Strong substrates need strong bonds, and a strong bond starts with the primer. Peak-ZM zirconia and metal primer is specifically designed to provide high adhesion between the zirconia or metal surface and the luting material.

“PermaFlo DC, a composite luting resin, has some unique capabilities. It has been put under the category of “dual-cure” because that’s well known to dentists. However, in reality, an actual dual-cure product would be able to be a stand-alone light cure product. Or, it would be a stand-alone chemical cure product in two separate, disconnected syringes,” Dr. Fischer, Ultradent CEO emeritus. “The challenge with that, for years, was that all ‘dual-cure composites’, if used only in the chemical cure mode, would never polymerize as completely as they should, and would never come out as strong as they could if they had been light activated.” He continues, “What dentists really need a ‘dual-cure,’ where adequate light can’t reach in the restoration to assure quality polymerization, like with an opacious crown or a restoration in the deep interproximal area, sub gingivally.”

Recent articles suggest that there is a certain monomer responsible for quality bonds, but the truth is that the strength of a bond lies squarely in the balance of the chemistry of the product, rather than just one “magical ingredient.” Neil Jessop, Director of Research and Development for Ultradent Products, Inc. says, “It isn’t one specific monomer that promotes such high-level bond strengths, but the balance of chemistry and a synergy of components working together that affords stability, repeatability, and reliable, long-term bonds.”

The attitude towards temporaries has come a long way since their introduction to the dental industry many years ago. In fact, some dentists say that they used to purposely place less-than-esthetic temporaries on their patients to make sure that the patient would come back for the final restoration! Thank goodness times have changed. With a strong emphasis on esthetic, beautiful smiles, today’s patients want their temporaries to resemble the final result as closely as possible—fitting in seamlessly with the rest of the teeth in both color and luster, until the final restoration is placed. But do the esthetic temporaries that patients now demand create more work for the dentist? Not necessarily..

Have you ever experienced the composite resin drying out or becoming difficult to handle during a restoration? This can be quite common, depending on the layering technique and / or the restorative material used.

The digital world is putting new pressures on the cosmetic dental industry. The desire for a dazzling smile is no longer just for face-to-face interactions—for many, their virtual grin is far more vital. Photogenic smiles get blasted across the globe on the seemingly endless supply of social media platforms. A picture becomes a post and that post gets viewed by our closest friends, family… and the internet at large. The ensuing digital judgement crosses back through the virtual matrix and skews our real-world perceptions.

By Dr. Gary Findley

In the search of a more conservative, affordable and aesthetic approach, direct composite restorations are the most common choice. However, achieving success in a timely manner remains a challenge.

Michelangelo took four years to paint the Sistine Chapel and two years to complete the sculpture of David. Masterpieces take time, which is a luxury most dentists aren't typically afforded. Creating art within the real-world constraints of a dentist's schedule is a daunting task—but tools exist that can help professionals of varying skill levels create highly aesthetic restorations consistently and efficiently.