Sculpture Plus (1 yr)

Consultants’ Comments

• “Vitality is better than original Sculpture.”
• “Easy to adjust and polish.”
• “Restorations required a lot of adjustment.”
• “Cemented inlays become invisible.”

Description

Sculpture Plus is an indirect laboratory composite indicated for inlays, onlays and crowns. The composite is an improved version of the original Sculpture material.Sculpture Plus contains the newest generation of polycarbonate dimethacrylate (PCDMA) resin with nanoparticulate filler. The composite is light cured under pressure to minimize voids and flaws. Shades available include all 16 classic shades corresponding to Vita shades plus A0, B0 and translucent incisals. Restorations should be bonded with resin cement.

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

• Restorations were fabricated by Pinnacle Cosmetic Dentistry, Wallingford, CT.

• Seventy-two restorations were placed in 50 patients and were evaluated at insertion and at one year.

• Restorations included 46 crowns and 26 inlays/onlays on posterior teeth (Figure 1).

• Restorations were evaluated on a 1-5 rating scale:
  1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent

Figure 1

Clinical Observations – Insertion

Overall Laboratory Product
Restorations received from the laboratory were good and fit the dies well. The margin finish was not always acceptable; several restorations exhibited excessive flash causing overextended margins. Some restorations had tight interproximal contacts or high occlusion requiring adjustment before seating. In general, it was felt that the overall laboratory product could have been more consistent.

Shade Match/Esthetics and Vitality
Sculpture Plus produced restorations that were highly esthetic, possessing the proper balance of translucency and opacity. Restorations matched the shades requested and blended well with the teeth. Eighty-two percent rated excellent for esthetics and the remainder rated very good.

Fit of Restoration/Integrity of Margin
Upon try-in of Sculpture Plus restorations, 58% were rated excellent for fit. Forty-two percent required adjustment of one or more areas to correct various issues. Ten percent were noted to have bulky or overextended margins that required recontouring. Seventeen percent required slight to moderate occlusal adjustment and 6% required internal adjustment. Two crowns fractured during cementation when occlusal pressure was applied and had to be remade.

Ease of Adjustment/Polish
Standard rotary composite finishing and polishing instruments were ideal for adjusting and polishing Sculpture Plus. Most consultants used fine diamond burs on areas requiring adjustment. Final polishing was accomplished with a variety of rubber, silicone or diamond-impregnated instruments at low speed.

Figure 2

Clinical Observations – Recall

During the first year after placement, restorations have maintained the original shade and esthetics. Most of the restorations were rated very good to excellent for esthetics. Restorations appeared glossy and blended well with the surrounding teeth. No chipping or fractures were reported and no wear was visible. None of the patients reported experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort. Overall, patients were pleased with their Sculpture Plus restorations.