Bisco's Quantium Universal Composite
It is hard to get excited about a new composite, but Bisco’s Quantium Universal Composite makes a—pardon the pun—quantum leap in the field of universal composites. What makes this material rather unique is its handling. A lot has been said about the benefits of heating composites to make them more fluid and increase margin adaptability while reducing marginal shrinkage. Quantium has been formulated to handle like a warmed composite, with or without actually warming. If you choose to warm the unit-dose capsules, you can do so up to one hour in advance of placement without compromising the material’s strength or reliability.
Quantium is highly radiopaque, has high wear resistance and strength, and polishes to a high gloss. The material contains unique microfillers that reinforce strength and reduce volumetric shrinkage in a proprietary, prepolymerization process that allows for increased filler loading to aid in high-gloss polishing and facilitate handling. There are eight shades available in both enamel and body unit-dose (my preference) or syringes: Vita A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1, and B2. Bleach and Incisal shades are also available in both delivery systems to enhance the esthetics of the restoration as needed. Intro kits include a 6 ml bottle of their terrific All-Bond Universal adhesive and a syringe of Select HV Etch. Quantium is indicated in all cavity classifications in both the anterior and posterior dentition. Take the quantum leap and try this material … you will not be disappointed!
Axiodent's AxioPro ART
Pulpal sensitivity can be quite bothersome to both the dentist and patient. Many times, you provide a beautiful restoration, yet the patient experiences discomfort, especially with thermal changes. While this is often an indicator of a potential endodontic problem, it is more likely that no protective liner or pulp protector was placed prior to the placement of the restoration.
AxioPro ART is a light-cured, resin-modified calcium hydroxide/tricalcium phosphate pulp protectant/liner that is fortified with hydroxyapatite and contains barium zirconate for a high degree of radiopacity. This material is conveniently dispensed in syringe format with small aperture prebent tips for easy application into the cavity preparation for both indirect and direct pulp capping. The material is antibacterial and provides an accelerated formation of a secondary dentin bridge and calcium ions. AxioPro ART is indicated for use under alloy and composite restorations, as well as prior to cementation on vital teeth. Convenient and economical application makes this a product that is worthy of trying to help ensure a successful long-term, pain-free restoration and a comfortable patient.
Cosmedent's Full Contact Sectional Matrix Bands
A successful composite restoration is dependent on a tight interproximal contact to ensure optimal contact and maintain periodontal health. Cosmedent’s Full Contact Sectional Matrix Bands help to achieve success in interproximal contact and marginal contouring.
These ultrathin, precontoured bands are designed to eliminate flash, can be used with any ring or wedge system (placing wedge from the buccal and lingual will further create a tight seal), and will not slip out during the restorative process. The sectional bands are available in both small and large sizes to fit pediatric and adult restorative situations. A tight seal is paramount to prevent marginal leakage, thereby reducing sensitivity and secondary decay and ensuring the long-term success of the restoration. Obviously, sectional matrix bands are a necessity in class II restorations, but I have also used them on teeth adjacent to crowns to serve as a guide to the contours of the adjacent tooth and protect from iatrogenic nicking. This is a welcome solution to facilitating the matrix process that benefits dentists and patients alike.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the November/December 2025 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
