DENTALPRODUCTSREPORT.COM  |  September 200978

CliniCal 360°

September 2009  |   DENTALPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 79

CliniCal 360°

how to

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Clinical protocolSTEP

01To ensure complete isolation, a rubber dam (Ivoclar Vivadent’s Optradam) was placed. To facili-

tate proper development of contacts and contours we used a Triodent V3 ring.

STEP

02The caries was removed from the distal of tooth No. 29 and the tooth preparation was com-

pleted (Fig. 2).

STEP

03The preparation was lined with a thin layer of GC Lining LC, which was then light cured for

40 seconds (Fig. 3).

STEP

04An etchant gel (Ivoclar Viva-dent’s Total Etch) was applied to the teeth for 15 seconds, after

which the preparation was rinsed and dried (Fig. 4).

STEP

05A desensitizing agent (Gluma) was applied to the preparation (Fig. 5).

STEP

06Next, a 5th generation adhesive bonding agent (Ivoclar Viva-dent’s Excite) was applied to

the preparation for 10 seconds using a brush (Fig. 6).

STEP

07The bonding agent was air thinned and then light-cured for 10 seconds using a high-

powered LED curing light (Ivoclar Vivadent’s bluephase 16i).

STEP

08IPS Empress Direct composite in shade A3 dentin was then placed as the f irst layer, and

light cured for 40 seconds (Fig. 7).

STEP

09IPS Empress Direct Incisal Opal composite was placed, sculpted, and cured for 40 seconds (Fig.

8). The Opal shade was chosen as a final layer due to its high wear resistance as well as the chameleon effect.

STEP

10Excess flash was removed from the interproximal areas (Fig. 9).

STEP

11The rubber dam was removed, and the restoration was finished and polished using a series of

integrated products, including the Optrapol polisher (Fig. 10).

ConclusionWith the introduction of IPS Empress Direct the esthetics of ceramics are combined with the chairside, direct placement convenience of a compos-ite. To further enhance the restorative process, this composite exhibits high stability, shade f idelity as well as enhanced polishing properties (Figs. 11,12). Its physical properties are specif ically designed for simplif ied application; low sensitivity to light ensures ample, pressure-free working time for designing restorations. To meet the highest clinical demands, IPS Empress Direct demonstrates an optimum radiopacity for visibility radiographically (Fig. 13). •

coSmetic/reStor-COSmETIC/rESTOr-

IPS EmPrESS DIrEct FeaturesLight curing, nano-hybrid composite

Demonstrates optimal handling properties

Said to achieve the consistent anterior esthetics of ceramic with the

on-demand ease of composite

Ivoclar Vivadent Inc.ivoclarvivadent.com 800-533-6825

When placing direct composite restorations clinicians historically have found it chal-lenging to ensure long-term functionality and esthetic success o. Despite enhance-ments and advancements in direct restor-ative materials, dentists continued to seek a truly universal material suitable for anterior and posterior restorations that mimics the characteristics of indirect ceramics. These include the long-lasting, natural-looking results and high quality standards of such all-ceramic systems as IPS Empress®.

For many years, the IPS Empress all-ceramic brand has been associated with the highest level of esthetics when duplicating the characteristics of natural teeth. Throughout the years, the system has advanced to keep pace with the latest trends in cosmetic dentistry—including the need for durable, highly esthetic and convenient materials for use in placing direct restorations. As a result, the new-est addition to the IPS Empress System is IPS Empress Direct resin composite.

IPS Empress Direct is ideal for use in the posterior as the dentin and enamel shades are formulated to match the properties of natural dentin and enamel, including high strength and low wear comparable to Heliomolar. What’s more, the material features a wide variety of

true-to-natureSm dentin and enamel shades, with different levels of translu-cencies and opacities to create limitless opportunities for realizing esthetic results for all indications.

S p e c i f i c a l l y , I P S Empress Direct enables dentists to mimic the opti-cal effects of natural tooth structures in a way that is similar to ceramic, but with the direct simplicity of composite. The basis for consistent and qual-ity shade selection when using the composite is two high-quality ceramic shade guides.

This article demonstrates the conve-nient technique for placing IPS Empress Direct composite for the creation of a posterior restoration. In particular, this esthetically optimized nano-hybrid composite was selected for a 40-year-old female patient who presented with radio-graphic caries lesion on the distal of tooth No. 29 (Fig. 1).

use a CeramiC- mimiCking CompositeConfronting challenges of posterior restorations using ips empress Direct.

by C h r i s t o p h e r D . r a m s e y , D m D

Information provided by Ivoclar Vivadent Inc.

at a gLancE1.  Preoperative view of the patient’s tooth No. 29. Caries lesion was visible radiographically on the distal aspect of tooth No. 29.

2.  The carie lesion was removed and the tooth was prepared.

3.  A layer of GC Lining LC was placed into the preparation.

4.  An etchant gel was placed onto the preparation.

5.  A desensitizing agent was applied to the preparation.

6.  Using a brush, a 5th generation adhesive bonding agent was applied to the preparation.

7.  IPS Empress Direct composite shade A3 dentin was placed into the preparation and cured using an LED curing light.

8.  IPS Empress Direct Opal composite was placed, sculpted and cured.

9.  Excess flash was removed from the interproximal areas.

10.  The restoration was polished using the Optrapol polisher.

11, 12.  Occlusal and buccal views of the completed posterior IPS Empress Direct restoration. Note the chameleon effect achieved by the opal shade.

13.  Radiographic view of the patient’s IPS Empress Direct restoration on the distal aspect of tooth No. 29.

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reStorative techniquerESTOrATIVE TECHNIquE