Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (1 yr)

Consultants’ Comments

• “An excellent composite.”
• “Good results without layering.”
• “This is now my ‘go to’ product for posterior composites.”
• “Great esthetics.”
• “Easy to place, not sticky and easy to finish and polish – very dentist friendly.”

Description

Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill is a nano-hybrid composite for direct restorations in posterior teeth. This radiopaque composite contains patented pre-polymers that reduce shrinkage stress, Ivocerin™ (a new photo-initiator) for a deeper depth of cure and light sensitivity filters for extended working time. The composite is filled 53- 54% by volume with particles in the 40 to 3000 nm range. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill cures in 10 seconds and can be placed in layers up to 4 mm.

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

Over the past 18 months, well over 100 Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill restorations were placed. At one year 68 restorations that included one- to four-surface posterior restorations were recalled (Figure 1). The recalled restorations were evaluated in the following areas: Lack of sensitivity, esthetics, resistance to fracture/chipping, resistance to marginal staining, and wear resistance. Restorations were evaluated on a 1-5 rating scale: 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good, 4=very good, 5=excellent.

Results at One Year

Lack of Sensitivity
Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill restorations were bonded with self-etching bonding agents. None of the patients reported any postoperative sensitivity (Figure 2). The product’s patented technology that reduces polymerization shrinkage may have contributed to the lack of postoperative sensitivity.

Esthetics
Although Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill restorations were slightly translucent, all of the recalled restorations exhibited excellent esthetics at one year (Figure 2).

Resistance to Fracture/Chipping
Only one of the 68 restorations fractured and had to be replaced. None of the restorations exhibited chipping (Figure 2).

Resistance to Marginal Staining
Two restorations exhibited slight staining at the cavosurface margin (Figure 2). These restorations were repolished.

Wear Resistance
No wear was observed on any of the restorations or opposing teeth (Figure 2).

Summary
Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill performed extremely well at one year. It received a 99% clinical performance rating.