Multilink Automix (4 yr)

Consultants’ Comments

• “Four years of excellent data makes me confident about the long-term success of my restorations cemented with Multilink Automix.”
• “Based on the long term success of the proceeding generations, I will be trying the Multilink Automix.”
• “The debond rate of my restorations is minimal as a result of using this excellent cement.”
• “Of the 407 restorations recalled, it gives me great confidence to know that over 400 showed no signs of microleakage.”

Description

Multilink Automix is a self-cured with optional light-cured adhesive resin cement with a self-curing and self-etching primer. Suggested applications for Multilink Automix include adhesive cementation of indirect restorations made of all-ceramic (zirconia, aluminum oxide, and glass ceramics), metal, metal-ceramic, and fiber-reinforced composite. The use of Monobond Plus, a universal restorative primer, is recommended to achieve a stronger bond to all types of restorative materials. Multilink Automix is available in four shades with different degrees of translucency: transparent (high translucency), yellow (high translucency), white (medium translucency), and opaque (low translucency). Try-in pastes are now available along with an Air Block Liquid Strip to protect the cement line from oxygen exposure during the curing process. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term clinical performance of Multilink Automix at four years.

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

Four hundred seven restorations cemented with Multilink Automix were recalled at four years. Types of restorative materials, types of restorations and age of restorations evaluated at four years are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively. At recall, restorations were evaluated for resistance to marginal discoloration and retention on a 1-5 rating scale: 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent.

Results at Four Years

Esthetics
Multilink Automix maintained excellent color stability in 100% of restorations placed over the four-year evaluation period (Figure 4), ensuring optimal esthetics of the restoration.

Lack of Sensitivity
Lack of sensitivity was rated excellent (Figure 4). No additional postoperative sensitivity was reported between years three and four.

Resistance to Marginal Discoloration
Resistance to marginal discoloration was rated excellent at four years (Figure 4). Five restorations exhibited staining or graying at the margins. The color of nearly 99% of the restorations has been stable with almost no evidence of microleakage.

Retention
Retention was rated excellent (Figure 4) with an adjusted debond rate of 2.7%. Sixteen restorations debonded during the past four years. These restorations included 10 lithium disilicate restorations; four ceramic-veneered zirconia restorations, one of which was a three-unit bridge; and two leucite-reinforced restorations. Five of these restorations debonded with the core in the restoration and one restoration had a short preparation.

Summary

Four hundred and seven restorations, cemented with Multilink Automix,  recalled at four years. The restorations continue to exhibit excellent esthetics, excellent lack of postoperative sensitivity, very good resistance to marginal staining and excellent retention.

Clinicians feel confident about the longevity of the restorations they cement with this product. Multilink Automix received a 98% clinical performance rating.