3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive: A Bonding Agent That Checks All the “Universal” Boxes

Having been in dentistry for more than 30 years, including as a long-time teacher, Marcos A. Vargas, BDS, DDS, MS, is constantly looking for innovations and improvements to enhance his work. He especially seeks out clinical products that provide ease of use, are reliable and predictable, and "are conducive to improving the quality and longevity of dental restorations," he says.

One such innovative product is 3M^™ Scotchbond^™ Universal Plus Adhesive, which can be used for virtually all direct and indirect bonding procedures and in all etching techniques. The radiopaque adhesive can also serve as a universal primer for all restoration materials, according to the manufacturer.

"Clinicians can benefit from having an adhesive that can be used in several modes, depending on the clinical situation and substrate, etching enamel and self-etching dentin," Vargas comments. "Additionally, the incorporation of MDP [monomer] allows a stable chemical bond to calcium in enamel and dentin and, furthermore, allows the adhesive to be used to bond zirconium. The incorporation of silane and silanated monomers increases the adhesion to glass ceramics."

From his teaching perspective, Vargas offers his own clinical process to incorporating Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive. "Knowledge of the clinical steps and proper utilization is critical for the success of any universal adhesive. I etch enamel, using Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive in a selective-etch mode," he explains. "I like to apply two coats of adhesive to the entire preparation, making sure to cover the surface, whether it's a large or small restoration. Agitating the adhesive while applying it to dentin allows the adhesive to penetrate the smear layer and reach the underlying dentin and form a good bond."

"When ‘drying' the adhesive, rather than aiming for a specific amount of time, I instead want to obtain a shiny surface that does not move or form ripples while air drying. This ensures I have completely evaporated the inherent solvent and water of the adhesive, leaving resin monomers behind. I light-cure the adhesive when using direct resin composite restorations."

Noting that universal adhesives have "come a long way since their introduction," Vargas says his staff likes that Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive is a one-bottle system, which is easier to manage than having multiple bottles. "They also only have to learn one adhesive for direct and indirect restorations."

"I have reliably been using Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive without postoperative sensitivity or any other problems related to adhesion," he boasts. "I am confident when using it that I am providing a great service and long-lasting restorations to my patients."

Marcos A. Vargas, BDS, DDS, MS
Professor, Department of Family Dentistry, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

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