Placing composite restorations can be challenging depending on the extent of the preparation, location in the mouth, and patient expectations regarding the outcome, says Lori Trost, DMD. The practitioner and clinical product evaluator notes that it is also important to keep costs and time at top of mind when placing composites. "Often, we spend ample time on a restoration and at the end of the procedure, we realize that what we quoted the patient simply didn't cover the chairtime spent getting the restoration just right," she says.

Therefore, Trost suggests, choosing the right restorative materials and sticking with a predictable workflow is imperative. "There are three Kulzer products that I routinely use when placing many composite restorations. I know what to expect of them, how my restorations will turn out, and most importantly, that they will last."

Venus^® Bulk Flow ONE, Venus^® Pearl, and iBOND^® Universal have been staples in Trost's busy St. Louis-area office for years, she attests. "The Venus brand of composites have demonstrated proven success."

Trost explains that the special resin matrix (tricyclodecane or TCD urethane) sets the Venus composites apart from many others on the market. "The resin matrix makes for a stronger restoration with minimal shrinkage and high wear resistance," she says. "This is particularly important when I am restoring posterior composites or an incisal edge. The material has great sculptability and finishes nicely with discs and diamond-impregnated polishers."

Further, Trost acknowledges, using Venus Bulk Flow ONE is "terrific for quick and easy Class I restorations." She adds that she uses this universal shade composite for lining deep interproximal boxes and to provide a base layer when topping off with the higher-filled composite, even though Venus Bulk Flow ONE is strong enough to fill up to 4 mm and can stay as the top layer of a filling due to its strength.

To complete the workflow, Trost employs iBOND Universal, a bonding agent with a 4-META and MDP chemistry. This optimizes the bond strengths to the composite as well as the tooth structures. "It also helps to reduce the chances of postoperative sensitivity because the resin is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic," she explains. "The hydrophilic aspect is good for bonding to wet dentin and the hydrophobic loves bonding to dental substrates. What is achieved is a hermetic seal for the tooth to resist acid attacks and recurrent caries."

Depending on the case, Trost likes to use a selective-etch technique. "iBOND Universal is compatible with all modes of etching," she says.

While Trost uses many different products in her practice for many different indications, she knows dependability when she sees it. "When I need reliability and durability for a restoration, I choose Kulzer," she confirms.

Lori Trost, DMD
Private Practice, Red Bud, Illinois

Kulzer
800-431-1785
kulzerUS.com