Simplified Esthetics With Fewer Shades

Dentists want to simplify treatments in their offices and reduce costs by downsizing inventory. Universal composites are effective in many types of restorations, and their qualities only improve as they continue developing. In recent years, the trend has moved toward formulating composites in which fewer shades are necessary to satisfy the esthetic demands of patients.

One of the most challenging aspects of reducing the number of shades is developing composites that have the proper balance of translucency and opacity. Translucency allows the underlying tooth structure to influence the final shade of the composite. Popular single-shade composites are more translucent and can be effective in smaller restorations. Opacity helps to block light transmission through the restoration when there is not underlying tooth structure to avoid a gray cast. Composites with optimized opacity can be used in restorations large and small and are more universal in their applications.

GC America has introduced a composite that addresses these challenges: G-ænial™ A’CHORD. This universal composite features a good balance of simplicity, excellent color-blending capability, and physical properties for use in most situations, including Class I, II, III, IV, and V restorations. It offers a versatile universal solution for anterior and posterior restorations, and its simplified shade system achieves the esthetics of all 16 Classic Vita® shades with just 5 core shades. It achieves invisible restorations with a reduced inventory and quick polishing, which makes it not only efficient but also cost effective.

Fifteen Catapult evaluators were invited to use G-ænial A’CHORD in their practices. They were asked to compare the handling and esthetic characteristics of the new composite with the composites they were currently using. Among the handling properties surveyed were viscosity, adaptation, packability, sculptability, polishability, and overall handling. In the esthetic evaluation, shade difference before and after light curing, chameleon effect, match with shade tabs, gloss retention, and overall esthetics were evaluated. Most evaluators found their experience with the material to be very good and liked its ability to match several different shades with 1 material. They found the translucency to be just right, and the majority rated its polishability as excellent.

Comments included, “It fits in areas where I need more chroma,” and, “It was easy to use and condensed nicely in Class I and II preps.” Several evaluators preferred that the material be warmed, as they do with other composites they use, to give their accustomed handling characteristics. Although not required, this is a procedure that I always incorporate. Because of the overwhelming positive reviews of the material, G-ænial A’CHORD received the Catapult Vote of Confidence, and most evaluators said they will add this material to their repertoire.