G-aenial Universal Flo

Consultants’ Comments

• “The viscosity was nice for Class V. It has the ability to stack for buildups.”
• “The shading was good with a range of shades available – good esthetics.”
• “Good radiopacity.”
• “It stays where you place it.”
• “The composite cures slightly darker than the labeled shade.”
• “The composite is sticky and pulls back.”

Description

G-aenial Universal Flo is a universal light-cured composite with a flowable viscosity. Unlike other flowable composites that have limited indications, G-aenial Universal Flo is indicated as a direct restorative for Class I, II, III, IV, and V cavities. It may also be used as a pit and fissure sealant, for sealing hypersensitive areas, for the repair of direct esthetic restorations, as a temporary crown and bridge material, for blocking out undercuts, and as a liner or base. G-aenial Universal Flo is filled 69% (by weight) with 200 nm strontium glass particles and does not contain bis-GMA. This composite has a “low flow” viscosity and is syringe-delivered through a unique twist-on dispensing tip. Shades include A1, A2, A3, A3.5, A4, B1, B2, B3, C3, AO2, AO3, BW, CV, JE, and AE. G-aenial Universal Flo is available in 3.4-g syringes with 10 dispensing tips. Consultants evaluated shades A1, A2, A3, B1, and CV. G-aenial Universal Flo was evaluated by 24 consultants in 932 restorations. It received a 92% rating.

Clinical Observations

Manufacturer’s Instructions/ Packaging

Instructions for G-aenial Universal Flo are complete and easy to follow. Packaging is simple. Consultants would like a greater quantity of syringe tips in the package.

Ease of Dispensing/Use of Syringe

The dispensing tips provided are unique to this material; universal tips do not fit the G-aenial Universal Flo syringes. The long, narrow tips are plastic and may be bent at any point for improved access. While the flexibility for bending the tip is a benefit, there are some cases in which a more rigid tip would be an advantage. Material dispenses smoothly and does not ooze out of the tip after placement.

Viscosity/Stackability

Most consultants liked the viscosity and the ability to stack the composite, especially in larger restorations. After placement the material levels out in the tooth. For procedures involving small or narrow preparations, a more flowable composite would be advised.

Ease of Placement

Many consultants reported that the composite was sticky when moving it around in the prepared tooth. Filling the tooth and moving the material with the dispensing tip are recommended, and stringing is decreased if the tip is removed perpendicular to the surface of the material. There is no ability to sculpt this material.

Shade Match Before and After Curing/Final Esthetics

Esthetics rated highly, with good blending of the composite to the tooth. The material gains translucency upon curing, and shades are slightly darker than labeled.

Summary

Seventy-one percent of consultants reported that G-aenial Universal Flo was better than their current flowable composite when used for a final restoration. When used for purposes other than a final restoration, 38% of consultants reported that G-aenial Universal Flo was better than their current flowable composite and 42% reported that it was equivalent. Sixty-seven percent would switch to G-aenial Universal Flo and 75% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• The tip is flexible so it can be bent as needed to access various areas of the preparation.