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Importance of high-quality prosthodontic treatment

High-quality treatment is probably the most important element on the road to patient satisfaction. During every single appointment, the patient wants to feel well cared for by a skilled professional, while chair time and the number of appointments should be reduced to the necessary minimum. This implies that, in the context of prosthodontic treatment, a restoration needs to fit perfectly straight away and be stable over time to avoid remakes and extra appointments.

But how is it possible to deliver perfectly fitting, high-quality restorations every time? Among the potential sources of problems with the quality of indirect restorations are common mistakes made in the dental office or laboratory, communication issues and – often overlooked – the use of low-quality dental zirconia.

Zirconia restorations – contemporary and aesthetic dental solution

More than 20 years ago, zirconia entered the dental market as a substitute to metal used for the production of crowns and bridges. Both materials – zirconia and metal – were usually combined with a layer of porcelain, forming porcelain-fused-to-metal or porcelain-fused-to-zirconia restorations. In the years to come, several leading manufacturers of dental zirconia (like Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) focused on material improvements. These improvements gradually transformed the original white-opaque framework material into a ceramic material with tooth-like optical and excellent mechanical properties. The latest zirconia variants, available with different levels of translucency and strength, are regarded as the best-possible treatment option in a wide variety of patients and indications by many dental professionals around the world. One reason is that they require just a small or no layer of porcelain. Another is that, with low minimum wall thicknesses, they allow for conservative tooth preparations, while they offer a favourable long-term behaviour – that is, if a high-quality material is used.

Quality differences of dental zirconia

Zirconia product quality may vary depending on various factors such as the purity of the raw materials (not only zirconia, but also alumina and yttria as well as colour additives etc.), the exact chemical composition, the grain size and particle distribution. Every step in the blank production process – from powder compilation to blank pressing and pre-sintering – has an impact on the final quality, i.e., the mechanical and optical properties of the zirconia, too.

Common issues resulting from low-quality zirconia

Whenever there is something wrong with the optical properties of a restoration – with its translucency, its overall colour or the transition from one layer to the next in blanks with a multi-layered colour structure – the problem will become apparent after the final sintering procedure in the laboratory. A remake might be necessary and eventually, the blemish might be identified during try-in, which will most likely have a negative impact on patient satisfaction. The same is true for cases with an improper fit resulting from inhomogeneities in the material structure, for example. What is even worse is an inferior biocompatibility, surface quality, edge stability, flexural strength or fracture toughness. These issues are identifiable only with testing equipment that is very expensive and usually not available in dental laboratories. This means that flaws of this kind usually remain undetected until a real clinical problem – like gingival recession, increased plaque accumulation, higher wear or an early failure that might cause pain and discomfort – occurs.

Overview of potential problems and clinical consequences for patients

Certification and standardization of dental zirconia

That is why specialists have developed an ISO standard (ISO 6872:2015), which describes in-vitro tests every manufacturer of dental zirconia used in Europe or the United States needs to conduct in order to pass FDA approval and receive the CE mark. The described tests are used to measure the flexural strength and fracture toughness, the two probably most important properties determining the long-term behaviour of restorations produced from the material. Every material used in Europe or the United States needs to have passed these tests.

How to avoid placing low-quality dental zirconia restorations in your patients’ mouths

Hence, everyone using this certified dental zirconia should be safe and able to minimize material-related risks. However, the increasing popularity of dental zirconia has attracted the attention of companies trying to have their share of the cake without undergoing the necessary efforts needed to safeguard a high product quality and pass certification. Non-certified products that lack CE marking have one thing in common: they definitely put your business and patient at risk.

So how is it possible to safeguard zirconia product quality from the dental office? The good news is that there are some simple rules available. By following them, you are able to avoid placing counterfeit or low-quality dental zirconia restorations in your patients’ mouths.

Avoid placing counterfeit or low-quality dental zirconia restorations in your patients’ mouths.

Three golden rules to provide your patients with high-quality zirconia restorations:

• Only order restorations that are produced domestically or in a region with the same standards as your own: restorations produced in dental laboratories in China, for example, need to fulfil lower standards (thus lacking CE mark) and might not live up to your expectations.
• Talk to your (domestic) laboratory partner about the source of their zirconia: make sure they are purchasing zirconia from leading manufacturers (e.g. Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) via authorized distributors or sellers they really know.
• Avoid deals that are too good to be true: low prices may be tempting, but the final cost of a treatment may be even higher than usual when complications occur.

Long-term impact for patients when using certified zirconia restorations

Making certain that the zirconia placed in your dental office fulfils the highest possible quality standards is an important contribution to long-term patient satisfaction. Even if the initial cost of high-quality zirconia restorations is somewhat higher than that of inferior-quality work, the overall investment may be lower when the restorations last longer and remakes are eliminated. Your happy patients are likely to be more engaged and compliant with oral hygiene regimens as well as loyal, with a positive impact on your reputation and patient base.

Research zirconia options and choose for products from certified manufacturers

If you would like to go one step further, you can even compare certified zirconia variants from several manufacturers and detect differences. Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., for example, is one of very few manufacturers of dental zirconia carrying out the whole manufacturing process including raw material production in-house. In this way, the company is able to control every step in the procedure and provide for an outstanding product quality – no matter which material variant is selected. With the available portfolio consisting of KATANA™ Zirconia UTML (ultra translucent multi-layered), KATANA™ Zirconia STML (superior translucent multi-layered) and the high-translucent multi-layered HTML PLUS as well as YML (with additional strength and translucency gradation), it is possible to cover virtually every indication.

AWARD WINNING PRODUCT

For the 10th time, the self-etch adhesive CLEARFIL™ SE Protect has been named a Top Product by DENTAL ADVISOR, which announced its choices for dental materials and equipment found by its evaluators to deliver the best practice-based performance in its JAN/FEB 2024 issue.

The publication included CLEARFIL™ SE Protect among honorees in the Bonding Agent Self-Etch category, noting attributes that go far beyond providing a reliable bond.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

This outstanding toolbox staple is built on the same system of the gold-standard adhesive CLEARFIL™ SE BOND, so it offers excellent bond strength for enamel and dentin. Its MMP inhibiting effect protects the bond from degradation over time and hence supports bond durability. Beyond that reliable bond, it provides an antibacterial cavity-cleansing effect that eliminates the need for the use of a separate cavity cleanser, thanks to the proprietary MDPB monomer it contains.

In short, CLEARFIL™ SE Protect offers you following benefits:

• Fast and simple procedure with low technique sensitivity
• Excellent bond strength for enamel and dentin
• Long-lasting bond strength
• Antibacterial cavity-cleansing effect
• Virtually no post-operative sensitivity

It is also a highly versatile adhesive system that can be used in the context of:

• Placing direct restorations
• As a cavity sealant
• For the treatment of hypersensitive or exposed root surfaces

Among the extended indications are cementation with composite resin cement or core build-up with self- or dual-cured resin materials in combination with CLEARFIL™ DC Activator.

EVALUATION

Its attributes are reflected in the study findings and comments of DENTAL ADVISOR’s editors and consultants, who assessed it over a six-week period during which over 150 restorations were placed. It received a 98% clinical rating by consultants using a 1-5 rating scale.

The practitioners evaluating the product found no post-operative sensitivity. Among their observations mentioned in the online DA report were the fact that the primer and bond wet the tooth evenly. They also considered the antibacterial and fluoride releasing qualities “an added benefit”. On the topic of sensitivity, they mentioned that “CLEARFIL SE Protect is effective in the reduction of sensitivity when placed on areas of recession or similar areas of sensitive tooth structure.”.

ABOUT DENTAL ADVISOR

The Top Product or Preferred Product Awards conferred by US-based DENTAL ADVISOR were initially introduced to help busy practitioners make sense of the numerous new solutions indicated for less invasive techniques, standardised or simplified procedures, ultimately to achieve better outcomes regularly.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts its practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests shortly after product launch, and publishes results annually online to help potential users identify high-quality new dental materials and determine which among them are best suited to fulfill their individual requirements.

For more information visit the website of DENTAL ADVISOR: www.dentaladvisor.com

By Dr. Michał Jaczewski

The durability of a composite restoration depends on many factors. Some are outside the practitioner's sphere of influence and are strongly patient-related. For example toothbrush and toothpaste type, brushing technique, diet, stimulants and hygiene habits all have an impact on the restoration. Following the best finishing and polishing protocol, however, is fully up to the dentist.

Correct polishing aims to remove the oxygen inhibition layer and produce a smooth restoration surface. A properly polished restoration will not absorb staining agents from food, drink or stimulants that lead to discoloration of the composite, ensuring a long-lasting aesthetic result of the restoration.

Polishing the composite is a process to which special attention should be paid. It consists of several steps and principles:

• The use of finishing discs allows for a smooth restoration surface , excess composite to be removed and the final shape to be given to the restoration. It is important to remember to work on a moistened surface with a maximum speed of 5,000-10,000 rpm on a 1:1 dental handpiece.

• Polishing rubbers, there are many types and shapes on the market. One of the most universal designed specifically for composite is TWIST™ DIA for Composite. This is a set consisting of two rubbers with different levels of abrasion. The first (dark blue) is used for preliminary rough polishing, the second (light-blue) for final gloss and smoothness. It should be remembered that working with these tools should be carried out on a dry surface without water cooling. Dry working carries the risk of irritating the dental pulp, so the working speed should be limited to between 5000 and 10000 rpm and excessive pressure must be avoided.

• The next step is to use a diamond polishing paste with a gradient of 1 to 5 microns. The use of a polishing goat wheel brush is recommended to use with this paste. The type of brush is not important, however, don’t use rigid bristles that could scratch the composite. Using the polishing brush and polishing paste make it possible to reach places which are difficult to access, such as the cervical area and proximal surfaces. In addition to this step, a celluloid diamond containing abrasive strip is used to polish the proximal surfaces more precisely. In order not to alter the contact points, low abrasive (Super Fine) strips should be used.

• A further step to increase the gloss of the restoration and to protect it against discoloration is an aluminum oxide paste with a cotton polishing brush. The use of such paste, originally dedicated to ceramics, results in an exceptionally smooth surface and a high gloss of the restoration surface. This step is carried out in a dry environment at a maximum speed of 5,000-10,000 rpm.

In all techniques, thus also the Flowable Injection Technique, the level of polishing influences the durability and the optical and aesthetic properties of the restoration. This key step in tooth restoration should therefore devoted sufficient time. Composites are characterized by different compositions and amounts of fillers which not only influence their properties, but also the ease with which they can be polished. In some cases, the procedure has to be repeated several times to achieve a "mirror effect". CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow is a composite which is very easy to polish to a high shine level, despite its high filler content. Specially adapted rubbers, brushers and pastes enable easy creation of a smooth surface thereby contributing to a lasting result.

BEFORE

AFTER

3-YEARS RECALL

MAKE THEM SHINE, MAKE THEM SMILE!

Would you like to know more about Flowable Injection Technique? Read the insightful and inspirational interview with Dr. Michał Jaczewski.

Dentist:

MICHAL JACZEWSKI

Michał Jaczewski graduated from Wroclaw Medical University in 2006 and today runs his private practice in the city of Legnica, Poland. He specializes in minimally invasive dentistry and digital dentistry and is the founder of the Biofunctional School of Occlusion. Here he lectures and runs workshops with focus on full comprehensive patient treatments.

AWARD WINNING PRODUCT

DENTAL ADVISOR has once again recognized PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal as a Top Product in the category of Indirect Restoratives. This dual-cure, fluoride-releasing, radiopaque self-adhesive resin cement adheres to virtually all substrates — including lithium disilicate — in a single-step procedure without the need for a separate primer or silane. It also offers easy, gingival-friendly removal of excess cement and requires no refrigeration.

SCIENCE BEHIND THE PRODUCT

It is because PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal combines two innovative technologies in a single product that a strong and durable bond can be achieved in a single step. The silane-coupling agent, LCSi monomer, establishes a durable, chemical bond with porcelain, lithium disilicate, and composite resin; and the original MDP monomer provides for chemical reactiveness with zirconia, dentin and enamel.

WIDE INDICATION RANGE

Due to its unique chemistry PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal represents a convenient, versatile, and efficacious single solution to practitioners’ everyday cementation needs for a wide variety of indications, including cementation of crowns/bridges, inlays/onlays, posts, splints, and even adhesion bridges.

EVALUATION

In its commendation, DENTAL ADVISOR stated, “As tested in DENTAL ADVISOR Laboratories, PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal with an incorporated silane primer had exceptional initial bond strength to dentin, lithium disilicate, and zirconia.”

The benefits and quality of PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal were further reflected in the findings and feedback of the 31 clinical evaluators who tested the cement during 516 applications. They praised its ease of use, handling characteristics, and aesthetics, and gave it an overall clinical rating of 96 percent. Among their comments: "Has an ideal film thickness and flows well.”,  "You can use this in a moist environment with no issues.” , and “Excess cement peels right away from the margin.”

ABOUT DENTAL ADVISOR

The Top Product and Preferred Product Awards conferred by US-based DENTAL ADVISOR were initially introduced to help busy practitioners make sense of the numerous new solutions indicated for less invasive techniques and standardised or simplified procedures, ultimately, to achieve better outcomes regularly.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts its practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests shortly after product launch. It publishes results annually online in its January/February issue to help potential users identify high-quality new dental materials and determine which among them are best suited to fulfil their individual requirements.

AWARD WINNING PRODUCT

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick has again been named a 2024 Preferred Product in the bonding agent category by DENTAL ADVISOR, which also recognized this universal bonding agent as an Editor’s Choice bonding agent. DENTAL ADVISOR’S roster of award-winning dental materials and equipment found by its evaluators to deliver the best practice-based performance was announced in its JAN/FEB 2024 issue.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick is a single-bottle, fluoride-releasing universal adhesive suitable for all direct and indirect restorations using a quick and simple technique. The material utilizes Rapid Bond Technology, merger of MDP monomer with new hydrophilic amide monomers, which creates a strong chemical bond to hydroxyapatite. Thanks to the amide monomer, which is highly hydrophilic, the adhesive quickly penetrates dental tissue to create a fast chemical bond to dentin and enamel, eliminating the need for prolonged scrubbing application of the adhesive into the dentin and long waiting times. After curing, the innovative amide monomer forms a moisture-resistant cross-linked polymer network.

APPLY AND PROCEED

Despite its ease of use and reduced application and wait times, there is no tradeoff in terms of bond strength: CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick delivers a bond that is moisture-resistant, stable, and durable.

VERSATILITY OF APPLICATION

This fast and versatile agent bonds directly to dentin, enamel, metals, zirconia and lithium disilicate restorative materials, and is appropriate for bonding direct and indirect restorations; it can also be used for total-etch, selective-etch, or self-etch methods.

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick is also an excellent choice when doing post cementation and core build-up procedures with CLEARFIL™ DC CORE PLUS . It can be used for treatment of the post surface, be it fiber or metal, but also for the tooth surface preparation before cementing with PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal, for example. Universal excellence at its best!

REMARKS FROM EVALUATORS

practitioners evaluating the CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick commented on its ease in dispensing and placement, viscosity, suitability for all bonding procedures, and convenience. Among their remarks were: "Quick application and cure time is ideal for situations where isolation is difficult, especially in a high moisture area.", "Loved that it is compatible with dual/self-cured resins and that it can be used in self-cure mode with CLEARFIL™ DC Activator”. and “It is compatible with virtually any bonding procedure."

ABOUT DENTAL ADVISOR

Honors such as Editor’s Choice and Preferred Product that are conferred by US-based DENTAL ADVISOR were introduced to help busy practitioners make sense of the numerous new solutions indicated for less invasive techniques and standardised or simplified procedures, ultimately to achieve better outcomes regularly.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts its practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests shortly after product launch, and publishes results annually online to help potential users identify high-quality new dental materials and determine which among them are best suited to fulfill their individual requirements.

Selective Adhesive Luting (SAL) is a hybrid technique for universal resin cements. It entails the application of a universal adhesive system only on easily accessible abutment surfaces, enabling simultaneous adhesive and self-adhesive luting in different portions of the abutment. A description of this novel technique and scientific evidence for the achieved effects is provided in this article authored by Prof. Breschi and colleagues from the University of Bologna. Its title:“Selective adhesive luting: A novel technique for improving adhesion achieved by universal resin cements”.

A VERSATILE RESIN CEMENT

PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal is a universal resin cement that may be applied in the self-adhesive mode – without any additional components – in many clinical situations. It even offers great bonding performance to lithium disilicate without the need for a separate bottle of silane. In-vitro studies have shown that the resin cement is moisture tolerant and versatile, establishing a strong and durable bond to virtually all kinds of restorative materials as well as to enamel and dentin.

ENHANCING THE BONDING PERFORMANCE

On the side of the tooth, however, the best possible bonding performance is obtained by applying CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick as a separate tooth primer. Hence, you may want to settle for this two-component adhesive luting technique in particularly challenging situations. It is still less complex than traditional adhesive luting and produces excellent outcomes.

MOISTURE SENSITIVITY AND WORKING FIELD CONSIDERATIONS

To function properly, however, universal adhesives need a completely dry working field, while self-adhesive resin cements are less sensitive to moisture. Thus, you might wonder which technique is best suited if you need the strongest possible chemical bond to enamel and dentin, but proper isolation with rubber dam is challenging or impossible – for example, because the abutment is short or the preparation margin is in a subgingival position. The solution in this case is termed Selective Adhesive Luting.

Selective application of a universal adhesive to those areas of etched enamel that are not at risk of being contaminated by moisture.

Article by Dr. Michał Jaczewski

COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS IN DENTISTRY

Composite restoration is the most common procedure performed by the dentist. There are many restorative techniques and a variety of restorative materials used in dentistry. Regardless of the type of material, the method of restoration and where it is applied, common issue is air bubbles in or at the surface of the composite layers. The composite restoration should be homogeneous to ensure the tightness of the filling and its durability. Repairing bubble defects is tedious and sometimes requires the replacement of the filling or part of it. Depending on the type of composite (flowable or paste composite) and/or the placement technique, the amount of defects may vary, but there are several causing factors.

MATERIAL CHOICE

In the Flowable Injection Technique, we use flowable composites, which obviously flow easily but are also sensitive to incorrect application. The first cause of forming air bubbles is the homogeneity of the material itself. Bubbles can be incorporated in the syringe at the manufacturing stage or during use. By using premium products, we can be sure that the highest quality material is supplied, and that the structure and design of the syringe allows for proper operation to reduce the formation of air bubbles within the material.

IMPORTANCE OF SYRINGE DESIGN 

CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow composite is designed to prevent the formation of air bubbles during dispensing. The special design of the syringe and plunger limit the possibility of dripping as well as backflow of the material during or after dispensing.

A unique safety feature inside the syringe is the special O-ring construction which prevents the material from flowing after pressure is released and at the same takes care for minimal retraction but avoiding the plunger from retracting too much.

RETRACTION OF PLUNGER

Another cause of air bubble formation is the incorporation of air into the syringe by deliberate retraction of the plunger. If the practitioner or ancillary staff have a habit of retracting the plunger after administering the composite, they may cause air to enter the syringe. During a following use the air will more than likely show up in the restoration as an air void.

IMPORTANCE OF PRESSURE ON THE INDEX

In the Flowable Injection Technique, we use a silicone index in which we apply the material to build up the tooth. The index should fit tightly to the tooth and should not move or being moved during injection. If it does air bubbles may show up. Pressing and then releasing the index will cause a suctioning effect and pull the composite away from the tooth as well as from the index. To avoid defects, constant pressure on the index should be maintained from the moment the material is injected until polymerisation.

Various modifications of the silicone index can be used to limit its mobility and reduce the risk of uncontrolled pressure on the tooth. Such an example is the index made on the interlip ("one yes one no") model, which provides a very high degree of stability as well as working safety.

WIDTH OF THE INJECTION HOLE

Another cause for getting air in the restoration is the width of the injection hole. If the hole is too tight, the index can be moved by the application tip during insertion or application. To avoid this problem, the hole could be widened to allow free insertion as well as manipulation of the tip during injection. A wider opening also allows any air to escape during dispensing. Most important , however, is to apply the material at continuous pressure and avoiding pulling out and reinserting the tip into the index. This may result in a non-uniform composite layer.

Would you like to know more about Flowable Injection Technique? Read the insightful and inspirational interview with Dr. Michal Jachzewski.

Dentist:

MICHAL JACZEWSKI

Michał Jaczewski graduated from Wroclaw Medical University in 2006 and today runs his private practice in the city of Legnica, Poland. He specializes in minimally invasive dentistry and digital dentistry and is the founder of the Biofunctional School of Occlusion. Here he lectures and runs workshops with focus on full comprehensive patient treatments.

AWARD WINNING PRODUCT

For the 9^th year in a row, CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow (Low) has been named a Top Product by Dental Advisor, which announced in its JAN/FEB 2024 issue its choices for dental materials and equipment found to deliver the best practice-based performance based on the publication’s annual review of such products.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow, which is available in three different levels of flowability, was the Top Product honoree in the Direct Restorative Category and was also given Editor’s Choice award for its medium viscosity version - Low.

Rather than limit practitioners to a single viscosity that might not be ideal for all flowable composite indications, CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow comes in one version firm enough to stay in place when applied, another malleable enough to fashion a specific shape, and a third runny enough to flow into every corner or undercut. The practitioner would thus be able to select the best version for the job at hand—choosing the high flowability variant for cavity linings and as a resin coat in immediate dentin sealing (IDS) procedures, but instead, the super low flowability option for direct veneer procedures and for the build-up of cusps, etc.

Beyond its handling advantages, this universal flowable composite, which incorporates Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.’s Light Diffusion Technology, is highly esthetic, with optical properties that enable the practitioner to fashion lifelike restorations that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.

EVALUATION

The flowable composite tested by the 29 DENTAL ADVISOR consultants in 909 uses in their dental practices was the medium flowability variant CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow (Low). Their evaluations focused on properties including placement/handling, esthetics, viscosity, and polishability, and they rated all these key features to be “excellent”. This led to a recommendation rate of 100% and a 98% overall clinical rating.

REMARKS FROM EVALUATORS

Among their comments were: “The material blended so well with the tooth structure that you had to really look to find the interface.”. “Readily apparent on radiographs.” and “One of the best flowable composites I have used.”.

ABOUT DENTAL ADVISOR

The Top Product and Preferred Product Awards conferred by US-based DENTAL ADVISOR were initially introduced to help busy practitioners make sense of the numerous new solutions indicated for less invasive techniques and standardised or simplified procedures, ultimately, to achieve better outcomes regularly.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts its practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests shortly after product launch. It publishes results annually online in its January/February issue to help potential users identify high-quality new dental materials and determine which among them are best suited to fulfil their individual requirements.

We are proud and delighted to announce that Kuraray Noritake Dental has been honored as the INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR by DENTAL ADVISOR.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts annual practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests. The results are published online in the January/February issue, aiding potential users in identifying high-quality new dental materials and selecting those best suited to their individual requirements.

Quoting DENTAL ADVISOR: “Kuraray Noritake was chosen as innovative company of the year because of their constant ability to adapt to market needs and change. Their products are universally accepted by dental professionals as market leaders due to their ease of use and consistently high laboratory performance, making them ideal choices for long-term clinical results.”

In addition to being recognized as an innovative company, our products underwent testing and received prestigious DENTAL ADVISOR medals:

• CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow (Low) received the Top Product Award for the 9th consecutive year in the Highly-Filled Flowable Composites category.
• CLEARFIL™ SE Protect, a Top Product Award winner in the Self Etch Bonding Agent category, has held this honor for the 10th consecutive year.
• Our very own PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal secured the Self-Adhesive Cement category win.
• CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick was honored with the Preferred Product Award in the Universal Bonding Agents category.
• Lastly, our most recent cement, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC, received the Research Award.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated practitioners worldwide who have placed their trust in Kuraray Noritake Dental products. Your unwavering commitment to excellence fuels our ongoing pursuit of innovation and quality. We are honored to stand alongside you in advancing dental care, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you for choosing Kuraray Noritake Dental – where innovation meets trust, and quality meets precision.

By Dr. Aleksandra Łyżwińska, Warsaw, Poland.

Every dentist aims to polish to a high gloss without damaging the freshly modeled occlusal surface. Firstly, use high-quality polishing rubbers. The plural form is not accidental (Fig. 1). In my opinion, a single rubber systems are not capable of achieving an impeccable gloss in a safe manner. Be patient and gentle. Polishing requires time and a delicate touch.

Fig. 1.

Immediately after polymerization the composite is covered with an oxygen inhibition layer (Fig. 2). It is imperative to remove it by a brush and any polishing paste or a prophylactic sandblaster. The next step is to remove excess composite using abrasive discs, burs and firm polishing rubber points.

Fig. 2.

During polishing without water cooling, the rubber leaves crumbling on the composite surface (Fig. 3). These fragments can be spread across the restoration surface using a fine nylon brush. This allows for the polishing of each fissure and pit (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

The key to long lasting shine is polishing with gradation. Time to change a rubber point to the dark blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber, which is more abrasive than light blue one (Fig. 5). Remember to apply gentle pressure and maintain a maximum speed of 8000 revolutions per minute. This way, you will achieve fine particles without the risk of overheating the pulp. The particles were once again spread over the entire surface. The thinner the bristle, the better the polishing effect in the grooves (Fig. 6).

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Third round: use the light blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber for a mirror-like gloss (Fig. 7). A beautiful gloss emerges beneath the particles. An alternative to thin nylon brushes is brushes made from natural goat hair (Fig. 8).

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.

Polishing is not only a matter of aesthetics but, above all, function. The adherence of bacterial biofilm to a polished composite is significantly lower than to a rough surface (Fig. 9). My recipe for achieving a mirror-like gloss polish: high-quality diamond rubber points with gradation, used with sensitivity over an extended period (Fig. 10).

Fig. 9.

Fig. 10.

Dentist:

DR. ALEKSANDRA ŁYŻWIŃSKA
Warsaw, Poland

Dr. Aleksandra Łyżwińska is a restorative dentist. She graduated from the Warsaw Medical University in 2017, where she was an assistant professor at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. Her focus lies in modern adhesive techniques, resin composites and biomaterials.

2024 MARKS THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

• Dragons, those mythical beings, embody innate courage, unyielding tenacity, and boundless intelligence. They fearlessly embrace challenges and eagerly venture into uncharted territories.
• The Year of the Dragon is hailed as a time of great power, auspicious beginnings, and transformative possibilities.
• This image, inspired by the traditional Japanese art of kirigami, combines age-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge AI technology. Just like the dragon, it represents a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation.

EMBRACE 2024 WITH OPEN ARMS –
IT BRINGS FORTH A YEAR OF NEW POSSIBILITIES

It is probably the best-known component of a dental product Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. (Kuraray Noritake Dental) has ever developed: 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate, in short, the MDP monomer. Invented more than 40 years ago – the first product containing it was introduced in 1983 – MDP is still the leading functional monomer used to establish a long-term, durable and stable bond to hydroxyapatite in tooth structure and to metal oxides in restorative materials (oxide ceramics and metal alloys).

Nowadays, it is found in every dental adhesive and every component of a resin cement system with adhesive properties from Kuraray Noritake Dental. These include:

In addition, MDP has become an integral part of most universal adhesives and many adhesive cementation systems of other manufacturers as well. However, not all MDP is alike …

MDP: Chemical structure and mechanism of adhesion

The MDP monomer consists of three essential parts: A polymerizable group, a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group. The co-polymerizable methacrylate group has a terminal double bond enabling polymerisation. The large hydrophobic alkylene group – also referred to as the spacer – has the task to maintain a delicate balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the monomer and offers great resistance to degradation. Finally, the hydrophilic phosphate group is responsible for acidic demineralisation, for chemical bonding with calcium in hydroxyapatite and for bonding with zirconia¹ (as well as with metal).

Bonding performance

Lots of in-vitro studies have been carried out to investigate the bonding behaviour of 10-MDP in the context of direct and indirect restorative procedures. No matter whether a cavity is to be filled with resin composite or an indirect restoration is to be placed, a strong and long-lasting bond to tooth structure needs to be established.Chemical structure of adhesive monomer 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate (MDP).

The critical substrate in this context is dentin, while bonding to enamel is found to be less challenging. That is why it is so important that (self-etch) adhesives containing 10-MDP show an extraordinarily high bond strength to tooth structure, particularly to dentin². In fact, 10-MDP also provides for a high bond stability over time by establishing an acid-base resistant zone on the adhesive interface³. This means that a great long-term performance may be expected. Fortunately, a great clinical long-term performance of products containing the MDP monomer has already been confirmed: A group from the University of Leuven (Belgium) has presented excellent results of a thirteen-year clinical trial involving the use of CLEARFIL™ SE Bond in 2015⁴.

When bonding to indirect restorations made of zirconia, the surface area of the ceramic should be increased by sandblasting⁵. Pre-treated in the recommended way, the bond strength to zirconia tends to be particularly high when MDP-based resin cement systems are used⁶. It is thus widely recommended by experts in the field of adhesive dentistry to employ MDP-containing primers or resin cements for the placement of zirconia-based restorations, especially those with a non- or less retentive preparation. The fact that products containing 10-MDP work well in this context has been confirmed in different clinical studies with observation periods of up to 10 years^7,8. The products used in these studies were PANAVIA™ 21, PANAVIA™ F2.0 and the latest version of the multi-component cementation system from Kuraray Noritake Dental, PANAVIA™ V5, which performed best.

Not all MDP is alike

Ever since the basic patent for MDP has expired, other manufacturers of dental adhesives and adhesive resin cements have started integrating the functional monomers in their own products. However, it has been revealed that there are differences in the purity of the MDP monomers synthesized and used, and that these differences have an impact on the long-term bonding performance of the products containing the MDP⁹. According to in-vitro test results, the Original MDP Monomer synthesized by Kuraray Noritake Dental stands out due to an unmatched level of purity. This purity has a positive effect on the microstructure and thickness of the hybrid layer formed on dentin, the intensity of nano-layering and the bond strength measured immediately as well as after artificial aging⁹.

Conclusion

The data summarized above reveals that after 40 years in clinical service, the Original MDP Monomer from Kuraray Noritake Dental is still a class of its own. It has everything needed to establish a strong and long-lasting bond to tooth structure, resin composite and metal oxides, and is therefore a valuable component in virtually every adhesive system. In order to provide for a high bond quality, however, it may be best to use an MDP monomer with a confirmed high purity – the Original MDP Monomer.

References

1. Nagaoka N, Yoshihara K, Feitosa VP, Tamada Y, Irie M, Yoshida Y, Van Meerbeek B, Hayakawa S. Chemical interaction mechanism of 10-MDP with zirconia. Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 30;7:45563.
2. Fehrenbach J, Isolan CP, Münchow EA. Is the presence of 10-MDP associated to higher bonding performance for self-etching adhesive systems? A meta-analysis of in vitro studies. Dent Mater. 2021 Oct;37(10):1463-1485.
3. Carrilho E, Cardoso M, Marques Ferreira M, Marto CM, Paula A, Coelho AS. 10-MDP Based Dental Adhesives: Adhesive Interface Characterization and Adhesive Stability-A Systematic Review.
4. Peumans M, De Munck J, Van Landuyt K, Van Meerbeek B. Thirteen-year randomized controlled clinical trial of a two-step self-etch adhesive in non-carious cervical lesions. Dent Mater. 2015 Mar;31(3):308-14.
5. Kern M, Barloi A, Yang B. Surface conditioning influences zirconia ceramic bonding. J Dent Res. 2009; 88: 817–822.
6. Özcan M, Bernasconi M. Adhesion to zirconia used for dental restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adhes Dent. 2015 Feb;17(1):7-26.
7. Kern M, Passia N, Sasse M, Yazigi C. Ten-year outcome of zirconia ceramic cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses and the influence of the reasons for missing incisors. J Dent. 2017 Oct;65:51-55.
8. Bilir H, Yuzbasioglu E, Sayar G, Kilinc DD, Bag HGG, Özcan M. CAD/CAM single-retainer monolithic zirconia ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures bonded with two different resin cements: Up to 40 months clinical results of a randomized-controlled pilot study. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022 Oct;34(7):1122-1131.
9. Yoshihara K. et al. Functional monomer impurity affects adhesive performance. Dent Mater. 2015 Dec;31(12):1493–1501.