CDE0211

I 37 industry report _ compobonds I cosmeticdentistry 2_2011 The chemical method involves etching the porcelain with hydrofluoric acid for three minutes. It is impor- tant to note that only silica-based ceramics can be etched with hydrofluoric acid, and if the fracture extendsdeeperintoanaluminaorzirconiasubstruc- ture, the latter will require mechanical roughening with a diamond bur. Customarily, the next stage is application of hy- drofluoric acid and silane for creating a silica–silane bond. However, this is superfluous when using Vertise Flow, as the later incorporates an acidic phosphate monomer that bonds to silica, as well as alumina and zirconia ceramics. The A2 shade of Vertise Flow was dispensed directly onto the etched fracturesite(Fig.57),andspreadintimately,ensuring firm contact with the porcelain (Fig. 58). In order to mimic the incisal edge translucency, the Trans- lucent shade of Vertise Flow was used at the incisal edge (Fig. 59), and slightly overbuilt to compensate for the polishing stage (Fig. 60). Finishing and polishing were carried out using sequentially finer grit discs (OptiDisc, Kerr; Fig. 61), creating a sur- face roughness (Ra) of approximately 0.2 µm, equal toorlessthanthethresholdrequiredforbacterialand plaque adhesion (Ra = 0.2 µm).39 The post-operative resultshowsthepolishedrepairharmoniouslyblend- ing with the surrounding porcelain (Fig. 62). Similar to porcelain repairs, existing chipped or marginally stained composites (both direct and indirect restorations) can be effortlessly repaired. Theprotocolisminimallyinvasive,economical,quick and spares the patient protracted appointments to replace the entire restoration, which can instead be monitored at periodic recalls. _Conclusion This article has introduced the evolution of a new dentalrestorativematerial,thecompobonds.Thedis- cussionhasfocusedontherationaleforthedevelop- ment of compobonds, citing technological advances in both DBAs and resin-based composite formula- tions. In addition, a proprietary product, Vertise Flow is described as the first generation of flowable com- pobonds with clinical applications similar to existing flowable composites, and some novel uses, such as direct,intra-oral,porcelainfracturerepairs.Theben- efitsofcombininganSEDBAwithacomposite-resin eliminate the technique-sensitive protocols associ- atedwithdentinebonding,makingtheentireprocess simpler and more predictable. However, as with any newmaterial,scientificscrutinyandclinicaltrialswill untimely judge the efficacy of compobonds and, if successful, will pave the way for non-flowable vari- eties to simplify direct composite restorations._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available fromthepublisher. Fig. 57_The A2 shade of Vertise Flow is dispensed onto the site. Fig. 58_A brush is used to spread the Vertise Flow to cover the fracture site. Fig. 59_The Translucent shade of Vertise Flow is used to build the incisal edge. Fig. 60_Palatal view showing the overbuilt repair before polishing. Fig. 61_Polishing is carried out with various grits of OptiDisc to create a high lustre. Fig. 62_Post-op view showing the “invisible” repair with a smooth texture and high lustre, impeccably blending with the surrounding porcelain. Dr Irfan Ahmad The Ridgeway Dental Surgery 173The Ridgeway,North Harrow Middlesex,HA2 7DF UK iahmadbds@aol.com www.irfanahmadtrds.co.uk cosmeticdentistry _contact Fig. 58 Fig. 59Fig. 57 Fig. 61 Fig. 62Fig. 60