One Adhesive, Multiple Applications
Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive offers a new level of versatility
For many years, adhesion technology required dentists to stock multiple adhesive systems to ensure they had the right one on hand for various indications. Today, the hassle of inventory overload is over, thanks to the development of a new universal bonding agent—3M™ ESPE™ Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive. Offering dentists more convenience and increased efficiency without compromise, Scotchbond Universal adhesive is a single-bottle system that can be used in self-etch, total-etch, or selective-etch modes for both direct and indirect procedures—without the need for an additional primer.
Unique Chemistry
The versatility of the product can be attributed to the 3M™ ESPE™ Vitrebond™ Copolymer, which works with HEMA and a water/ethanol solvent to create a high moisture tolerance. This helps the adhesive bond to a range of substrates with a variety of moisture levels—even dry, etched dentin. Bonding to inadvertently dried, etched dentin is a major source of postoperative sensitivity, which helps explain why Scotchbond Universal adhesive is associated with virtually no postoperative sensitivity and how it can be used in a broad range of applications.
Self-Etch—The Scotchbond Universal adhesive chemistry uses phosphorylated monomers in an aqueous solution that provides acidity and allows the adhesive to bond to dentin and cut enamel without a separate phosphoric acid-etching step.
Selective Etch—When using a selective-etch technique, many fear that etchant will fall onto dentin and later cause sensitivity or compromised bond strengths. However, the carefully balanced formula of Scotchbond Universal adhesive allows for high and consistent bonding to etched dentin surfaces, even if the dentin surface is accidentally dried.
Total-Etch—In the traditional total-etch technique, dentists must maintain dentin moisture to support the collagen fiber network, which allows the adhesive to infiltrate the surface and form a hybrid layer. Again, thanks to its balanced chemistry, Scotchbond Universal adhesive provides consistent performance to etched dentin, whether it is kept moist as recommended or dry.
Simplified Technique
The unique chemistry of the adhesive allows it to offer high bond strengths with a simple application technique. The figures shown above illustrate the adhesive being used in in a total-etch application: 1) After tooth preparation, phosphoric acid is applied to enamel for 15 seconds; 2) the tooth is rinsed and lightly dried, then Scotchbond Universal adhesive is applied to the surface and rubbed in for 20 seconds; 3) the area is air-dried for 5 seconds (or until the adhesive doesn’t move) and light-cured for 10 seconds; 4) the restorations are then cemented.
This straightforward technique demonstrates the simplicity and ease of working with Scotchbond Universal adhesive. Dentists can have outstanding confidence in its bond strengths and lack of postoperative sensitivity.
More Information
3M ESPE
P 800-634-2249
W 3MESPE.com/Scotchbond