incisal translucencies in the spaces not covered by the dentin core.

Fig. 17. Try-in of the transparent matrix for flowable injection.

Fig. 18. Isolation of the adjacent teeth with PTFE tape for a one-by-one injection.

Fig. 19. CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES FLOW Low in the shade A2 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) injected for the anatomical shaping of the maxillary right central incisor.

Fig. 20. Situation after flowable injection for all four anterior teeth, light curing through the matrix, final matrix removal and excess removal.

Fig. 21. Treatment outcome …

Fig. 22. … with visible mamelons, natural incisal translucencies …

Fig. 23. … and a lifelike anatomical shape …

Fig. 24. … of the restorations.

CONCLUSION

Each work phase must be executed with extreme care to lay the foundations for a passive linking of all subsequent steps without creating difficult management situations. The BEST.FIT technique is a convenient and useful method for dental practitioners to manage multiple direct anterior restorations simply and predictably, especially in situations requiring complex rehabilitations with large restorations.

Dentist:

ENZO ATTANASIO

Enzo Attanasio graduated in 2008 in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics from the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. In 2009, he went on to specialize in the use of laser and new technologies in the treatment of oral and perioral tissues at the University of Florence. That year he also attended Prof. Arnaldo Castellucci’s course in Clinical Endodontics at the Teaching Center of Microendodontics in Florence where, in 2012, he went on to complete his training in Surgical Microendodontics. In 2017 he attended a course on Direct and indirect Adhesive Restorations at Prof. Riccardo Becciani’s Think Adhesive training center in Florence where he later become a tutor. Today, as a member of the Italian AIC and based in Lamezia Terme, Italy, Dr Attanasio has a special interest in Endodontics and Aesthetic Conservative.

Case by Dr. Jusuf Lukarcanin

In teeth in which the areas to be restored are surrounded by a lot of non-discoloured tooth structure - as may be the case in Class I, II and Class V cavities - the use of CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal in the shade U may be an option. The 28-year-old patient, who presented for diastema closure, had teeth with a comparatively low translucency and different shades due to smoking and excessive coffee consumption. As the composite was applied in enamel areas only, the relatively high translucency of the universal shade seemed beneficial in this case.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical situation.

Fig. 2. New smile of the patient.

Reasons for selecting universal:

- Large amounts of underlying or surrounding tooth structure present

- Medium light-scattering desired

Universal properties:

- High translucency

- Medium light-scattering effect

Dentist:

JUSUF LUKARCANIN

Dr. Jusuf Lukarcanin is a Certified Dental Technician (DCT) and a Doctor of Dental Science (DDS). He studied dentistry at the Ege University Dental Faculty in Izmir, Turkey, where he obtained a Master‘s degree in 2011. In 2017, he received a Ph.D. degree from the Department of Restorative Dentistry of the same university. Between 2012 and 2019, Dr. Lukarcanin was the head doctor and general manager at a private clinic in Izmir.

Between 2019 and 2020, he worked at Tinaztepe GALEN Hospital as a Restorative Dentistry specialist, between 2020-2022 he worked at MEDICANA International Hospital Izmir as a Restorative Dentistry specialist. Currently he is an owner of a private clinic for aesthetics and cosmetics in Izmir.

Case by Andreas Chatzimpatzakis

Observe and copy: This is the key to nature-like dental restorations. There are many optical effects, colour transitions and morphological details in natural teeth that need to be taken in and understood – and replicating them is only possible for those who know exactly how their materials work. Once these skills are acquired, however, they enable a dental technician to produce their restorations as truly beautiful copies of nature. Even when restoring a single maxillary central incisor, the technique delivers outstanding – or inconspicuous - outcomes, as revealed by the following example.

Using high-quality, translucent and gradient-shaded zirconia frameworks and porcelains, the layering technique does not have to be highly complicated. Two bakes and a number of selected effect liquids, internal stains and porcelains are usually sufficient for outcomes that exceed expectations.

CASE EXAMPLE

In the present case, a young male patient had a quite opaque crown on his maxillary right central incisor that needed to be replaced. During shade selection in the dental laboratory (Fig. 1), it was observed that the cervical third of the adjacent central incisor is lighter than the rest. Its shade in other areas corresponded to B4 on the VITA classical A1-D4^® Shade Guide. Hence, it was decided to use a somewhat lighter material for the framework and darken the restoration especially in the middle and incisal areas with internal stains.

The concrete plan was to mill a coping made of KATANA™ Zirconia STML (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) in the shade A3, characterize it with Esthetic Colorant (both Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) and sinter the piece (Figs 2 to 4). In the following layering procedure including just two bakes, a combination of internal stains and selected porcelains (CERABIEN™ ZR, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) was applied as illustrated in Figures 5 to 12. Figures 13 to 17 display the result on the model, minor adjustments during try-in and the final treatment outcome.

Fig. 1. Shade selection. The cervical third of the adjacent central incisor is lighter than usual compared to the middle and incisal areas.

Fig. 2. Coping made of KATANA™ Zirconia STML in the shade A3.

Fig. 3. Intensification of some shade characteristics of the multi-layered blank using Esthetic Colorant in the shades Grey (middle) and Blue and Grey (incisal area).

Fig. 4. Coping after sintering.

Fig. 5. Colour map for internal staining, using CERABIEN™ ZR Internal Stains.

Fig. 6. Result of the use of Shade Base Stain Modifier Fluoro to increase the fluorescence and internal staining as planned.

Fig. 7. Application of Opacious Body OBA2, …

Fig. 8. … Translucent Tx …

Fig. 9.: … and Luster CCV-2.

Fig. 10. Crown after the first bake.

Fig. 11. Crown after the application of CERABIEN™ ZR Internal Stains: A+, Aqua Blue 2, White mixed with Cervical 2 (ratio: 30/70) for the cracks, and Cervical 2.

Fig. 12. Application of Luster LT1 to finalize the shape.

Fig. 13. Finished crown after the second bake on the model.

Fig. 14. Evaluation of the surface texture: Observing and copying the surface details is as important as the imitation of the shade characteristics.

Fig. 15. Minor texture adjustments during try-in.

Fig. 16. Final restoration in place after cementation with PANAVIA™ V5 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.).

Fig. 17. Treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

Mastering the art of observing natural teeth is the key to lifelike restorations. It allows a dental technician to develop a deep understanding of shade and morphology, which is – apart from knowing the selected materials very well – the only talent needed to reach a high level of excellence. Those who are observant and take in every detail with their eyes can be sure that their mind will understand and their hands will automatically follow.

Dental technician:

ANDREAS CHATZIMPATZAKIS

Andreas graduated from the Dental Technology Institute (TEI) of Athens in 1999. During his studies he followed a program at the Helsinki Polytechnic Department of Dental Technique, where he trained on implant superstructures and all ceramic prosthetic restorations. As of 2000, he is running the ACH Dental Laboratory in Athens, Greece, specialized on refractory veneers, zirconia and long span implant prosthesis. In 2017 Andreas visited Japan where he trained under the guidance of Hitoshi Aoshima, Naoto Yuasa and Kazunabu Yamanda and become International Trainer for Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc..

Case by Vasiliki Tsertsidou

What kind of resin composite is recommended for core build-up procedures? While there are specific dual-cure core build-up resin composites available on the market, it is not mandatory to use them. Light curing is advisable to be applied even for materials with dual-cure polymerization. Some conventional resin composites demonstrate more favourable properties for a core build-up compared to specific core build-up resin composites itself.¹ Hence, it is possible to utilize a composite generally used in the dental office, provided it is indicated to and it is not applied deep within the root canal, where proper light curing would be impossible. The critical material properties for core build-ups are high filler load, sufficient flexural modulus and flexural strength.

CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 composite series (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) are suitable option for this case. With a filler load weight percentage of 78 and a flexural strength of 118 MPa (according to manufacturer), CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Classic corresponds to core build-up prerequisites*. The following case is illustrating the clinical procedure.

*The indication range of CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 composite does not cover core build-up. In the specific case it is used for creating a large Class II filling where all conditions from the IFU, such as curing depth, are met.

Fig. 1. Endodontically treated tooth with a vertical fracture of palatal wall on maxillary right second premolar.

Fig. 2. Buccal view of the tooth.

Fig. 3. Clinical image, directly after removal of fragment.

Fig. 4. Fragment of the maxillary right second premolar.

Fig. 5. Circumferential matrix band for build-up to assist endodontic retreatment.

Fig. 6. Build-up of the missing walls (margin relocation) with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Classic (A3).

Fig. 7. Temporary filling of the cavity.

Fig. 8. Replacement of the temporary filling material with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Classic.

Fig. 9. Crown preparation.

Fig. 10. Proximal carious lesion present on the adjacent fist premolar.

Fig. 11. Situation after rubber dam placement and caries removal.

Fig. 12. Cavity restored with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Classic.

Fig. 13. Prepared crown.

Fig. 14. Crown after sandblasting of the intaglio.

Fig. 15. Mechanically cleaned abutment tooth ready for pre-treatment.

Fig. 16. Intaglio of the crown treated with CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS.

Fig. 17. Etching of the composite surface with phosphoric acid gel.

Fig. 18. Air-drying of PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer on the abutment tooth.

Fig. 19. Crown in place after cementation with PANAVIA™ V5 Paste and excess removal.

A GOOD CHOICE

Dual-cure core build-up resin composites are two-component materials that need to be mixed homogeneously, which obstracts composition from containing high filler load. However, to prevent deformation of the core, a highly filled composite is advisable. This better simulates the flexural modulus of natural tissues compared to materials with low filler load. Consequently, a light-curing material like CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 might be a better option. Applied in 2-mm increments in the core area (and not in the root canal), it performs well and provides the desired outcomes. Additionaly, the option of utilising the same material as for any other type of direct restorations is simplifying the stock management and supporting dental practitioners striving for a simplification of clinical procedures.

References

1. Spinhayer L, Bui ATB, Leprince JG, Hardy CMF. Core build-up resin composites: an in-vitro comparative study. Biomater Investig Dent. 2020 Nov 3;7(1):159-166. doi: 10.1080/26415275.2020.1838283. PMID: 33210097; PMCID: PMC7646551.

Dentist:

VASILIKI TSERTSIDOU

Gyd Clarence Tam, HBSC, DDS, AAACD, FIADFE

Porcelianinių laminačių (venyrų) naudojimas priekinių dantų formai, atspalviui ir vizualinei padėčiai pagerinti ir atkurti yra įprastas estetinės odontologijos metodas. Biomimetinis dantų restauravimo tikslas yra ne tik estetika, bet ir funkciniai aspektai. Labai svarbu pažymėti, kad būtent nepažeistas gomurinio ir lūpinio paviršių emalis priekiniuose dantyse užtikrina įgimtą lenkiamąjį stiprį. Jei danties struktūra buvo pažeista dėl endodontinės prieigos, ėduonies ir (arba) traumos, reikia dėti visas pastangas, kad būtų išsaugota likusi struktūra, ir stengtis atkurti arba viršyti pradinį sveiko danties funkcionalumo lygį.

ISTORIJA

55 metų ASA II pacientė atvyko į odontologijos kabinetą dėl dantų balinimo. Buvo numatyta, kad dantų balinimas neturės įtakos jau esamos 1.2 danties porcelianinės laminatės atspalviui. Šį dantį reikės iš naujo tvarkyti baigus procedūrą, ypač jei atspalvio vertės pokyčiai bus reikšmingi. Iš pradžių pacientės dantys buvo išbalinti iki pradinio atspalvio VITA* 1M1:2M1 50:50 santykiu viršutinėje priekinėje srityje ir 1M1 apatinėje priekinėje srityje. Įgyvendinus naktinio balinimo kapa protokolą naudojant 10 proc. karbamido peroksidą per naktį 3–4 savaites, pacientei pavyko pasiekti VITA* 0M3 atspalvį tiek viršutiniame, tiek apatiniame lanke. Dėl to atsirado reikšmingas verčių neatitikimas tarp 1.2 danties su laminate ir gretimų dantų, be to, pastebėtas kontralateralinio 2.2 danties spalvos intensyvumas dėl lūpinį paviršių apimančios III klasės kompozito restauracijos. Pastarasis dantis savo matmenimis taip pat neatitiko kontralateralinio danties, todėl buvo nuspręsta abu šoninius kandžius padengti surištomis ličio disilikato laminatėmis (venyrais). Šalia esančiame iltiniame dantyje (2.3) buvo lokalizuotas lengvas ar vidutinio sunkumo gumburo viršūnės dilimas, tačiau pacientė nenorėjo šio dilimo taisyti, kol nebuvo uždėtos aptariamos laminatės. Šio etapo planuojamos šypsenos tikslas – abiejų pusių harmonija, atsižvelgiant į tai, kad artimiausiu metu planuojama sukurti papildomą netiesioginę restauraciją, atkursiančią 2.3 danties lūpinio paviršiaus apimtį ir gumburio viršūnės trūkumą.

PROCEDŪRA

Pirminiam planui, t. y. atskiram šoninių kandžių tvarkymui, skaitmeninio šypsenos dizaino protokolo nereikėjo. Leidžiamas nedidelis šio tipo dantų pokytis, nes tai yra šypsenos ypatumo ir lyties žymuo. Prieš taikant anesteziją buvo parinktas tikslinis atspalvis analizuojant nuotraukas, padarytas naudojant retraktorių ir naudojant arba ne poliarizacinius filtrus. Nuotraukos buvo paruoštos skaitmeninio atspalvių kalibravimo tikslais darant atskaitos vaizdus su 18 proc. neutralia pilkai balta pusiausvyros kortele (1 pav.).

1 pav. Referencinė nuotrauka, padaryta naudojant 18 proc. neutralią pilką kortelę

Pagrindinis atspalvis buvo VITA* 0M2 su bloko atspalviu BL2. Pacientei buvo atlikta anestezija naudojant 1,5 karpulės 2 proc. lidokaino tirpalą su 1:100 000 epinefrinu, prieš tai uždėjus padalytą koferdamą. 1.2 danties laminatė buvo perpjauta ir pašalinta iš 1.2 danties, o 2.2 dantyje baigtas minimaliai invazinis laminatės paruošimas (2 pav.). Dalinis senos restauracijos iš kompozitinės dervos keitimas buvo baigtas 12 danties mezialiniame kandamojo krašto lūpiniame ir gomuriniame paviršiuose išlaikant nepažeistą segmentą. Adhezija su senu kompozitu buvo pasiekta naudojant mikrodalelių abraziją ir silanavimo medžiagą (CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS). Kraštai buvo išlyginti, o retrakciniai siūlai įterpti suvilgius aliuminio chlorido tirpalu. Buvo užfiksuoti paruošto danties atspalviai. Galutiniai atspaudai buvo padaryti naudojant tiek skystos, tiek tirštos konsistencijos polivinilsiloksaną metaliniame šaukšte. Pacientei buvo sukurta laikina konstrukcija ir jai nurodyta, kad reikės patikrinti atspalvį laboratorijoje pirminio kepinimo stadijoje. Laboratorijoje parengti modeliai patvirtino minimaliai invazinį atvejo pobūdį.

2 pav. 1.2 ir 2.2 dantų laminačių paruošimas

Pradėjus dirbti pacientei taikytas skausmo malšinimas ir laikinosios medžiagos pašalintos. Apdorotini paviršiai buvo nuvalyti ir paruošti surišimo procedūrai nušlifavus paviršius 27 mikronų aliuminio oksido milteliais 30–40 psi slėgiu. Laminatės įvertintos naudojant skaidrią glicerino bandomąją pastą („PANAVIA™ V5 Try-in Paste Clear“, „Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“). Prieš aplikuojant silanizavimo medžiagą (CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS (3 pav.), kurios sudėtyje yra 10-MDP, buvo įterpti retrakciniai siūlai, o restauracijų vidinis paviršius 20 sekundžių apdorotas 5 proc. vandenilio fluorido rūgštimi. Danties paviršius buvo 20 sekundžių ėsdinamas 33 proc. ortofosforo rūgštimi ir tada nuplautas. Ant danties užtepta praimerio, kurio sudėtyje yra 10-MDP („PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer“ (4 pav.), ir išdžiovinta pagal gamintojo instrukcijas. Tuomet aplikuota laminačių cemento („PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Paste Clear“) (5 pav.) ir uždėta laminatė. Cemento perteklius buvo tirštas ir tinkamai išlaikė laminatę savo vietoje, kol buvo vykdomos visos kraštų tikrinimo procedūros ir prieš trumpą 1 sekundės pakietinimą (6 pav.).

3 pav. CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS, aplikuojamas ant laminačių vidinių paviršių

4 pav. „PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer“ aplikavimas ant ėsdintų danties paviršių

5 pav. „PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Paste Clear“ aplikuojama ant paruoštų vidinių laminačių paviršių

6 pav. „PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Paste“ iš karto uždėjus. Atkreipkite dėmesį į klampią, tirštą cemento konsistenciją, dėl kurios pastą lengva pašalinti tiek drėgnos, tiek gelio fazės.

Cementas perėjo į gelio fazę, o tai palengvino cemento pertekliaus pašalinimą ir valymo procedūra buvo minimali (7 pav.). Prieš galutinę kietinimo procedūrą, siekiant pašalinti deguonies inhibicinį sluoksnį, kraštai buvo padengti skaidriu glicerino geliu (8 pav.).

7 pav. Cemento pertekliaus šalinimas pakietinus 1 sekundę

8 pav. Galutinis laminačių gomurinio ir lūpinio paviršių kietinimas vienu metu

Kraštai buvo užbaigti ir nupoliruoti, kad kuo labiau blizgėtų, o restauracijų okliuzija patvirtinta kaip tinkama. Iš pooperacinių vaizdų matyti puiki estetinė kraštų integracija (9 pav.).

9 pav. Pooperacinė estetinė 1.2 ir 2.2 laminačių integracija

Atliekant pakartotinį vertinimą pagal naudojant poliarizacinius filtrus padarytą nuotrauką, nustatyta, kad restauracijos į naują šypseną integruotos estetiškai ir funkcionaliai (10 pav.). Dabar planuojama estetinė 2.3 danties augmentacija, kad dantis atitiktų kontralateralinį iltinį dantį.

GALUTINĖ SITUACIJA

10 pav. Galutinis rezultatas naudojant poliarizacinius filtrus pakartotiniam įvertinimui atlikti

Dentist:

CLARENCE TAM

References

1. Magne P, Douglas WH. Rationalization of esthetic restorative dentistry based on biomimetics. J Esthet Dent. 1999;11(1):5-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8240.1999.tb00371.x. PMID: 10337285.
2. Magne P, Douglas WH. Porcelain veneers: dentin bonding optimization and biomimetic recovery of the crown. Int J Prosthodont. 1999 Mar-Apr;12(2):111-21. PMID: 10371912.
3. Pongprueksa P, Kuphasuk W, Senawongse P. The elastic moduli across various types of resin/dentin interfaces. Dent Mater. 2008 Aug;24(8):1102-6. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2007.12.008. Epub 2008 Mar 4. PMID: 18304626.
4. Source: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. Samples (beam shape; 25 x 2 x 2 mm): The solvents of each material were removed by blowing mild air prior to the test.

Kokybiško protezavimo svarba

Kokybiškas gydymas yra bene svarbiausias elementas siekiant patenkinti pacientų lūkesčius. Per kiekvieną vizitą pacientas nori jausti, kad juo tinkamai rūpinasi kvalifikuotas specialistas, o kėdėje praleidžiamas laikas ir vizitų skaičius turėtų būti kiek įmanoma mažesnis. Tai reiškia, kad protezuojant restauracija turi iš karto puikiai priglusti ir laikui bėgant išlikti stabili, kad nereikėtų nieko perdaryti ir skirti papildomų vizitų.

Tačiau kaip kiekvieną kartą užtikrinti, kad restauracija būtų puikios kokybės ir puikiai priglustų? Su netiesioginių restauracijų kokybe susijusios problemos gali būti tokios: odontologijos kabinete ar laboratorijoje daromos klaidos, komunikacijos problemos ir (dažnai nepastebima priežastis) žemos kokybės odontologinio cirkonio oksido naudojimas.

Cirkonio oksido restauracijos – šiuolaikiškas ir estetiškas odontologinis sprendimas

Daugiau nei prieš 20 metų cirkonio oksidas pateko į odontologijos rinką kaip metalo, naudojamo vainikėlių ir tiltų gamyboje, pakaitalas. Abi medžiagos – cirkonio oksidas ir metalas – dažniausiai buvo derinamos su porceliano sluoksniu, formuojant su metalu sulydyto porceliano arba su cirkonio oksidu sulydyto porceliano restauracijas. Vėliau keli pirmaujantys odontologinio cirkonio oksido gamintojai (pvz., „Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“) sutelkė dėmesį į medžiagų tobulinimą. Dėl patobulinimų originali baltos spalvos matinė pagrindo medžiaga pamažu pavirto į dantį optiškai panašia keramine medžiaga, pasižyminčia puikiomis mechaninėmis savybėmis. Naujausius skirtingų skaidrumo ir stiprumo lygių cirkonio oksido variantus daugelis odontologijos specialistų visame pasaulyje laiko geriausiu galimu restauravimo būdu įvairiems pacientams, esant įvairioms indikacijoms. Viena iš priežasčių – jiems reikia tik plono porceliano sluoksnio arba šis sluoksnis apskritai nereikalingas. Kitas dalykas yra tai, kad esant mažam minimaliam sienelės storiui cirkonio oksidas leidžia konservatyviai preparuoti dantis, bet taip pat pasižymi palankiomis ilgalaikėmis savybėmis, žinoma, jei naudojama aukštos kokybės medžiaga.

Odontologinio cirkonio oksido kokybės skirtumai

Cirkonio oksido produktų kokybė gali skirtis priklausomai nuo įvairių veiksnių, pavyzdžiui, žaliavų grynumo (sudėtyje gali būti ne tik cirkonio oksido, bet ir aliuminio oksido bei itrio oksido, taip pat dažiklių ir kt.), tikslios cheminės sudėties, grūdelių dydžio ir dalelių pasiskirstymo. Kiekvienas ruošinio gamybos proceso etapas – nuo miltelių surinkimo iki ruošinio presavimo ir pirminio deginimo – turi įtakos galutinei cirkonio oksido kokybei, t. y., mechaninėms ir optinėms savybėms.

Dėl žemos kokybės cirkonio oksido kylančios problemos

Kai yra koks nors trūkumas, susijęs su restauracijos optinėmis savybėmis – jos skaidrumu, bendra spalva ar perėjimu nuo vieno sluoksnio prie kito daugiasluoksnės spalvos struktūros ruošiniuose, problema išryškėja baigus galutinę deginimo procedūrą laboratorijoje. Gali tekti perdaryti ir galiausiai primatuojant gali pasitaikyti dėmių, taigi pacientas vargu ar bus patenkintas. Tas pats pasakytina ir apie atvejus, kai restauracija netinkamai priglunda, pavyzdžiui, dėl nehomogeniškos medžiagos struktūros. Dar blogiau yra prastas biologinis suderinamumas, paviršiaus kokybė, krašto stabilumas, lenkiamasis stipris arba atsparumas lūžiams. Šias problemas galima nustatyti tik naudojant bandymo įrangą, kuri yra labai brangi, o dažniausiai odontologijos laboratorijose jos net ir nėra. Tai reiškia, kad tokio pobūdžio trūkumai dažniausiai lieka nepastebėti tol, kol neatsiranda tikrų klinikinių problemų – pavyzdžiui, dantenų recesija, padidėjęs apnašų kaupimasis, didesnis dilimas arba anksti išryškėjantys trūkumai, galintys sukelti skausmą ir diskomfortą.

Galimų problemų ir klinikinių pasekmių pacientams apžvalga

Dantų cirkonio oksido sertifikavimas ir standartizavimas

Dėl aprašytų priežasčių specialistai sukūrė ISO standartą (ISO 6872:2015). Jame aprašomi in vitro bandymai, kuriuos turi atlikti kiekvienas Europoje ar JAV naudojamo odontologinio cirkonio oksido gamintojas, kad gautų JAV maisto ir vaistų administracijos (angl. FDA) patvirtinimą ir jo produktui būtų suteiktas CE ženklas. Šie bandymai naudojami matuojant lenkiamąjį stiprį ir atsparumą lūžiams – dvi bene svarbiausias savybes, lemiančias ilgalaikį restauracijų, pagamintų iš šios medžiagos, funkcionalumą. Kiekvienos šių Europoje ar Jungtinėse Amerikos Valstijose naudojamų medžiagų bandymų rezultatai turi būti teigiami.

Kaip įsitikinti, kad į paciento burną dedamos odontologinio cirkonio oksido restauracijos nėra padirbtos ar žemos kokybės

Visi, naudojantys šį sertifikuotą cirkonio oksidą, turėtų būti saugūs, o su medžiaga susijusi rizika turėtų būti minimali. Visgi didėjantis odontologinio cirkonio dioksido populiarumas patraukė įmonių, bandančių tiesiog gauti pelno, dėmesį. Tokios įmonės nededa reikiamų pastangų, kad užtikrintų aukštą gaminio kokybę ir gautų sertifikatą. CE ženklu nepaženklinti ir nesertifikuoti produktai turi vieną bendrą bruožą: jie neabejotinai kelia pavojų jūsų veiklai ir pacientui.

Taigi, kaip užtikrinti cirkonio oksido produkto kokybę odontologijos kabinete? Džiugi žinia – ta, kad yra kelios paprastos taisyklės. Laikydamiesi jų, įsitikinsite, kad į savo pacientų burną nededate padirbtų ar žemos kokybės odontologinio cirkonio oksido restauracijų.

Įsitikinkite, kad į paciento burną nededate padirbtų ar žemos kokybės odontologinio cirkonio oksido restauracijų.

Trys auksinės taisyklės, kad savo pacientams siūlytumėte tik aukštos kokybės cirkonio oksido restauracijas:

• Užsakykite tik tas restauracijas, kurios gaminamos jūsų šalyje arba regione, kuriame taikomi tokie patys standartai kaip ir jūsų šalyje: pavyzdžiui, Kinijos odontologijos laboratorijose gaminamoms restauracijoms taikomi žemesni standartai (taigi nėra CE ženklo) ir jos gali nepateisinti jūsų lūkesčių;
• Pasikalbėkite su savo (savo šalies) laboratorijos partneriu apie jo cirkonio oksido šaltinį: įsitikinkite, kad jis perka cirkonio oksidą iš pirmaujančių gamintojų (pvz., „Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“) per įgaliotuosius platintojus arba pardavėjus, kuriuos iš tiesų pažįsta;
• Venkite sandorių, kurie yra įtartinai geri: galbūt vilioja maža produkto kaina, tačiau galutinė gydymo kaina gali būti net didesnė už įprastą, jei atsiras komplikacijų.

Ilgalaikis poveikis pacientams naudojant sertifikuotą cirkonio oksido restauraciją

Jei visuomet įsitikinsite, kad jūsų odontologijos kabinete įdedama cirkonio oksido restauracija atitinka aukščiausius įmanomus kokybės standartus, ilgalaikis pacientų pasitenkinimas bus garantuotas. Nors pradinė aukštos kokybės cirkonio oksido restauracijos kaina yra šiek tiek didesnė nei prastesnės kokybės dirbinių, bendros investicijos gali būti mažesnės, nes restauracijos išsilaiko ilgiau ir jų nereikia perdaryti. Patenkinti pacientai, ko gero, labiau įsitrauks į procesą, laikysis burnos higienos ir išliks lojalūs, o tai turės teigiamos įtakos jūsų reputacijai ir pacientų bazei.

Sužinokite apie įvairius cirkonio oksido variantus ir rinkitės sertifikuotų gamintojų produktus

Jei norite pasigilinti labiau, galite palyginti kelių gamintojų sertifikuotus cirkonio oksido variantus ir sužinoti skirtumus. Pavyzdžiui, „Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“ yra viena iš nedaugelio odontologinio cirkonio oksidų gamintojų, kuri vykdo visą gamybos procesą, nuo pat žaliavų gamybos. Dėl šios priežasties įmonė gali kontroliuoti kiekvieną procedūros etapą ir užtikrinti išskirtinę gaminio kokybę – nesvarbu, koks medžiagos variantas pasirenkamas. Įmonės siūlomas asortimentas, kurį sudaro „KATANA™ Zirconia UTML“ (itin skaidrus daugiasluoksnis), „KATANA™ Zirconia STML“ (labai skaidrus daugiasluoksnis) ir didelio skaidrumo daugiasluoksniai HTML PLUS ir YML (didesnio stiprumo ir su skaidrumo gradacija), leidžia aprėpti beveik visas indikacijas.

Prof.  Lorenzo Breschi straipsnis

Mažiau buteliukų, daugiau pasirinkimo galimybių – tai turbūt trumpiausias būdas apibūdinti universalių dervinių cementų kategoriją. Kadangi šie dvigubo kietėjimo derviniai cementai yra savaiminės adhezijos, daugelyje klinikinių atvejų galima taikyti tik vieno komponento darbo procedūrą ir nereikia atskirų dantų ar restauracijų praimerių. Taip pasiekiamas danties ir restauracijos surišimas paprastai yra pakankamai stiprus ir stabilus esant įvairioms indikacijoms. Vis dėlto šis surišimas yra šiek tiek silpnesnis nei surišimas gaunamas naudojant įprastas kelių komponentų dervinio cemento sistemas (paprastai dantų praimerio, dervinio cemento ir restauracijų praimerio).

Be savaiminės adhezijos aplikavimo procedūros, universalūs derviniai cementai gali būti derinami su papildomais sistemos komponentais, siekiant padidinti surišimo su danties struktūra arba restauracine medžiaga stiprumą. Tai atveria naujas produkto panaudojimo galimybes: priklausomai nuo reikalingų ar pageidaujamų surišimo savybių, universalus dervinis cementas gali būti naudojamas vienas arba kartu su dantų praimeriu, restauracijų praimeriu arba abiem komponentais. Be to, tampa įmanomos hibridinės koncepcijos, pavyzdžiui, kaip aprašyta šiame straipsnyje, kuriame pagrindinis dėmesys skiriamas „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ („Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“).

Cementavimas savaiminės adhezijos būdu. Tinka daugeliui indikacijų

„PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ yra dvigubai kietėjantis universalus dervinis cementas, kuris, kai taikoma savaiminės adhezijos procedūra, gali būti naudojamas įvairiais būdais. Surišimas su restauracinėmis medžiagomis (įskaitant silikatinę keramiką) yra stiprus net nenaudojant atskiro praimerio arba silano1-4. Taip yra dėl dviejų skirtingų adhezijos monomerų: originalaus MDP monomero ir LCSi monomero (ilgos anglies grandinės silanizavimo medžiaga, užtikrinanti stiprų cheminį ryšį su silikatine keramika). Vadinasi, dervinį cementą galima naudoti neaplikuojant ant restauracijos jokių papildomų komponentų – net ir tais atvejais, kai nepakanka retencijos ir dėl to reikia itin stipraus surišimo.

Stiprus surišimas su emaliu ir dentinu taip pat gaunamas taikant savaiminės adhezijos procedūrą. Visgi tam tikrose situacijose gali būti naudinga dar labiau padidinti surišimo su danties struktūra stiprumą naudojant dantų praimerį.

Adhezinis cementavimas. Sudėtingiems atvejams

Naudojant „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ rekomenduojamas dantų praimeris yra „CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick“ („Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.“). Jį rekomenduojama naudoti kiekvieną kartą, kai naudotojas mano, kad restauruojant reikėtų ypač stiprios ir patvarios cheminės jungties, t. y. itin sudėtingais atvejais, kai nepakanka mechaninės retencijos. Šios priemonės veiksmingumas buvo patvirtintas Japonijoje atliktame in vitro tyrime, kuriame 24 valandų mikrotempimo jungties su dentinu stiprumas buvo reikšmingai padidintas aplikavus universalaus adhezyvo5. Visgi kai naudojamas atskiras adhezyvas, itin svarbu užtikrinti visišką darbo lauko sausumą. Taip yra dėl to, kad dervinio cemento atsparumas drėgmei paprastai būna didesnis nei adhezyvų. Taigi labai rekomenduojama naudoti koferdamą.

Selektyvus adhezinis cementavimas. Žemoms atramoms ir subgingivaliniams kraštams

Tais atvejais, kai sunku tinkamai izoliuoti darbo lauką koferdamu, galima taikyti Italijos mokslininkų grupės pasiūlytą trečią aplikavimo variantą – selektyvų adhezinį cementavimą. Šiuo atveju „CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick“ aplikuojamas tik tose preparuoto danties dalyse, kuriose galima tinkamai kontroliuoti drėgmę, taip pat pasikliaujant „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ savaiminės adhezijos savybėmis tose srityse, kuriose sunku užtikrinti darbo lauko sausumą. Šis metodas skirtas atvejams, kai atraminiai dantys yra su subgingivaliniu preparavimo kraštu ir (arba) atraminiai dantys itin žemi (todėl sunku uždėti koferdamą).

Selektyvaus adhezinio cementavimo metodo veiksmingumas buvo patikrintas in vitro tyrime. Jame buvo lyginamos trys adhezijos strategijos: cementavimas savaiminės adhezijos būdu, visiškas adhezinis cementavimas ir selektyvus adhezinis cementavimas, naudojant surišimo šlyties stiprio bandymą6. Bandymų rezultatai rodo, kad naudotojai gali padidinti „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ surišimo su dentinu ir emaliu stiprumą adhezyvą aplikuodami tik ant dalies danties paviršiaus. Panašūs kaip cementavimo sistemos, kurią sudaro „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“ ir „CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick“, rezultatai buvo gauti taikant visiško adhezinio cementavimo ir selektyvaus adhezinio cementavimo metodus.

Tais atvejais, kai sunku tinkamai izoliuoti darbo lauką koferdamu, galima taikyti Italijos mokslininkų grupės pasiūlytą trečią aplikavimo variantą – selektyvų adhezinį cementavimą.

REKOMENDUOJAMI SELEKTYVAUS ADHEZINIO CEMENTAVIMO ETAPAI

1 pav. Dantų preparavimas

2 pav. Selektyvus emalio ėsdinimas fosforo rūgšties ėsdikliu

3 pav. Universalaus adhezyvo aplikavimas ir džiovinimas ore

4 pav. Vainikėlio uždėjimas į jį aplikavus dervinio cemento

5 pav. Itin trumpas kietinimas

6 pav. Pertekliaus nuvalymas ir galutinis kietinimas šviesa

7 pav. Rezultatas pakvietus į vizitą po vienų metų

Selektyvaus adhezinio cementavimo privalumai

Be norimo (ilgalaikio) surišimo stiprumo padidėjimo, pasiekiamo aplikuojant atskirą adhezyvą ant preparuotų dantų paviršiaus ar jo dalies, šis metodas suteikia papildomų privalumų. Palyginti su daugiaetapėmis cementavimo sistemomis, šis protokolas yra paprastesnis, nes nereikia atskiro restauracijų praimerio. Jeigu naudotojas naudoja rekomenduojamą sistemą, adhezyvo nereikia kietinti šviesa. Ir, priešingai nei naudojant visiško adhezinio cementavimo metodą, pagal kurį būtina uždėti koferdamo, selektyvaus adhezinio cementavimo metodui šio etapo nereikia. Taigi pacientui tenka trumpiau sėdėti odontologinėje kėdėje ir dėl to padidėja komfortas.

Išvada

Priklausomai nuo indikacijų, klinikinių kintamųjų ir individualių pageidavimų, universalių dervinių cementų, tokių kaip „PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal“, naudotojai gali pasirinkti metodą, kuris greičiausiai suteikia geriausią klinikinį rezultatą. Būtent šis lankstumas ir apskritai platus aplikavimo galimybių spektras paverčia šią naujoviškų produktų kategoriją iš tiesų universalia. Kadangi reikia naudoti mažiau komponentų, universalios medžiagos leidžia supaprastinti ir standartizuoti klinikines procedūras, o kadangi reikia naudoti mažiau buteliukų, jos taip pat padeda darbuotojams palaikyti tvarką ir geriau valdyti atsargas.

Dentist:

LORENZO BRESCHI

Prof. Lorenzo Breschi yra Bolonijos universiteto restauracinės odontologijos ir odontologijos medžiagų srities profesorius. Jis aktyviai dalyvauja emalio ir dentino ultrastruktūrinių aspektų tyrimuose.

L. Breschi – buvęs Odontologijos medžiagų akademijos (ADM) prezidentas, išrinktasis Europos konservatyviosios odontologijos federacijos (EFCD) prezidentas, išrinktasis Odontologijos medžiagų grupės IADR prezidentas, išrinktasis Italijos konservatyviosios odontologijos akademijos prezidentas (AIC) ir išrinktasis Tarptautinės adhezinės odontologijos akademijos (IAAD) prezidentas.

Literatūra

1. Cowen M, Cunha S, Powers JM. Novel Cement Bond Strength to Multiple Substrates DENTAL ADVISOR Biomaterials Research Center, Biomaterials Research Report, Number 132 - June 16, 2020. 2. Patel N, Anadioti E, Conejo J, Ozer F, Mante F, Blatz M. Bond Strength of Different Self-Adhesive Resin Cements to Zirconia“ (2021). Dental Theses. 62. https://repository.upenn.edu/dental_theses/62 3. Yoshihara K, Nagaoka N, Maruo Y, Nishigawa G, Yoshida Y, Van Meerbeek B. Silane-coupling effect of a silane-containing self-adhesive composite cement. Dent Mater. 2020 Jul;36(7):914-926. 4. Irie M, Tokunaga E, Maruo Y, Nishigawa G, Yoshihara K, Nagaoka N, Minagi S, Matsumoto T Shear bond strength of a resin cement to CAD/CAM Blocks for molars. P-2, 37th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Adhesive Dentistry 2018. 5. Ohara N. Bonding strength of resin cement containing silane coupling agent to dentin or core resin. Results presented at the 150th meeting of the Japanese Society of Conservative Dentistry 6. Breschi L, Josic U, Maravic T, et al. Selective adhesive luting: A novel technique for improving adhesion achieved by universal resin cements. J Esthet Restor Dent 2023;1-9. doi:10.1111/jerd.13037

Case by Martin Laurik, MDT

There are so many different restorative materials out there and so many design and finishing concepts available that it often seems difficult to select the best option for a specific case. Using an allrounder like KATANA™ Zirconia YML can facilitate decision making: It is a great choice for single- to multi-unit restorations, works on teeth and implants alike, and can be adapted to individual needs by selecting a suitable design concept and adequate finishing technique. In this way, it is even possible to solve aesthetically challenging cases as the one illustrated below.

Initial situation and temporization

This patient was in need for treatment after the loss of her maxillary right central incisor and the placement of an implant in this region. As a replacement of the restorations on the other three maxillary incisors was necessary as well, it was decided to produce four crowns made of the same material – KATANA™ Zirconia YML. For aesthetic evaluation of the restorations’ length, angulations and shape in the mouth and a functional test drive, the crowns were digitally designed in full contour and milled from PMMA in the determined tooth shade A2 (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Full-contour PMMA crowns on the master cast.

Design, milling and effect dyeing of the zirconia crowns

Once the appearance and functional aspects of the temporary restorations were approved by the patient and the restorative team, the definitive crowns were produced. Their design was based on the full-contour design of the temporaries; however, a facial reduction of 0.6 mm was carried out by the software to create space for individualization with a small layer of veneering porcelain. The crowns were then milled from a KATANA™ Zirconia YML disc in the shade A1 – approximately one shade lighter than the determined tooth shade. To mask the uneven colour from the tooth stumps and the implant abutment, the intaglio of the crowns was treated with Esthetic Colorant in the shade Opaque. Some individual and intensified colour effects on the vestibular surface were also created with Esthetic Colorant.

Internal staining and porcelain layering

To slightly adjust the chroma and lightness, a first layer of CERABIEN™ ZR Internal Stains was added, followed by a wash bake. After the application of a first layer of CERABIEN™ ZR porcelains (Body, Enamel and Translucent) and baking (Fig. 2) – the central incisors received a layer of A1B, the lateral incisors a mixture of A1B and A2B (slightly darker to provide for a better match with the canines) with LT1, LT Natural completing the picture – additional internal staining was carried out (Fig. 3). The final layer of CERABIEN™ ZR luster porcelains (LT1, ELT2 used on the convex line angles to achieve an external reflection) was added and fixed in a fourth bake (Fig. 4).

After adjustments and very rough polishing, a self-glaze firing programme was selected (firing temperature 915 °C, holding time 5 seconds). On the highly polished incisal and palatal parts of the crowns and for contact point adjustment, CERABIEN™ ZR FC Paste Stain Glaze was applied and fixed with the same bake. The finished crowns on the model are shown in Figure 5, while Figure 6 displays the final treatment outcome.

Fig. 2. Crowns milled from KATANA™ Zirconia YML with a facial cutback of 0.6 mm after individualization with Esthetic Colorant, sintering, internal staining and the application of a first layer of porcelain.

Fig. 3. This picture shows the subtle internal stain adjustment to the ceramic mostly on the incisal part.

Fig. 4. Crowns prior to final shape adjustments and polishing.

Fig. 5. Finished crowns on the model.

FINAL SITUATION

Fig. 6. Treatment outcome.

Easy approach to beautiful restorations

The presented approach is a relatively easy way of producing highly aesthetic anterior restorations. Using an allrounder zirconia combined with a few selected effect liquids, internal stains and luster porcelains, it is possible to achieve a great optical integration even in a situation where teeth and implants need to be restored. The natural shape and surface texture of the restorations plays an important role in this context, as does the base material – a naturally shaded, highly translucent zirconia.

Dentist:

MARTIN LAURIK, MDT

Martin started working as a dental technician in 2014. In the time since, he never stopped training and learning from renowned colleagues. Continuing education courses focused on dental ceramics and occlusion in the functional concept of Slavicek. Fascinated by the beauty of natural teeth, developing an understanding of their complexity and learning how to mimic nature’s design as closely as possible has always been his primary goal, while he is well aware that there is still a lot to be learned and explored on the road to excellence.

Unlock the power of zirconia: perfect for adhesive cementation, the ideal material for a wide range of indications, and essential in minimal invasive dentistry. Time to trust zirconia bonding!

This article demystifies zirconia bonding, providing clear, practical steps to ensure long-term functionality and patient satisfaction, all based on scientific research. Master the three adhesion pillars: mechanical retention, chemical activation, and wetting capacity. Discover how to successfully prepare zirconia surfaces, avoid pitfalls like misapplying silica coating and silane, and choose proven bonding systems for optimal results. Optimise retention even with minimal tooth preparation and achieve reliable zirconia restorations. Say goodbye to doubts and hello to successful zirconia bonding!

Factors influencing retention

Loss of retention due to de-cementation or debonding is a common cause of dental prostheses' failure.  First, let’s have a look at how to cope with the three main factors significantly influencing retention: tooth preparation, restoration pre-treatment, and cement type/bonding.

Tooth preparation

The abutment tooth's height, angle, and surface texture must be considered to achieve sufficient retention and resistance from the preparation. The retention form counteracts tensile stresses, whereas the resistance counteracts shear stresses ⁴. With the proper preparation, a restoration resists dislodgement and subsequent loss.

Full coverage restorations

To achieve sufficient retention and resistance for full-coverage crowns, the tooth abutment should be at least 4 mm high, and the convergence angle should range from 6 to 12 degrees with a maximum of 15 degrees ^{1, 5-8}.

Source; Conventional cementation or adhesive luting - A guideline, Dr. A. Elsayed, Prof. Dr Florian Beuer 

Adhering to the tooth preparation guidelines is crucial for full-coverage restorations (e.g., crowns, and FDPs). These practical guidelines are designed to achieve the required retention and resistance to make conventional luting possible. However, optimal retention and resistance are, in reality, hard to achieve. An unwanted amount of sound tooth substance often should be removed to achieve a highly retentive preparation. Moreover, several studies^2,3 show that, in daily practice, the preparation angle often exceeds 15 degrees.

Minimal-invasive restorations

Minimal-invasive restorations, such as single retainer FDPs, veneers, table-tops and inlay-retained FDPs, are based on a non- or low-retentive preparation form. In this case, retention shifts from (macro-)mechanical to micro-mechanical and chemical, necessitating the use of adhesive techniques ^9-11. Even though the preparations for minimal-invasive restorations largely lack mechanical retention, the long-term success of these types of restorations is well-documented when using a suitable resin cement (e.g. PANAVIA™, Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan), including a proper pre-treatment and bonding procedure ^{10, 11}.

In high-retentive situations, conventional luting is acceptable for full-coverage restorations*. In all other cases, choosing a resin cement is a better solution. With proper tooth preparation (e.g., shaping, (self-)etching, abrasion) and the right adhesive resin cement system, a non-retentive preparation form provides a reliable basis using mainly chemical retention and micro-mechanical retention instead of macro-mechanical retention.

*Please review the articles available regarding the debate over whether to use a conventional cementation procedure, adhesive cementing, or selective adhesive luting

Restoration pre-treatment

Zirconia is densely sintered and does not contain a glass phase. Therefore, it cannot be etched with hydrofluoric acid to create a micro-retentive etching pattern. In addition, silanes cannot effectively promote zirconia bonding. Several studies have shown that air abrasion with 50-µm alumina at a reduced pressure of 0.5 bar (0.05 MPa; 7 psi) will create a sufficient micro-retentive pattern¹² and greatly enhances the wetting capacity.

In addition to air abrasion, chemical coupling agents such as bifunctional phosphate resin monomers are used on air-abraded zirconia. Bonding with phosphate monomer-containing adhesive resin systems gives very reliable results^27,28. The use of phosphate monomer-based resin cement systems (e.g., Panavia [Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan]) and/or phosphate monomer primers, such as CLEARFIL CERAMIC Primer Plus (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan)  on freshly air-abraded zirconia, offer the most reliable bonding methods today ^13,27,28. We therefor consider MDP-based composite resin cements the material choice for our bonding procedure. However, it must be stressed that contamination of the air-abraded zirconia with saliva, phosphoric acid or other contaminants will limit the formation of chemical bonds and, therefore, must be avoided.

Avoiding contamination

For optimal moisture control, absolute isolation of the working field is crucial. Minimising  the risk of contamination, avoiding exposure to oral fluids. Before restoration placement, a thorough cleaning of the abutment tooth is essential. Following trial placement, a meticulous recleaning step is recommended to remove any potential introduced contamination. KATANA Cleaner (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan) is an ideal choice due to its unique properties. Its slightly acidic pH of 4.5 allows for effective cleaning intraoral and extraoral adhesion surfaces. Additionally, the incorporation of MDP monomer technology makes it highly efficient. The MDP salt in this product effectively bonds with contaminants, breaks them down and results in easy removal by water rinsing.

Cement type/bonding

After pre-treatment of surfaces to optimise the , it is important to understand that the properties of highly translucent zirconia differ highly from those of earlier generation zirconia. Early-generation zirconium oxides, including 3 mol% yttrium oxide (3Y-TZP), are high in strength and low in translucency. With the increase in yttria, creating 4-5 mol% yttria, or higher, zirconium oxides, the number of cubic crystals increases, resulting in higher translucency but leading to a reduction in strength. Therefore, attention must be paid to zirconia type, material thickness, restoration type, and application area. These factors may influence the choice of cement based on the adhesive properties demanded for lasting restorations and high aesthetic outcomes.

PANAVIA™ V5

For a resin cement system to deliver a strong bond, it is not always enough to have it contain an appropriate adhesive monomer. It is necessary for that adhesive monomer to be polymerised effectively under different circumstances. The PANAVIA™ V5 system contains an innovative “ternary catalytic system” consisting of a highly stable peroxide, a non-amine reducing agent* and a highly active polymerisation accelerator. Since this catalytic system is amine-free, the hardened cement has unsurpassed colour stability. In addition, the highly active polymerisation accelerator, one of the components in PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer, is not only an excellent reducer that promotes polymerisation effectively, but it is also capable of coexisting with the (in this product) acidic MDP. This makes it possible to create a single-bottle self-etching primer. This accelerator is also responsible for the so-called touch-cure reaction when it comes into contact with the paste. Resulting in the sealing of the dentin interface and, at the same time, allowing the paste to set even in situations where light curing is limited.

*PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer applied and left for 20 seconds, followed by air drying.

The second primer in the PANAVIA V5 system is CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS, which incorporates Kuraray Noritake Dental’s original MDP and a silane. This product is used to prime zirconia but is also an excellent choice for priming silica-based ceramics, composites, and metals.

CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS, which contains the original MDP, applied and dried.

The PANAVIA™ V5 full adhesive resin cement system consists of all three above-mentioned components, always used in the same way, independent of the material, for a straightforward procedure to ensure reliable bonding. The PANAVIA^TM V5 systems offer try-in pastes to visualise the final results before final cementing and confirm the appropriate shade of the resin cement to be used.

PANAVIA™ VENEER LC

Offering a flexible workflow and high bondability of thin, translucent restorations like veneers but also inlays and onlays, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC was designed. It is a light-curing resin cement system allowing a long working time of 200 seconds under ambient light*. This allows multiple veneers to be placed simultaneously without racing against the setting. The final light-curing can be started anytime after positioning the provisions. The PANAVIA™ Veneer LC cementing system includes PANAVIA™ Tooth Primer and CLEARFIL CERAMIC PRIMER Plus as primers to chemically interact with the adhesive surfaces.

PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Paste applied and the laminate veneer seated. In this case six veneers were simultaneously placed during one session.

Unpolymerized excess paste removed with a brush. PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Paste is a light-cured type rein cement, designed to provide sufficient working time.

This photo shows the results after the final light curing. Since the excess cement was easily removed, there were almost no cement residues.

PANAVIA™ SA CEMENT Universal

Still, clinicians seek efficiency and effectiveness in everyday practice by using a straightforward but durable resin cement solution. PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal is developed to offer this ease-of-use property without losing focus on bonding properties.  PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal is developed with the original MDP monomer in the hydrophilic paste compartment, allowing for chemical reactiveness with zirconia and tooth structure. The other compartment contains the hydrophobic paste, to which a unique silane coupling agent, LCSi monomer, is added, which allows the cement to deliver a strong and durable chemical bond to silica-based materials like porcelain, lithium disilicate and composite resin*. Furthermore, PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal is less moisture sensitive than full adhesive resin cement systems. This also makes it the ideal cement in situations where rubberdam isolation is difficult.

*The product is available in both auto mix and hand mix options.

*Old PFM bridge (shown here) removed, and existing preparations modified to accommodate a 3-unit KATANA™ Zirconia bridge. The upper right canine was prepared to receive a single-unit KATANA™ crown.

Before

After. Seating & Final Smile. PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal and CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick were used for cementation and bonding. “I love the ease of use and clean-up with PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal, and its MDP monomer creates a strong chemical bond to the tooth structure and zirconia. CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick has a quick technique without reducing bond strengths, releases fluoride and has a low film thickness. I simply rub CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick into the tooth for a few seconds and air dry. There is no need to light-cure, since it cures very well with PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal. The patient was very happy with the results. She loved that she no longer saw metal margins, and her smile was much more uniform and lifelike.” Dr. Kristine Aadland

*Images are a part of a case by Dr. Kristine Aadland; 3-Unit anterior maxillary

Bonding to zirconia in three steps

Over the last century, the popularity of highly translucent zirconia has skyrocketed due to its excellent properties and wide range of anterior and posterior clinical applications. Because zirconium oxide prostheses are, if processed correctly, antagonist-friendly and easy (and relatively inexpensive) to fabricate, the material keeps gaining popularity in dentistry.

Several steps need to be taken into account for reliable and durable bonding. Years of research on achieving high and long-term bond strength to zirconia have concluded into three practical steps, summarised as the APC concept¹³ as a reliable procedure guideline.

APC-Step A

Zirconia should be air-particle abraded (APC-Step A) with alumina or silica-coated alumina particles; the sandblasting or micro-etching procedure. Air abrasion with a chairside micro-etcher using aluminium oxide particles (size: up to 50 μm) at a low pressure of 0,5 bar (0.05 – 0.25 MPa) is sufficient.^14,18,25-27

APC-Step P

The subsequent step includes applying a special ceramic primer (APC-Step P), which typically contains specially designed adhesive phosphate monomers, onto the zirconia adhesive surfaces.^29,30 The MDP monomer has been shown to be particularly effective at bonding to metal oxides like zirconium oxide.

APC-Step C

Dual- or self-cure resin cement systems should be used to reach an adequate C=C conversion rate underneath the zirconia restoration since the lack of translucency in zirconia reduces light transmission.¹³ However, in cases where high-translucent zirconia (HTZr0₂) is used, the zirconia transmits light so that the shade of composite or resin cement might influence the final appearance of such restorations. It is, thereforebased on the individual situation and shade of the abutment tooth.

The APC zirconia-bonding concept is not limited to intra-oral situations and can also be applied in the laboratory for implant reconstructions that include cemented zirconia components.

Conclusion

Rapid developments in high-quality translucent zirconia have made the utility and reliability of adhesive cementing systems even more crucial. This applies to fully opaque restorations but also minimally invasive and ultra-translucent restorations of low thickness. In all cases, the longevity of the bonding and, thus, the provision directly affects patient  satisfaction. By taking into account the three primary parameters we have discussed in this article and following the predictable APC protocol, you will successfully realise durable bonded zirconia restorations from now on.

References

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4. Muruppel AM, Thomas J, Saratchandran S, Nair D, Gladstone S, Rajeev MM. Assessment of Retention and Resistance Form of Tooth Preparations for All Ceramic Restorations using Digital Imaging Technique. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2018;19(2):143-9.
   
   
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Abrasion and shape correction was also the major reason for this 58-year-old female patient to ask for cosmetic dental treatment. She was unhappy with the appearance of the anterior teeth in the maxilla, which showed signs of tooth wear and discolouration. The selected treatment approach was composite veneering with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal in the shade UD. The shade was selected based on the indication and the somewhat darker shade of the patient’s natural teeth.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical situation.

Fig. 2. Treatment outcome.

Reasons for selecting universal dark:

- For older patients (tooth shades A3 and darker)

- Situations in which light easily passes through the composite (e.g., Class III, Class IV)

Universal dark properties:

- High light scattering effect

- Well-balanced translucency

Dentist:

JUSUF LUKARCANIN

Dr. Jusuf Lukarcanin is a Certified Dental Technician (DCT) and a Doctor of Dental Science (DDS). He studied dentistry at the Ege University Dental Faculty in Izmir, Turkey, where he obtained a Master‘s degree in 2011. In 2017, he received a Ph.D. degree from the Department of Restorative Dentistry of the same university. Between 2012 and 2019, Dr. Lukarcanin was the head doctor and general manager at a private clinic in Izmir.

Between 2019 and 2020, he worked at Tinaztepe GALEN Hospital as a Restorative Dentistry specialist, between 2020-2022 he worked at MEDICANA International Hospital Izmir as a Restorative Dentistry specialist. Currently he is an owner of a private clinic for aesthetics and cosmetics in Izmir.