1

MIcHAEl b. MIllEr, D.D.S. – President/Editor-in-chief InGrID r. cASTEllAnOS, c.D. – Vice President/Publisher

EDITOrIAl TEAM: David l. baird, D.D.S., bellevue, WA; robert W. baker, Jr., D.M.D, Ithaca, nY; Joel H. berg, D.D.S., M.S., Seattle, WA; nathan S. birnbaum, D.D.S., Wellesley, MA; Alan A. boghosian, D.D.S.,

chicago, Il; Mitch A. conditt, D.D.S., Fort Worth, TX; Gerald E. Denehy, D.D.S., M.S., Iowa city, IA; Marvin A. Fier, D.D.S., Pomona, nY; Daniel Fortin, D.M.D., M.S., Montreal, canada; George A. Freedman, D.D.S.,

Toronto, Ont., canada; Jack D. Griffin, Jr., D.M.D., Eureka, MO; David S. Hornbrook, D.D.S., San Diego, cA; ronald D. Jackson, D.D.S., Middleburg, VA; Mark E. Jensen, D.D.S., Ph.D., Slidell, lA; Thomas P. Keogh,

M.D., D.D.S., navarra, Spain; Timothy F. Kosinski, M.S., D.D.S., bingham Farms, MI; Hannu O. laamanen, D.D.S., M.S., Turku, Finland; Paul landman, D.D.S., chicago, Il; clarence c. lindquist, D.D.S., Washington,

D.c.; Edward lynch, M.A., b.D.Sc., Ph.D., coventry, uK; Hans Malmstrom, D.D.S., rochester, nY; Sandesh Mayekar, M.D.S., Mumbai, India; Steven McGowan, c.D.T., Seattle, WA; Michael K. McGuire, D.D.S., Houston,

TX; carlos Muñoz, D.D.S., M.S., buffalo, nY; christopher Pescatore, D.M.D., Danville, cA; Stephen D. Poss, D.D.S., brentwood, Tn; robert G. ritter, D.M.D., Juniper, Fl; Andrew T. Shannon, D.D.S., Vancouver, bc,

canada; liviu Steier, D.M.D., Mayen, Germany; Franklin Tay, b.D.Sc.(Hons), Ph.D., Augusta, GA; Marcos A. Vargas, D.D.S., M.S., Iowa city, IA; charles Wakefield, D.D.S., Dallas, TX; Thomas G. Wilson, Jr., D.D.S.,

Dallas, TX; David Winkler, D.D.S., Windsor berks, England.

A publication member of theAmerican Association of Dental Editors

The Ratings DESENSiTiZERS — officE

T h e i n f o r m a t i o n s o u r c e f o r e s t h e t i c d e n t i s t r y

O c T O b E r 2 0 1 3 n u M b E r 2 4 6

2 7 t h A n n i v e r s a r y

REAliTy

Gluma PowerGeliNTRoDucTioN/MANufAcTuRER’S clAiMS

There are a few iconic brand names in the dental world and Gluma certainly

has to be among the standard-bearers. As the first commercial product con-

taining glutaraldehyde and HEMA, the original Gluma Desensitizer made its

initial appearance in The Ratings in 1992 as a component of the Gluma dental

adhesive, but then it ushered in the new Desensitizers section in 1996 and

became our perennial #1 and 5 Star recipient in 2002. This lofty status has

been largely due to its sterling lab test results as well as its long-standing

clinical performance.

PowerGel aims to stay faithful to its legacy by mimicking the chemistry of the

original version, but in a gel to improve on its application control, making it

safer to use near soft tissue. It also has a green color so you can see where

you place it. It can be presumably placed without any agitation, which should

also help keeping it off the marginal gingiva.

coMpoSiTioN

Glutaraldehyde, HEMA, pyrogenic silicic acid and water.

ph

3.7

ViScoSiTy

The gel itself is indeed very thick and non-runny. All evaluators except one

thought it was about right, while the lone holdout considered it to be too

thick. One evaluator noted it stayed where he applied it.

oDoR

Most (73%) evaluators thought it was not really noticeable, while the other

27% found it to be strong. One evaluator noted it was not as strong as the

original version.

coloR

Green.

MANufAcTuRER

Heraeus

www.heraeus-kulzer-us.com

pRicES

Assortment

$146.36/4g/4.4ml ($33.26/ml)

ShElf lifE

2 years

(4.5)1

RAVES & RANTS

+ Gel allows you to control its

application

+ Green color gives it extra

visibility

– Directions don’t even mention

use under direct restorations

– Rinsing adds an extra step

DiSpENSER

Tuberculin-like syringes on which you mount a black

plastic tip with an applicator tip-like end on it. This type

of tip is a curious selection since, as noted previously,

the gel is supposed to be applied and left in place with-

out any agitation. You are also warned to keep the gel

away from the soft tissue. With these issues, a simple,

small gauge metal tip would have been preferred.

nevertheless, the plastic tip comes straight and is easy

to bend, but won’t retain a right angle — it rebounds to

about 115 degrees. And one evaluator liked the applica-

tor-like end on the plastic tip.

uSE

One major difference between PowerGel and its lega-

cy namesake is the fact that PowerGel must be rinsed

off before applying your bonding agent or cementing

your crown, whereas the original version is typically

not rinsed off.

Due to its viscosity, there is a tendency to dispense a

thicker layer than is needed — all you need is a very thin

coat. When you are judicious in the amount you apply, the

lime green color becomes very subtle. You can still see it,

but bold it’s not. Allow it to dwell for 30-60 seconds.

After cleaning the tooth or prep, rinse but don’t overdry

— our bond strength tests indicate applying it to a moist

(not wet) tooth was best, even though it does contain

water. Then rinse with a vigorous air-water spray and

leave the tooth in the optimal manner to maximize the

performance of your bonding agent, assuming you are

using it under a restoration.

All evaluators found it to be easy to apply, with 46% of

the evaluators allowing it to dwell on the tooth for 30

seconds, 18% used 45 seconds, and 36% hedged their

bets with 60 seconds. One evaluator noted that it wasn’t

easy dispensing the gel at first and then there was con-

tinued flow even after application.

The rinsing step, unnecessary with most other desensi-

tizers, was not an issue with most (82%) evaluators,

while the other 18% felt it was a nuisance. One evalua-

tor reported that if you are desensitizing a cervical lesion

and the patient is not anesthetized, then rinsing can be

painful if the desensitization is not effective.

EffEcT oN BoND STRENGTh

none.

EffEcTiVENESS

under restorations placed with etch/rinse adhesives

All evaluators except one reported it worked all the time,

while the lone holdout found it worked some of the time.

One evaluator noted that it worked all the time in reduc-

ing if not totally eliminating sensitivity.

Note: The directions do not even mention using it under

direct restorations, although this application is stated on

the manufacturer’s site.

cervical areas

Slightly more than half (55%) of the evaluators reported

it worked some of the time, while the other 45% found it

worked all the time.

pAckAGiNG

The syringes are secured in a white plastic tray with a

clear plastic cover, all of which are inside a typical card-

board box that was not sealed in any manner and only

has product identification on the front, which also

includes the expiration date. The label on the syringes

includes the expiration date as well.

One evaluator needed more syringe tips. Another evalua-

tor noted the white plastic tray securing the contents

was obviously from another product since about one-

third of it is empty. This means the tray and box could

have been substantially smaller. Still another evaluator

noted that some syringes had a flaky yellow powder

around its orifice when the cap was removed.

DiREcTioNS

Small, multi-language booklet that is fairly straightfor-

ward and easy to follow, although there is a directive to

use a rubber dam for treating root sensitivity and seating

crowns. While we understand a rubber dam in these situ-

ations may be optimal, we also know that virtually no cli-

nician will use one for these applications. no other isola-

tion method was even mentioned.

There is also a plastic-laminated, illustrated technique

card, but the lack of any words describing the illustrations

makes them less relevant, confusing and more difficult to

follow. Interestingly, this card shows isolation with either

a rubber dam or cotton rolls, while the aforementioned

paper booklet only tells you to use a rubber dam.

As noted under Effectiveness, using it under a direct

composite like the original version is not even men-

tioned, although the manufacturer’s site lists that appli-

cation as an indication. These directions only state it

should be used for cervical sensitivity and under indirec-

tion restorations. Therefore, there are no instructions for

the application steps prior to placing a direct restoration.

2

3

STRENGThS Easy to use and reasonably effective for

use under restorations and for cervical lesions. Gel formu-

la is easy to see and control since it is not runny. chemistry

is time-tested and proven. Does not affect bond strength.

Odor not as bad as competing products.

WEAkNESSES Doesn’t always work. rinsing it off is an

additional step. Directions do not even mention using it

under direct restorations. Applicator tip is somewhat large,

especially when you are trying to keep it off the gingiva.

One evaluator had difficulty in starting the flow of materi-

al out of the syringe and then difficulty in stemming the

flow after dispensing.

BoTToM liNE

Despite the extra rinsing step, the gel consistency and syringe dispensing give it a step up on the competition.

To become a member of REAliTy,

please visit our Web site at www.realityesthetics.com.

REAliTy (ISSn#1041-8253) is an online and print information service from REAliTy Publishing company, 11757 Katy Frwy., Suite 210, Houston, TX 77079-1717, u.S.A.,

800-544-4999, 281-558-9101, Fax 281-493-1558. A one-year membership includes access to the online database plus nine PDF issues of REAliTy NOW. call for member-

ship and publication rates or access our Web site for enrollment information. Payments by check must be in u.S. funds drawn on a u.S. bank, or by Visa, Mastercard, or

American Express. All rights reserved. no part of REAliTy or REAliTy NOW may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

copyright ©2013 by REAliTy Publishing company. GST #898-896-659. POSTMASTEr: Send address changes to REAliTy Publishing company, 11757 Katy Frwy., Suite

210, Houston, TX 77079-1752.

No coMMERciAliZATioN policyWe accept no advertising and are not beholden to any commercial interest. Product evaluations and ratings are intended only to guide our readers to make

wise and informed purchases. The unauthorized use of product evaluations and ratings in advertising or for any other commercial purpose is strictly forbidden.

REAliTy

And remember thatPremium Members

save an additional $50.Call or email us at

sales@realityesthetics.comfor your money-saving

coupon code.

AUTUMN COLORS

CLOSEOUTSALE

AUTUMN COLORS

CLOSEOUTSALE

SAVE $150

4

(4.4)

RAVES & RANTS

+ True bulk fill

+ proven adhesion

– Still does not achieve

composite-like esthetics

– Rebadging is a little sneaky

MANufAcTuRER

GC

www.gcamerica.com

pRicES

Starter kit

$329.00/50 capsules ($6.58/capsule)Refills

Equia Fil Capsules/50

$283.75 ($5.68/capsule)Equia Coat

$79.50/4ml ($19.88/ml)Cavity Conditioner

$57.00/5.7ml ($10.00/ml)

ShElf lifE

2 years

EQuIAiNTRoDucTioN/MANufAcTuRER’S clAiMS

restoring posterior teeth with a direct placement, tooth-colored material usually

means a composite. They are durable, look good, and are wear resistant.

However, even with the latest generation of flowables and adhesives, they are

still usually a multi-step procedure that can be time-consuming and technically

demanding.

While the search is in high gear for a truly one-step, self-adhesive, bulk fill,

light-cured composite, Gc has combined one of its most useful products, name-

ly its fast-setting, self-cured glass ionomer restorative, Fuji IX GP Extra, with its

resin glaze, G-coat Plus, to create EQuIA, an acronym for Easy Quick unique

Intelligent Aesthetic.

Marketed as a “giant step forward” and as a “self-adhesive aesthetic posterior

restorative”, EQuIA is positioned to be a reliable alternative to composite. but if

glass ionomer is strong enough to be a definitive posterior restorative material

for permanent teeth, why is this the first time a manufacturer has been bold

enough to market it as such?

After all, the original Fuji IX was introduced over 12 years ago. If it is strong

enough to be used for definitive restorations in permanent posterior teeth, why

did it take a decade to prove it? Is the addition of G-coat Plus to the equation

that significant?

Evidently so. According to one study, G-coat Plus increases the flexural strength

of Fuji IX GP Extra by 90%. And the nanofillers in G-coat Plus presumably pen-

etrate into the Fuji IX surface, increasing its wear resistance.

However, this study was not convincing enough for all but one of the evaluators,

who still consider it to be a long-term provisional instead of a definitive restora-

tion. The lone holdout thought it was too soon to tell whether its strength and

wear-resistance would be sufficient for a definitive posterior restoration.

concerning the rebadging of the various components under the Equia mantle,

45% of the evaluators felt it was somewhat disingenuous, but not a major deal,

22% thought it was smart business, and 33% considered it to be deceptive and

didn’t like it.

coMpoSiTioN

Equia fil

Powder Aluminofluorosilicate glass, polyacrylic acid powder. This powder is

called "SmartGlass" since it presumably has a very tightly controlled refractive

index to enhance the translucency.

Liquid Polyacrylic acid, distilled water, polybasic carboxylic acid.

Equia coat

Multifunctional urethane methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, silicone dioxide

(nanofiller), phosphoric ester monomer (adhesive monomer).

cavity conditioner

20% PAA, 3% aluminum chloride.

The Ratings MiScEllANEouS

MixiNG

Shake the capsule to loosen the powder and push the

plunger against the countertop so it is flush with the

back of the capsule. Place it into the Applier and click

once (you should hear a popping sound) to enhance the

activation. This “push and click” maneuver facilitates a

creamier and more homogeneous mix.

The Applier is the activator/injector. Made of stainless

steel, it has a good, solid feel to it. remove and place

the capsule in a triturator and mix for 10 seconds. Place

it back in the Applier and inject the mixed material into

the preparation.

All evaluators found activating the capsules easy and/or

the same as other capsules on the market.

coNSiSTENcy AND hANDliNG

Equia fil

Medium-thick for an ionomer. It injects into preparations

fairly easily, but the actual material starts out tacky and

will stick to instruments. As it begins to set, it can be

packed similar to an amalgam.

All evaluators considered the viscosity to be about right,

while the handling was acceptable for an ionomer by all

but one evaluator who thought it was too sticky and diffi-

cult to manipulate. Most evaluators (60%) tried using

brushes for smoothing its surface , but only half were

successful. One evaluator noted that it stays in place well

without slumping and sculpting the gross form is possible.

Equia coat

All evaluators except one thought its viscosity was about

right, while the lone holdout felt it was too runny. One

evaluator noted that it had just enough body to form a

film but still could penetrate the ionomer surface.

floW

Equia fil

5.0 (no flow).

hARDNESS

53.6 khN @ 10 minutes. This is similar to numerous

universal composites.

BoNDiNG AGENT

use cavity conditioner on both enamel and dentin for 10

seconds. rinse and blot dry, but do not desiccate. This

application was considered to be easy by all evaluators.

Half of the evaluators used cavity conditioner all the

time, while the other half used it some of the time.

unless there is a compelling reason to skip this step, we

recommend using cavity conditioner, which was empha-

sized by one evaluator who noted that there is great

improvement in the bond to enamel and somewhat bet-

ter on dentin when it is used.

ExTRAoRAl WoRkiNG TiME

About 45 seconds from the beginning of mixing (direc-

tions say 75 seconds). All evaluators except one thought

the working time was adequate, with the lone holdout

finding it to be too short.

SET TiME

About 2.5 minutes from the beginning of mixing (direc-

tions say 2.5 minutes). Most evaluators (67%) found this

time to be acceptable, while the other 33% thought it

was too slow.

On the other hand, 45% of the evaluators chose to wait

3-4 minutes before removing the matrix (if used) and 4-

5 minutes before starting finishing procedures, while

33% only waited for 2-3 minutes to remove a matrix and

then 3-4 minutes for finishing. The remaining 22% were

more cautious, waiting 4-5 minutes before removing the

matrix and more than 5 minutes for finishing.

One evaluator noted that it would be prudent to wait for

at least 5 minutes before finishing to allow adequate

maturation of the material.

ShADES

9 A1, A2, A3, A3.5, b1, b2, b3, c4, and SW (standard

white). We found the shades are generally lighter than

their Vita analogs. Half of the evaluators thought the

shades were acceptable, while the other half felt the

selection was OK, but the shades were too opaque.

TRANSlucENcy/opAciTy

74% (A2). This means it is substantially more opaque

than most enamel and/or occlusal composites. The

added opacity will relegate the material to “better than

amalgam” classification, but only one evaluator found it

to be equal to the esthetics possible with composites.

fiNiShiNG

Finishing should be done under water spray with either

highspeed finishing burs or diamonds.

GlAZiNG

Apply Equia coat to fill in the small porosities, to protect

the surface during its early maturation stage, and to

enhance its strength and wear resistance. light cure for

10 seconds. All evaluators considered it easy to apply.

RETENTioN

Most evaluators (78%) had no dislodgements, while the

other 22% had one or a few. One evaluator noted a

5

B1

6

large restoration without mechanical retention was a

casualty. However, half of the dislodgements were in

preps that had not been treated with cavity conditioner,

which tends to suggest the importance of using it on a

routine basis.

fRAcTuRES

Most evaluators (78%) had no fractures, while the other

22% had one or a few. One evaluator noted two large

restorations fractured under routine functional load.

SENSiTiViTy

All evaluators except one reported no post-op sensitivity,

while the lone holdout noted that it occurred occasionally,

regardless of whether cavity conditioner was used or not.

RADiopAciTy

Very good.

fluoREScENcE

not a major parameter for a posterior restorative

material, but as a matter of record, there is no fluores-

cence, with the material appearing much darker than

natural teeth.

pAckAGiNG

Starter Kit comes in an unsealed cardboard box with

product identification on all sides and the top. It also has

the expiration date on the front.

Inside are individual boxes of Equia Fil capsules, an

Applier, cavity conditioner, and Equia coat. The card-

board box actually housing the capsules and what you

receive when you order refills has product identifica-

tion on every side other than the bottom and is

sealed with a label.

Equia fil

The capsules are packaged in individually sealed foil

wrappers imprinted with the expiration date and the

shade. The capsules have a seamless, one-body style in

gray. There is no identification on the capsules, so do not

take them out of their wrapper until you are ready or

you could get them mixed up when it comes to shades.

Equia coat

Very small box with product identification on every side,

top and bottom. Why can’t all products be identified this

well? Expiration date is on a label on the bottom. Security

sealed with a label. The moisture-resistant label on the

bottle includes the expiration date. comes with applicator

tips, while we believe it is better applied with a brush.

All the evaluators felt the packaging was typical Gc and

acceptable.

DiREcTioNS

Plain paper, printed in multi-languages, annoying foldout

design. The information is simple and line drawings illus-

trate the proper way to operate the capsules. There is

also a helpful truncated version on the lid flaps of the

box holding the capsules.

The section on Equia coat is also simple and straightfor-

ward, except where it states in capital letters DO nOT

AIr blOW, which we assume means to apply and don’t

follow with any air to thin it out.

There is also a plastic coated card with color illustrations

for the placement technique.

All the evaluators felt the directions were typical Gc and

acceptable.

STRENGThS A true bulk-fill material. Time-proven self-

adhesive properties. Water-based so that it is more forgiv-

ing than a resin-based restorative. Hardness is similar to

universal composites. Fluoride release. Sets almost as fast

as a dual-cured material that has been light-activated.

can be packed similar to an amalgam as it begins to set.

coat has a minimal (virtually no) air-inhibited layer. Easy

to apply and control.

WEAkNESSES Despite its relatively high surface har-

ness, it is still weaker than a composite. It’s also not as

esthetic as a composite. Virtually impossible to develop

secondary anatomy. Slower setting and shorter working

times. Still somewhat sticky and tacky immediately after

mixing. requires keeping a triturator in the treatment

room. rebadging existing products could be viewed as

disingenuous.

BoTToM liNE

Assuming you don’t already have fuji ix Gp Extra and G-coat plus – if you do, you don’t need to buy

this product – Equia works really well as a long-term provisional and for pediatric patients, especially

if they are caries-active, but it’s hard to beat a bonded composite for durability and esthetics.

REAliTy

ExperTempUltradent

www.ultradent.com

pRicES

kits

N/ARefills

$199.99/50ml/76g ($2.63/g)

ShElf lifE1.5 years

bis-acryl, self-cured, auto-mix composite provisional

material promoted to be easy to trim and “polishes beau-

tifully”. It is also stated to have a minimal air-inhibited

layer, a very high flexural and impact strength, high abra-

sion resistance, and a fluorescence similar to enamel.

Available in four Vita shades (A1, A2, A3.5, and b1), plus

a bleach shade (bleach White). Mouth removal time is a

speedy 1.3 minutes (manufacturer states 1.5-2.5 min-

utes) and it will set in approximately 3.5 minutes from the

start of mixing (manufacturer states 4.0 minutes). This is

a fast-setting material.

Preliminary tests showed a Knoop hardness of 16.6 after 10

minutes and 17.6 after 24 hours. These values show that

this material achieves a relatively high hardness at 10 min-

utes, but it doesn’t increase significantly after 24 hours.

Flow and viscosity are shade dependent:

The five shades are similar to those from other products:

Most of the translucency/opacity scores are between

65%-70%, which roughly equals the body shades of con-

ventional composites, but bW is relatively opaque.

It does fluoresce, but not quite at the level of natural tooth

structure and it appears somewhat purplish. It has a temper-

ature rise during setting of about 12°c, which is moderate.

Only available in refills, the 10:1 cartridges come in con-

ventional cardboard boxes with the product identification

on the top, front and back and sealed with a clear label.

The shade, however, is very hard to find — it's noted only

on the label on the back and, even then, the white char-

acters are not easily read on the light yellow background.

Fortunately, the shades are more prominent on the car-

tridge labels, which are color-coded and also have the

expiration dates. The directions are in a multi-language,

plain paper booklet and easy to follow.

The optional dispensing gun is a departure from the typi-

cal, industrial-like design that looks like it is more indicat-

ed for caulking a bathtub than using it for dental purpos-

es. The new design has a very sleek, curvaceous look with

a shorter handle and trigger.

but loading the cartridge is the major difference. Instead

of the pulling back the securing lock on top of convention-

al guns, inserting the cartridge from the top, and then re-

engaging the lock to secure the cartridge, this new design

has a rotating cartridge slot.

PROVISIONAL MATERIALS

FirstLook

Shade flow

A1 4.0

A2 5.0

A3.5 4.5

b1 4.5

bleach White 5.0

Shade Description

A1 Slightly darker than Vita A1

A2 close match to Vita A2

A3.5 Slightly darker than Vita A3.5

b1 closer to Vita b2

bleach White lighter than Vita b1

ShadeT/o% (0% is clear,

100% is totally opaque)

A1 69.5

A2 68

A3.5 67.5

b1 69

bleach White 77.5

7

MATRICES

FirstLookThe gun comes with the slot in the closed position and since

no instructions came with it, figuring out how to open it was

a little challenging. One giveaway is the locking mechanism

has a taupe color along with the trigger and plunger. This is

different than the off-white body of the gun.

To open the slot, we stuck the backend of the cartridge

into the closed slot and, using a rotating movement, we

finally were able to open the circular component. This

maneuver moved the slot from a horizontal to vertical

alignment and gave us access so the cartridge could be

inserted from the top of the gun. You can only insert the

cartridge in the correct orientation and then use it to

rotate the locking mechanism into the closed position.

While this sounds complicated, it's really not — once you

figure out how to open it!

In terms of its very high flexural and impact strength

claims, our preliminary clinical evaluation seems to val-

idate these attributes, with at least one long span

bridge resisting fracturing quite well. With this proper-

ty alone, it deserves to be noticed in a crowded field,

although its impressive hardness and esthetic potential

are also quite promising.

lumicontrastPolydentia

www.polydentia.ch/en/

pRicES

kit

$442.10Refills

Bands (35)

$63.00 ($1.80 ea)Rings (3)

$77.20 ($25.73 ea)

Sectional matrices are usually silver in color since most of

them are made from steel. recently, however, at least

two manufacturers have offered matrices with nonstick

coatings in different colors. The nonstick coatings help

when it comes time to remove the matrix, while the dif-

ferent colors give a visual cue to selecting the right size.

Polydentia has taken a somewhat different approach to

sectional matrices by creating bands with a dark blue

coating on both sides, unlike the aforementioned nonstick

coatings that are applied only to the inside surface. While

there are no claims that the dark blue color, which

appears to be similar to the anodized coatings applied to

aluminum devices and has a slightly reflective surface (as

opposed to the totally matte appearance of the nonstick

types), the main purposes are to provide contrast

between the band and tooth and to relieve eyes from the

glare coming from an uncoated steel version. Thus the

nomenclature is derived from these functions.

Do we need a dark band to provide contrast to save us

from “tired eyes” as noted in the promotional literature for

the product? If you have been using conventional steel

bands, you probably have never noticed the lack of con-

trast. However, in our preliminary clinical trial, the con-

trast does appear to be helpful, especially if you are using

prism loupes with a power greater than 3.5x and a head-

light emitting greater than 30,000 lux.

The bands themselves remind us of the original sectional

matrix — Palodent — since they are conventionally kid-

ney-shaped (except for the extended version). Therefore,

the learning curve in using them should be relatively flat.

There are three sizes:

Each size also comes in regular thickness (40 microns)

and thin (25 microns).

The retaining ring has the same dark blue finish and is cir-

cular in shape, with a 21.8mm diameter. The actual metal

is also round in cross-section with a 1.5mm diameter,

which means they are fairly flexible. The tines have flat-

tened ends and are nicely finished — no sharp edges that

could damage tooth structure or even soft tissue.

However, when the ring is separated widely as it could be

when placing it over a large tooth, it does not rebound

completely. While its tines are 3.2mm apart initially, they

only rebound to 6.2mm. This could affect its separating

force that is necessary to create tight contacts.

8

Designation height (mm)

Premolar 5.0

Molar 6.4

Extended 8.9

FirstLookThere are also unique, “Delta Tubes” that are resilient,

clear, silicone rubber-like sleeves that fit over the tines.

Triangular in cross-section, they provide an extra gripping

device to seal the bands at the proximal line angles. And

they can be rotated as the situation requires. This is our

guess since there were no instructions on their use.

The kit comes in a fairly conventional, shrink-wrapped,

clear, divided plastic box with a rear-hinged top holding a

sticker inside identifying the product. not very fancy, but

quite functional. The six different versions of bands reside

in their own sections, with the identification for each band

featured on the sticker inside the lid. not only are the

bands identified by their intended utility (premolar, molar,

or extended), but a line drawing illustrates each one along

with its height, thickness, and reference number for easy

reordering. This type of product identification should be

emulated by all manufacturers.

However, even though the lid seems to seal the compart-

ments, we found bands in the wrong sections when we ini-

tially opened the kit. rearranging the bands into their

rightful homes is not difficult from a size standpoint, but

it’s not that obvious when checking the thicknesses.

There are absolutely no directions — Polydentia obviously

expects that you already know how to use a sectional

matrix system.

lumicontrast is not exactly an earth-shattering innova-

tion, although its promotional sheet does call it a “world

novelty!” nevertheless, it’s a well-designed system, bands

are high quality, and the dark blue coating could provide

your eyes with some welcome glare relief.

9

AUTUMN COLORS

CLOSEOUTSALE

AUTUMN COLORSAUTUMN COLORS

CLOSEOUTSALE

Click to BUY NOW!

And remember that Premium Memberssave an additional $50. Call or email

us at sales@realityesthetics.comfor your money-saving coupon code.

SAVE $150