Written by Andrew Sedler
Composite materials have gained significant popularity in dental restorations due to their versatile applications in tooth restoration and cosmetic enhancements. These materials have undergone notable advancements, resulting in enhanced physical and aesthetic characteristics. Consequently, they are extensively utilized to repair damaged or decayed teeth and improve the dentition’s overall appearance.
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Composite restorations offer distinct advantages when compared to alternative dental materials. They present a viable option in various restorative cases due to their minimal thickness requirements and conservative preparation designs. With the ability to be directly bonded to teeth and their natural tooth-like properties, composites achieve a high level of esthetics. Moreover, compared to other materials, they cause less wear on opposing dentition.
Furthermore, composite restorations allow for easy chairside customization as they can be easily adjusted.
Dentists may benefit from prescribing indirect composite restorations in several ways:
Like other materials in dentistry, composite restorations have evolved and made advancements improving the performance of this material in a variety of ways. This is especially true when comparing direct composite materials to indirect laboratory composites.
Laboratory-fabricated composite resins offer additional curing methods beneficial to the material’s strength and longevity.
Other recent advancements in composite restoration include:
Overall, these advancements in composite materials have led to improved outcomes for dental patients, with stronger, more durable, and more aesthetically pleasing restorations.
Indirect laboratory fabrication methods can use a variety of composite materials. Researchers and testers at Burbank Dental Lab have found great success with Ceramage (SHOFU), Lava™ Ultimate (3M™), and Burbank Dental Labs’ own SmartComposite® Hybrid.
Zirconium silicate is integrated into Ceramage, which is a layered composite. Micro-fine ceramic particles are embedded in an organic polymer matrix, accounting for 73% of the material. As a result of this formulation, this product has exceptional flexural strength, polishability, and flexibility.
Our experience at Burbank Dental Lab has shown that this material can create natural-looking dental restorations that blend beautifully with natural dentition. Furthermore, Ceramage offers the following advantages:
Burbank Dental Lab implant scan specialist provides the special scan bodies for insertion in the patient’s newly placed implant sites.
Scan Bodies are removed and special healing abutments are placed on the implant sites. Soft tissue can now be scanned with an intra-oral scanner.
The data from both scans are then sent to the laboratory. The ICam4d data and soft tissue scans are aligned to become a high-precision dental model.
The 3M™ Lava™ Ultimate CAD/CAM restorations are resin nano ceramics (RNC). Restorations using LAVA Ultimate are milled from blocks that contain nano-ceramic particles encapsulated in a resin matrix. Resin-to-ceramic ratios are precisely controlled in the manufacturing of blocks or discs for milling. Due to this, the material has unique esthetic and durability properties.
These restorations can be customized intra- or extra-orally once they have been milled. Using this technique ensures a seamless adaptation to the existing dentition. Lava Ultimate also offers the following benefits:
Inlays and onlays can be made from Ceramage or Lava ultimate restorations. The wear rate of composite is similar to that of natural enamel, making it ideal for cases with occlusal margins.
A composite restoration can also be used in the following ways:
Note: When fabricating long-span bridges or areas where bonding is not feasible, Ceramage and Lava Ultimate are not recommended.
Carefully following and complying with ideal preparation guidelines can help ensure the best results from composite restorations. Isthmus width and occlusal clearance should both be 1.5mm.
There should be a 90° shoulder margin and an occlusal margin, and the internal line angles should be rounded. When the right foundation is laid, the restorations will fit perfectly and be well-adapted to the patient.
The first step for proper cementation and finishing should be to use an adhesive resin or a dual-cure resin. Salinate and clean the restoration, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the bonding agent you have chosen.
Once the case has been seated, chairside adjustments can be made. A diamond polishing paste and fine diamonds can be used to make these adjustments. A composite rotary instrument is recommended for applying the polishing paste.
For larger cases, the best option may be the SmartComposite® Hybrid. It consists of a milled composite with a cobalt-chromium (Co/Cr) alloy frame. An overlay of composite is milled over the Co/Cr framework for this restoration option. An overlay of composite material is then bonded to the framework. To replicate tissue, a pink composite is added.
The use of SmartComposite Hybrids provides the following benefits:
Hybrid SmartComposite® cases are excellent options for cases requiring a material that will wear gradually and be easy to repair. SmartComposite is an excellent option when two screw-retained implant-supported prostheses are opposing each other in larger, more complex cases.
Clinical practitioners often prescribe monolithic zirconia prostheses for the upper jaw. A SmartComposite prosthesis should be fabricated on the lower arch if both arches are being restored, which relieves stress in the mouth.
There is constant change and evolution in the dental field. Keep up with the latest materials available and add solutions to your arsenal that provide unique treatment options for your patients. Dedicated to providing the best restorations possible, Burbank Dental Lab continually researches materials.
Even though indirect composite restorations aren’t the most prescribed in dentistry, they are essential to providing excellent oral health. Contact Burbank Dental Lab today to obtain the best treatment plan and material options.
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