The Efficient Way to Deliver Bioactive Materials

Jeanette MacLean, DDS

Many dentists have abandoned using amalgam in favor of resin composites. Although esthetic and durable, resin composites demand time-consuming and technique-sensitive protocols, including phosphoric acid etching, placing and curing a bonding agent, and incrementally filling and curing the material. Furthermore, many resin composites possess few redeeming qualities beyond their preparation-filling ability.

Alternatively, glass-ionomer restoratives are bioactive materials that help remineralize treated teeth and prevent recurrent decay. Because traditional glass ionomers required a triturator or hand mixing, many dentists who no longer use amalgam or maintain a capsule mixer may be reluctant to consider incorporating a new one. Others may just prefer injectable restorative materials. In addition, conventional glass ionomers require approximately 2.5 minutes to set in the mouth, which can seem like a lifetime for some patients, especially young children.

Fortunately, the well-established and high-quality GC Fuji^® brand of glass ionomers now offers a light-curable formulation with an "automix" delivery system that makes placing bioactive restorations faster, easier, and more tolerable for patients. GC Fuji^® Automix LC does not require hand mixing, triturating, etching, or adhesive bonding steps. Instead, to achieve excellent esthetics, dentists simply condition the tooth with polyacrylic acid, directly fill the preparation with the glass-ionomer material, light cure for 20 seconds, and then easily finish and polish the restoration.

As a pediatric dentist, I have found it most beneficial for restoring class II preparations in primary molars. Oftentimes, pediatric patients are restless, which can make it challenging to achieve moisture control. However, GC Fuji Automix LC is moisture tolerant and forms a strong chemical bond to tooth structure, even when saliva is present.

The ability to directly place a light-curable resin-modified glass ionomer is invaluable in shortening procedure times. By switching to GC Fuji glass-ionomer restoratives, I have eliminated some of the issues that I experienced in the past with resin composites, such as recurrent caries or failed restorations due to moisture contamination as well as postoperative sensitivity. When compared with a resin composite, GC Fuji Automix LC's reduced number of procedural steps and easier placement can be game changers for dentists who have been hesitant to incorporate bioactive, rechargeable, fluoride-releasing materials into their restorative armamentarium because a triturator is required. In addition, by eliminating the triturator, GC Fuji Automix LC is advantageous to a wider variety of clinical practice settings (eg, public health, mobile, school-based dental programs) that could benefit from a reduction in necessary equipment.

Key Takeaways

1. A light-cured glass ionomer in an easy-to-use delivery system designed for dentists who do not keep a capsule mixer

2. A bioactive material with high, rechargeable fluoride release

3. Excellent bond strength, even in the presence of saliva

4. Indicated for a variety of clinical situations in primary and permanent teeth

Manufacturer Information

GC America Inc.
gcamerica.com
800-323-7063

About the Author

Jeanette MacLean, DDS
Diplomate
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Private Practice

Glendale, Arizona