Superior composite technology

Figure 1: SEM picture showing Spheretec spherical prepolymerised fillers providing a ball-bearing effect that enables excellent adaptation and sculptability

Dentsply introduces its Ceram.x Universal restorative and explains how it works.

As specialists in developing advanced technologies for superior dental restorative materials, Dentsply has brought another ‘first’ to the profession with the introduction of Ceram.x Universal.

This universal, radiopaque restorative for anterior and posterior restorations in primary and permanent teeth is indicated for the fabrication of inlays, onlays and veneers. Based on revolutionary nano-ceramic composite material, Ceram.x Universal offers significantly improved physical properties thanks to new advanced Spheretec granulated filler technology.

Spheretec technology

Figure 2: Microstructured surface of a Spheretec filler (d3.50 ~15μm), obtained via spray-granulation process from submicron glass fillers

In contemporary composites, a high filler load is achieved when the larger particles form a pre-packed grid and the smaller ones occupy the space in between. Smaller fillers produce a high surface quality and good wear resistance, but can only be added in limited amounts, whilst the larger fillers ensure high mechanical strength but with compromised surface quality.

To overcome this technical conflict, Ceram.x Universal features Spheretec filler technology. Almost perfectly spherical nanoparticles, built from sub-micron barium glass particles, are held together in a pre-polymerised resin, which gives Ceram.x Universal its exceptional handling properties:

Spheretec’s unique structure binds more free resin compared to other fillers
Simple, controlled, low friction application into the cavity
Secure adaptation to cavity floor, walls and margins and high slump resistance
Excellent sculptability enables simple and targeted modelling
Excellent working time in ambient light
Fast finishing and polishing with high gloss.

Cloud shade concept

Ceram.x Universal uses just five cloud shades of intermediate translucency, cleverly designed to shade match all 16 Vita classic shades. The shade of Ceram.x Universal restorations is influenced by the colour of the surrounding tooth structure. We call it the ‘chameleon effect’ and it allows Ceram.x Universal’s cloud shades to cover more than one Vita shade.

Finishing and polishing

During the finishing procedure the sub-micron particles of the Spheretec filler are removed layer by layer, thereby not impacting the gloss surface and leading to an even, post-polishing surface and superior aesthetics.

Long-lasting restorations

Table 1: High flexural strength is a key consideration in permanent posterior occlusal stress bearing restorations — Table 1: High flexural strength is a key consideration in permanent posterior occlusal stress-bearing restorations

Flexural strength is a vital characteristic for universal composites being used in high occlusal stress regions. Similarly, fracture toughness is necessary to resist the formation of cracks and improves the longevity of the restoration. In both these areas Ceram.x Universal outperforms other materials in its class.

Table 2: High fracture toughness is needed to resist propagation of cracks in the material and improves longevity of a restoration

The future of composite technology

Ceram.x Universal brings a range of new dimensions in both anterior and posterior composite restorations. The formulation of Ceram.x Universal provides exceptional handling, a simplified shade matching system and fast and easy polishing, creating long-lasting restorations with excellent aesthetics.

To find out more about Ceram.x and Spheretec filler technology, visit www.ceramxuniversal.co.uk.

Vita is not a registered trademark of Dentsply International Inc.