NewsletterThis single composite is suitable for both posterior and anterior restorations.
Once, it was not considered possible for a composite to be used as a universal restorative material for placement in both anterior and posterior restorations. Traditional composites were divided into two categories based on either strength and durability or esthetics. Composites in the first category had better strength properties due to larger filler particles and pre-polymerized filler aggregations—making them durable enough for posterior placement and opposing dentition wear, but often yielding a more opaque, dull appearance. In the second category were composites with smaller particle sizes and decreased filler loading, offering better esthetics, translucency, and polishability for anterior cases, but typically with lower strength and durability. Over time, improvements in chemistries have led to the development of materials with excellent strength properties and wear characteristics as well as esthetics, making them suitable for use in both the anterior and posterior dentition without compromising any of the desired characteristics. A universal composite that offers practitioners the flexibility to use a single restorative material within a system for all their esthetic cases as well as their posterior restorations simplifies the restorative process; it also enables them to decrease inventory and overhead while also providing excellent restorations anywhere within the oral cavity.
Tokuyama’s Estelite® Sigma Quick, with its unique supra-nano monodispersing spherical filler particles, is an excellent example of a universal composite for everyday anterior and posterior restorations that can also be used for extremely challenging esthetic situations. The unique characteristics that Estelite® Sigma Quick delivers are derived from the uniform-diameter, fine filler particles. The supra-nano particle size is defined as being within the range of smaller than a micron and bigger than a nanometer (between 100 nm and 1,000 nm). Because the average particle filler size of Estelite® Sigma Quick is 200 nm, it is considered a supra-nano-fill composite. Traditional composite systems and most current technologies are using polydispersed particle technology.
On a daily basis, dentists are challenged with providing restorations in the anterior and posterior dentition that can restore the tooth’s durability and function while at the same time provide a level of esthetic believability. The goal in repairing these defects is to treat them quickly and efficiently to obviate the need to make multiple layers with numerous different shades of composite to achieve a realistic appearance while also imparting strength, durability, and longevity. Being able to use one shade of composite and easily create a realistic restoration that blends in with the natural tooth structure is nothing short of amazing. Replacing large portions of absent tooth structure often requires numerous layers and stratification of composites. However, for the simpler cavity restorations performed in the office, a single layer is more desirable from a time, overhead, and simplicity point of view. Anterior esthetic composite restorations can be placed with dramatic results using one increment of Tokuyama’s Estelite® Sigma Quick composite.
Ordinary interproximal cavities (Class 3 restorations) on anterior teeth can be restored easily with one individual increment and shade of the Estelite® Sigma Quick to create a very realistic life-like appearance without the need to place numerous shades and layers. Figure 1 shows the preparation, and Figure 2 shows the unique advantages of the spherical fillers in diffusing light for a “miracle match” to surrounding tooth structure. Figure 3 shows the delivery system for the composite material.
That Estelite® Sigma Quick is 82% filled by weight allows it to have excellent strength and durability to withstand the demands of the posterior dentition and the harsh environment of the oral cavity. Coupled with the supra-nano filler particles, it provides excellent strength for universal applications and can provide a superior shine in less time than most other composites. These spherical fillers resist long-term wear and plucking, and they provide superior polish retention for many years. The low 1.3% volumetric shrinkage reduces marginal leakage and stress on the restoration–tooth complex. Furthermore, because Estelite® Sigma Quick is superior at diffusing light, one shade of Estelite® Sigma Quick (A3 as an example), can span through multiple shades. This results in fewer inventories for the office and a more forgiving composite when trying to match shades. While most composites can have some color variation after light-curing, the Estelite® Sigma Quick is very color stable, yielding virtually the same results viewed prior to curing as well as after light-curing.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 provided by Todd Snyder, DDS.
For more information, contact:
Tokuyama Dental Corporation
Phone: 877-378-3548
Web: www.tokuyama-us.com
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry.
