From performance to ease of use – dental adhesives have come quite a long way, paving a path for faster application that cuts down on the risk of contamination by saliva or blood, thereby increasing the viability of the final restoration. Additionally, they can also be used in multiple clinical situations as they bond to different types of materials ranging from dentin, enamel and base metal alloys.
Both direct & indirect bonding can use universal adhesives
As the name suggests, direct restorations are usually performed directly on the prepared teeth or tooth. A certain tooth-coloured composite resin is placed and then shaped before curing. Indirect restorations are also created outside of the mouth by using dental impressions. More often than not, this involves working with a dental laboratory to manufacture the restoration before final placement. Since most clinicians use more than just one dental adhesive based on the clinical indication, universal adhesives can actually be used for both procedures, thereby simplifying both processes and hence, streamlining their inventory.
Any of the etch types can be used by universal adhesives & still deliver good bonding
In order to bond the adhesive to the tooth the surfaces must be roughened through a process that’s called etching. To be more precise, there are three different types of etching:
- Total Etch: This is when both enamel and dentin are etched using phosphoric acid.
- Selective Etch: This is when only the enamel is etched with phosphoric acid.
- Self Etch: This is when the etchant or etching chemical is contained within the adhesive but no phosphoric acid is used.
Not all universal adhesives are created equal
Considering the fact that there are so many variables involved, it can be quite overwhelming to make the right adhesive choice. However, there are quite a few things that must be kept in mind when making a selection listed below:
- One that has good bond strength
- One that is compatible with your skill and technique
- One that can be used for more applications than one
- One that can be used for multiple substrates
Long-term clinical success
Using an adhesive that can be used for multiple applications and substrates can be quite beneficial because it not only simplifies and quickens application, but also helps eliminate confusion while also ensuring consistent results. The more you use a certain adhesive, the more you understand it. While it may be difficult to source qualitative adhesives considering its wide availability, Smart Medical Buyer is one of the most trusted online medical stores that can deliver all types of dental products at your doorsteps, without any hassles.
The long-term success of any dental restoration is determined by the type of adhesive used. However, making the right choice isn’t always as easy as it may seem. So, in order to get a clearer perspective about dental adhesives, have a look at the above-mentioned factors while selecting one!