The Benchmark: Provisional Materials

REALITY's Top Choices

THE SET-UP

All tests performed in the Reality Research lab are performed by dentists­–not students or researchers–in a way that simulates actual clinical procedures as closely as possible.  

THE CRITERIA

Ideal characteristics:

• Mouth removal time­–usually faster is better

• Set time–usually faster is better

• Translucency/Opacity

• Fluorescence–if patient is out on the town, will it look “black” or “radioactive”?

• Dispensing options

• Viscosity

• Fracture strength–especially important for bridges

THE RESULTS

Luxatemp Fluorescence, DMG America

The younger sibling of a product that still defines this category and the first with fluorescence that really matches teeth, but it takes a while to get hard.

Protemp Plus, 3M ESPE

Impressive handling and unique alcohol shine, but most shades are slightly lighter than their designations.

Luxatemp Plus, DMG America

First provisional material in an automix cartridge and it has great shades, but it doesn’t fluoresce. 

Luxatemp Solar, DMG America

The classic with light curing, but one shade limits its use.

Close runners-up include:

• Integrity, DENTSPLY Caulk

• Venus Temp, Heraeus Kulzer

For comprehensive information on provisional materials and over 100 other categories of products, please visit realityesthetics.com

THE DENTAL ADVISOR’s Top Choices

THE SET-UP

Provisional restorations are used to maintain esthetics, function and position of prepared teeth while the definitive restoration is fabricated. They have many functions including providing pulpal protection, preventing enamel fracture, and sealing the prepared teeth.  

THE CRITERIA

With increased emphasis on comprehensive restorative cases, provisionals are frequently worn for longer periods of time.

Ideal characteristics:

• Easy to use and trim

• High polishability

• Good esthetics

• Low shrinkage

• Low heat release

THE RESULTS

Selected comments from our consultants…

Integrity, DENTSPLY Caulk

• “Outstanding fit–very accurate.”

• “No heat while setting!”

• “I would like it to have more translucency.”

Protemp Plus, 3M ESPE

• “Easy to use and produces a very strong and durable temporary restoration.”

• “Superior marginal detail.”

• “The material’s gloss is adequate without polishing for posterior provisional restorations; anterior restorations need minimal polishing.”

• “Shades are good but are bright (high value) and opaque.”

Luxatemp Fluorescence, DMG America

• “Nice esthetics and translucency.”

• “Easy to work with and didn’t fracture.”

• “Easy to remove and didn’t seem to lock onto teeth.”

• “One of my favorite materials.”

For our most recent issue (May 2010) on Provisional Composites and Liquid Polishes, which includes clinical tips for fabrication, visit dentaladvisor.com/publications/the-dental-advisor/27-04.shtml.