An Esthetic Composite With Fiber-Reinforced Strength
December 1, 2020
Volume 16, Issue 12, December 2020
Page(s): p. 48
In dental school, many practitioners were taught that amalgam was the only choice for the posterior region. When these individuals first started placing composites in practice, it was for esthetic reasons only. However, with the development of newer, stronger composite technology, clinicians have even more options to offer patients. For example, GC's everX Flow™ is a fiber-reinforced flowable composite that is designed to be used for dentin replacement in bulk-filling and core buildup applications or in cases involving weakened or cracked tooth structure in combination with a conventional composite as the enamel layer.
Similar to the concept of iron rebar in construction, the short fiber content of everX Flow helps reinforce restorations and displays an exceptionally high fracture toughness. The fibers also help to redirect cracks and prevent catastrophic failures, which makes everX Flow an optimal material to use in weakened or cracked teeth, such as those that have had amalgam removed. In addition, everX Flow has a thixotropic viscosity that allows it to flow and adapt to the cavity floor without slumping, even when used in upper molars.
Nosti recounts his first experiences handling the material. "It didn't fully resonate with me until I started using it in a patient's mouth," he says. "It flows out really well, but sometimes just after it comes out, you can see that it has a lot of reinforcement in it, and there are some hills and valleys in the material. However, once you put it in and take the tip and stir it around a bit, it becomes very fluid and levels out beautifully." With its convenient tip, there's no need for any extra instruments when placing everX Flow.
"It is quite amazing when you look at what these fibers are doing for the composite," Nosti says. "Even if a small marginal crack develops, it's not going to propagate through the composite restoration. No one ever wants to hear a patient say, ‘I broke that tooth you just filled.'"
The replacement of old amalgam restorations is a perfect indication for everX Flow. "There is usually going to be a surprise when we remove the amalgam," Nosti explains. "Dentists have all had to have the same conversation with these patients, noting that they can't make any promises that the tooth isn't going to get worse. But now, we have this product that is really going to help the patient and also make us look like heroes."
To address all of your practice's clinical needs, everX Flow can be used with GC's G-Premio BOND™ or your current dentin adhesive, and it is available in two shades. The "Bulk" shade features a 5.5-mm depth of cure and is perfect for deep cavities or whenever you need to speed up the treatment. The "Dentin" shade, which has a higher opacity and a 2.0-mm depth of cure, is ideal for core buildups and will be the best choice when you are looking for the most natural looking esthetic results.
"This is a composite that you want to have on hand," Nosti says. "You want it on your tray in the beginning, rather than after being surprised when taking out a restoration and seeing what is underneath. With everX Flow, you're prepared."
John Nosti, DMD, is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is the clinical director of the Clinical Mastery Series and maintains a private practice in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
