Do you have doubts when choosing dental cement? Discover how to simplify cementation and optimize your practice and inventory.
When it comes to choosing modern dental materials, the goals are simple: effectiveness, safety, ease of use, precision and predictability. But often, it is not so easy to make a true simplification, especially in complex procedures. Cementation remains one of the most complex, and often confusing, parts of indirect restorative procedures.
Therefore, in this article, we bring you all the information you need to become an expert in dental cementation and equip your clinic in the best way, and all from 3M, are you prepared? Let's go!
Why is dental bonding so confusing?
Indirect restoration procedures are usually long, complicated and require many steps. Although cementing the crown only represents a small part of that time, it is one of the most important steps in the process. Errors during cementation can lead to several problems, including premature failure of the restoration, which is incredibly costly for both the professional and the patient.
So, what is needed for correct cementation?
The success of cementation depends on two critical factors: insulation and cement selection. While adequate isolation depends on the skills of the dentist, who can only choose between a few methods, the selection of the appropriate cement depends on several factors, such as the restorative material, substrate or indication, among others. These variables alone can make the choice difficult, but in addition, the large number of dental cements available can make it seem insurmountable.
How has dental cementation evolved?
Cementation and bonding materials have evolved to meet the needs of modern restorative materials, resulting in many different types of cements on the market, some with very subtle differences, even from the same manufacturer. Some require additional conditioners and bonding agents, while others are only useful for one indication or situation. For many dentists, this translates into a large inventory of cements with overlapping indications and looming expiration dates.
Simplify and standardize your dental cementation
If you've ever looked through your inventory and realized you have several cements with the same indication, or have had to get rid of a bunch of barely used materials because they were past their expiration dates, you're not alone. Unfortunately, this is commonplace for many dental professionals, and a major obstacle to simplification. And while streamlining your practice isn't limited to your inventory, reviewing which products you use and which ones you don't, could help you achieve an efficient workflow.
Why is it worth fine-tuning your dental inventory?
By limiting your inventory to a number of versatile cements, you can reduce the number of overlapping products and the risk of premature expiration. Additionally, by working exclusively with a smaller set of select products, you will strengthen your expertise in those materials. Fine-tuning your inventory not only helps resolve the age-old debate of which cement to use, but you can also reduce training obstacles between you and your team. If everyone knows what they have on hand and how to use it, you can collectively limit the potential for errors or miscommunications.
As we look towards simplifying dental bonding, the next logical step is a universal solution, and this is where 3M RelyX Universal, which works for both self-adhesive and adhesive procedures, along with the adhesive 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus. Combining these products into a single solution not only eliminates the need to choose between multiple cements, but also reduces complexity of both procedure and inventory.
What are the characteristics of 3M RelyX Universal cement?
3M RelyX Universal resin cement uses a new initiator system that improves its rheology, or fluidity, making it easier to clean off excess and helping to reduce waste. Can be used for virtually all indications of adhesive and self-adhesive resin cements, making it much simpler and easier to use, while providing a strong bond to dentin regardless of curing mode .
Its innovative self-mixing and self-sealing syringe allows for hygienic storage. The cement, as we mentioned before, can be used with or without the 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus adhesive. The 3M RelyX mixing micro tips significantly reduce cement waste.
Although cementing can be difficult and confusing, there are ways to simplify the procedure, and it all starts in the warehouse. By spending time reviewing your materials, you can refine your inventory, procedures, and knowledge. The growing trend toward truly universal products opens the door to new opportunities to reduce complexity across the board.
That's all for today, we hope this article has clarified doubts and motivates you to review your inventory and optimize your dental clinic. For any questions or queries, remember to write us at hello@dentaltix.com. Follow us on our social networks and newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news in the dental sector. See you soon!