Top user tips for Pulpdent's Tuff-Temp

Over the last 20 years, we have seen improvements in temporary crown and bridge materials that have contributed greatly to our daily practices. The traditional powder and liquid acrylics have been surpassed by innovative materials that allow us to syringe provisional material directly into a bite registration, pre-made matrix or a pre-made crown. Among other positive clinical benefits, these new formulations generate less heat and less shrinkage and have been very well received by the profession.

During this same 20 year period, however, most of the new materials in this product category have been bis-acrylics formulated from essentially the same chemistry, and consequently these products offer limited options and provide similar results. The question posed to our Catapult Group was whether Tuff-Temp provisional crown and bridge resin from Pulpdent offers dentists a product that is both unique and clinically beneficial.

Tuff-Temp uses a proprietary rubberized-urethane™ chemistry that is formulated by inserting a synthetic rubber molecule into a diurethane dimethacrylate molecule to produce a tough, impact resistant, dimensionally stable, tight fitting provisional restoration.

The benefits claimed by the manufacturer and presented to the group for evaluation were:

• More retentive because of a better fit

• Less brittle, and in the case of bridges, more durable with less chance of breakage

• A complete system with 3 components: Provisional C&B material in a 50 mL double barrel cartridge for standard dispenser gun delivery (5 mL syringe also available); Provisional Add-on flowable resin, light cure, in a small syringe; and provisional Glaze, light cure

• Dual cure Provisional C&B material: self-cure with fast light cure option

Findings from Catapult
Ninety-five percent of the reviewers responded favorably to Tuff-Temp, and here are the reasons:

1. The No. 1 benefit regarding physical properties was the fit with 60% of the group rating the fit excellent. There are just too many times when our preparations are not ideal, and as a result, retention becomes that much more important.  
2.  Another important property that received high marks was the material’s enhanced resistance to fracture. Comments regarding strength included: “better success with 2nd molars,” “less rigidity,” “fewer fractures,” “no chipping,” and “increased density.”  
3.  The dual cure option was found to be a key characteristic that would motivate more than 50% of the users to begin using the material. It’s truly a time saver!
4.  The group was mixed on its trimming and polishability with some evaluators desiring a better polish.
5.  Some members of the group felt the colors were not accurate with the VITA Shades.
6.  The oxygen inhibition layer was thicker and a bit stickier than traditional formulations.

Takeaways with tips

• After 90 seconds, remove your bite matrix from the mouth, light cure for 10-20 seconds, and remove the temporary from the matrix.

• You must wipe the temporary with alcohol to remove the thicker oxygen inhibited layer.

• Try in the restoration and use the Tuff-Temp flowable Add-on (light cure only) to repair margins, voids and any contact issues. Then simply light cure, remove and polish. The Add-on is a great part of the kit.

• Place WINK, a water soluble lubricant and release agent from Pulpdent, on your preparation prior to making your temporary. It makes removing your temp a non issue.

• If you light cure the temporary through a clear matrix, beware of heat! The material, like methacrylates, gives off heat (exothermic) and if the patient is not numb, he or she will tell you! Initial light cure intraorally and final light cure after removal from the mouth to mitigate this issue.

• Block out any undercuts prior to beginning the temporary.

• The Glaze is wonderful for your large anterior cases. Apply a generous coat.

• Read the directions and follow them.

• The flexibility of the material (greater deflection at break) can make your veneer temporization procedure easier and more durable.

• Suggestions to Pulpdent from Catapult

• Make the auto cure time shorter.

• Create more accurate shades to the VITA Shade Guide.

• Consider making another consistency that is less flowable.

• Provide specific recommendations for trimming and polishing to enhance the final result.