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Scientific advancements in bulk fill composite materials.

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Bulk fill composite materials were first introduced over 15 years ago to help improve the efficiency of direct posterior restorations.

The traditional layering technique of composite materials for direct posterior restorations is time consuming. And, the longer you work in the mouth the greater the risk of contamination from blood or saliva, which can compromise the final clinical outcome. 

Bulk fill composite materials were designed to eliminate the layering technique required for traditional dental restorations in favour of an easy, single-step “bulk fill.” It sounds great in theory, but many dentists are still hesitant to try bulk filling materials due to concerns surrounding polymerization stress, ability to light cure, and the overall esthetic results.

So, we went back to the drawing board to come up with an advanced bulk fill composite material for direct posterior restorations.

Here’s what you need to know about 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative.

The technology behind 3M’s advanced bulk fill composite material.

  • Improved esthetics and excellent depth of cure with Smart Contrast Ratio Management technology: 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative is equipped with 3M’s nanofiller technology for superior wear resistance and excellent polish retention. The nanoparticles are chemically synthesized allowing for more control over the physical and optical properties of the filler. The Smart Contrast Ratio Management technology allows for deeper light penetration into the composite with increased opacity for improved esthetics.1
  • Control of polymerization stress with innovative AUDMA and AFM monomers: The utilization of addition-fragmentation monomer (AFM) and aromatic urethane dimethacrylate (AUDMA) in 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative resin system has helped make the bulk-filling process easier for dentists. Together, these monomers help to reduce shrinkage and relieve stress – to allow bulk fill placement up to 5 mm (for a Class II).2

dentist with patientIf that’s not reason enough to consider using this product for your next direct posterior restoration, the 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative unit is easy to handle – with excellent sculptability,  and adaptation for fewer defects and voids.3

Learn more about bulk fill composite materials from 3M.

Visit the 3M direct restoratives website to find out how you can integrate our technologies in your practice.

References:

1. 3M data on file

2. 3M data on file

3. Dent. Res. 96 (Spec. Iss. A.): 186, “Adaptation of Resin-based Composites in Class II Restorations

About the Author

[enBio=Charles has over 30 years’ experience working in the industry. He joined 3M Canada in the research and development lab where he aided in the development of dental glass ionomers – a dental restorative material. Charles’ expertise has taken him all over the world lecturing on dental materials and techniques to help enhance dental procedures.],[enJob=Scientific Affairs Manager, Oral Care Division, 3M Canada],[frBio=Charles a plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans l'industrie. Il s'est joint à 3M Canada dans le laboratoire de recherche et développement où il a contribué au développement de verres ionomères dentaires - un matériau de restauration dentaire. L'expertise de Charles l'a amené partout dans le monde à donner des conférences sur les matériaux et les techniques dentaires pour aider à améliorer les procédures dentaires.],[frJob=Gestionnaire des affaires scientifiques, Division des solutions de Soin Oral, 3M Canada]

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3M™ Filtek™ Dental Restoratives.