A composite of excellence

by John W. Farah, DDS, PhD

The editors of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™ proudly bring you the fifth "Shared Secrets" column. Every other month, we will feature dental products and equipment that have received top ratings in THE DENTAL ADVISOR™. Take your practice to the next level with the help of our "Shared Secrets."

Sculpt-It MicroFill
Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.
(800.551.0283)
++++1/2/94%, Vol. 18-5

Sculpt-It MicroFill is a highly polishable composite for direct anterior esthetic restorations. It also produces excellent esthetics as a finishing layer for hybrid composites on Class II and IV restorations. Finishing and polishing is easy, with lustrous results. It does not slump, and ambient light does not hinder working time. It light cures in 40 seconds for light shades; 60 seconds for dark shades.

Ten Vita shades are available in 4-g syringes and 0.25-g single-dose capsules that fit the Jeneric/Pentron dispensing gun.

Composi-Tight
Garrison Dental Solutions
(888.437.0032)
++++1/2/93%, Vol. 17-7

Composi-Tight sectional matrix system aids proximal contouring of Class II and Class VI (MOD) posterior composites. Five band and two sizes of ring retainers are adequate for all clinical situations. The ultra-thin bands are easily contoured and adapted to the adjacent proximal surface. The position of the bands and retainers allows access for multiple restorations. Retainers have burnished ends to keep them securely in place. Interproximal contacts and contours are very good and easy to establish. Composi-Tight bands, ring retainers, and ring-placement forceps are sold individually or as a kit. 3M ESPE distributes this product, known as 3M ESPE Sectional Matrix Retainer System outside the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Astralis 7
Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.
(800.533.6825)
+++++/98%, Vol. 18-2
Editors' Choice - Equipment

Astralis 7 is an excellent tungsten-quartz-halogen curing light. It features three pre-set curing option programs: "Low Power" (400 mW/cm2) for polymerization near the pulp; "High Power" (750 mW/cm2) for polymerization through tooth structure and translucent materials; "Pulse Program" with variable intensity, utilizing slow-cure initiation and high total intensity application. The Astralis 7 handpiece is lightweight with an LED display illustrating the selected program as well as curing time and indication. The handpiece-support stand is portable, allowing the handpiece to be used wherever it is needed. It does not rest in the base unit. Three light probes of 8, 10, and 13 mm diameters are available, as well as 2 mm "Pin-Point" and 8 mm "Power-Booster" probes.

Note: For information on the "Shared Secrets" seminars or to subscribe, contact THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, Ann Arbor, Mich. by phone at (800) 347-1330, by fax at (734) 665-1648, by email at [email protected], or visit www.dentaladvisor.com.

John W. Farah, DDS, PhD, an editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, maintains a full-time dental practice in Ann Arbor, Mich., and lectures internationally on dental products, materials, and equipment. John M. Powers, PhD, an editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, is a professor of restorative dentistry and biomaterials at UT Health Science Center at Houston. He also is Director of the Houston Biomaterials Research Center.