REVIEW: A full-circle look at Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill from the doctor to the market

Learn why Dr. Michael R. Sesemann says he'll never go back to other composites after using Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill. Plus, get industry insight on the product from Chet Spivey, Director of Marketing at Ivoclar Vivadent.

For more than 20 years, my staff and I exhibited a great deal of discipline while performing posterior direct composite restorations. We bided our time, waiting for a company to bring innovation to the market that would lessen the procedural burden of providing that service for our patients.

With patented technological advancements in resin technology, Ivoclar Vivadent gave us the product we’d been patiently waiting for in Tetric Evo- Ceram Bulk Fill. We’ve used it for more than two years now, providing hundreds of restorations for our patients with no drop off in our stringent treatment objectives.

The patented technologies of a new initiator, Ivocerin, facilitates a 4 mm depth-of-cure; filler particles that minimize shrinkage and shrinkage strain; and, an ingredient that eliminates premature curing in ambient light conditions simplifies my previously arduous protocol, all while reducing our treatment time per restoration anywhere from 30 to 60%.

I can say without reservation, in regard to incremental composite technique, “We are never going back!”

- Dr. Michael R. Sesemann

Insight from Chet Spivey,

Director of Marketing at Ivoclar Vivadent

Unlike traditional composite formulations that may have been simply modified to allow for placement in thicker layers and which may result in compromised esthetics, reduced working time, the need for additional dispensing equipment or placement of a covering layer, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill represents entirely new technology for the faster, more efficient placement of direct composite restorations without compromise to any physical properties.

The big secret! (actually, there are 3…)

Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill is defined by its unique formulation. For the first time in dentistry three new patented technologies have been incorporated into a well-proven nano-hybrid composite formulation: Ivocerin,® Stress Relievers and a Light-Sensitivity Filter.

What is Ivocerin®?

Ivocerin is a new germanium-based light-initiator developed by Ivoclar Vivadent and used exclusively in Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill. This new initiator allows a faster, deeper cure than other composite materials without having to increase translucency or reduce working time. The absorption spectrum of Ivocerin fills the “gap” between traditional light-initiators (e.g. Camphorquinone, Lucerin TPO, PPD) used in today’s most popular composite materials. It not only cures fast, it cures well beyond the 2 mm limit of traditional initiators achieving an efficient depth-of-cure at 4 mm.

How do the Stress Relievers work?

Undoubtedly the greatest concern of most dentists and their reason for not moving to a “bulk fill” composite is shrinkage. There are two types of shrinkage; Volumetric Shrinkage and Shrinkage Strain (or also commonly referred to as Shrinkage Stress.) Volumetric Shrinkage is not really a concern as long as the Shrinkage Strain can be properly managed. It is the stress, caused by shrinkage strain that causes materials to pull away from cavity walls, creating gaps that can lead to marginal leakage, black lines and eventually failure of the composite restoration.

Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill includes a new, additional filler technology that is flexible and relieves shrinkage strain during polymerization. This keeps the material from pulling away from walls, maintaining a very high level of marginal integrity.

What is a Light-Sensitivity Filter?

Sufficient working time is critical when placing direct composite restorations. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill offers the unique combination of a fast curing time with an extended working time. This is due to a special additive within the initiator system patented by Ivoclar Vivadent and referred to as Tempo. This additive acts as a shield surrounding the light-initiators delaying the effects of ambient light. However, dental curing lights are able to penetrate this shield allowing the material to cure in 4 mm increments in just 10 seconds.

REVIEW: A full-circle look at Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill from the doctor to the market

Dr. Michael R. Sesemann says after Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill he'll never use another composite. Written by: Dr. Michael R. Sesemann Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill Date published: 03/07/2013 5 / 5 stars