Strength in depth

11 July 2011
Volume 27 · Issue 7

There are big chairside time savings to be made with a new bulk fill flowable composite

Chairside time savings on deep restorations using Venus Bulk Fill flowable composite have been confirmed by the findings of an independent study conducted by the Reality Research Lab in the US. Compared to incremental build-up for deep cavities, the Reality report stated that 'placing a thicker layer can speed up the procedure, which is what most of us want'.

The study said that because the new range of bulk fill composites, 'don't put significant shrinkage stresses on the developing bond' they should be able to be placed 'in relatively thick layers (about 4mm)'. Reality's findings reinforce the results of an Integrated Media survey last year in the US which reported that more than four out of five dentists surveyed claimed 'savings of up to ten hours of chairside time per month' when they use a bulk fill material.

Roberts Marus, a dentist in Yardley, US confirmed the potential chairside time savings saying: 'Venus Bulk Fill delivers what the dental profession has been looking for – the complete confidence to bulk fill an aesthetic posterior composite restoration in half the procedure time without sacrificing quality.'

With an 85 per cent cure after 40 seconds, Venus Bulk Fill performed even better than the only other available bulk fill material in tests conducted by Reality Research. Reality found that these materials '.....had significantly less shrinkage stress compared with a conventional flowable [composite]. And this shrinkage stress was statistically the same as that of glass ionomer base'.

Venus Bulk Fill from Heraeus is an advanced low-stress flowable posterior restorative. It provides dentists with a faster, easier technique than incremental layering in deep cavities (up to 4mm). The material is ideal for use in class I and II direct restorations or as a cavity lining under direct restorative materials. The results include a reduction in chairside time and a more cost-effective restoration with:

  • low shrinkage stress
  • flowable self-adaptive handling
  • easy placement technique (in up to 4mm increments).

The new Heraeus composite has a long working time but, it is quick and simple to use, in just three easy steps. Venus Bulk Fill is highly radiopaque and compatible with methacrylate bonding adhesives. The product is available in syringes and pre-loaded tubes (PLTs).

According to Andrew Shannon, a Vancouver dentist: 'The self-adapting handling properties of Venus Bulk Fill provide the ideal flowability into all cavo-surfaces....This combined with the confidence of sealed margins and low shrinkage stress, together are the ideal components for perfect restorations.'

Venus Bulk Fill is quick and simple to use:

  • apply bond to the cavity and cure
  • bulk fill up to 4mm deep and cure
  • complete the filling with 2mm of regular composite (for example, Venus or Venus Diamond) then cure and finish.

Heraeus has a 'Buy three get one free' introductory offer on Venus Bulk Fill Syringe and PLT refill packs. Call 01635 30500 to place an order.