According to Pentron Clinical Technologies,
what makes Artiste Nano Composite
unique is the simple technique and intuitively
named shades. The manufacturer claims
that this universal material performs well in both
posterior and anterior regions.
Layering Technique
Pentron’s recommended layering technique is
intended to mimic the natural anatomy of the
tooth. The technique requires 2 steps:
1. Apply the dentin/body layer to the fullcervical
contour and taper lingually to the
incisal third, adding dentin mamelons as
desired.
2. Apply the translucent enamel layer to full
contour.
When the 6 dentist evaluators were asked to
rate the Artiste layering technique, 83% rated it
as very good to excellent. One evaluator commented
that the product is “technique sensitive
because we have to use the body shade first and
then the final shade to match the true outcome.”
This evaluator went on to say, “In one way this
is good so we can know what body shade to use
first. This will bring out the true esthetics of the
composite.”
Nomenclature
The manufacturer states that they have simplified
the nomenclature to make choosing materials
and shades easier. Dentin/bodies are matched 1:1
with the most commonly used Vita Shade Guides,
and enamels and opaques are coordinated to each
Vita shade range: A, B, C, D, and Bleach.
The evaluators were asked to rate
Artiste’s naming system. Sixty-six percent
rated the Artiste nomenclature
excellent to very good. One evaluator
noted that the “organization of the
dentin body shades with corresponding
enamel shades makes this product very
easy to use.” She went on to say, “The
shades remain true to the Vita colors
when cured.” Another evaluator commented
that he uses another 2-step system
in his practice, but that “Artiste
seemed to be more user friendly in
labeling so that material selection was
easier. When we use [the other system],
we always need to pull out shade guides
to select our shade.”
Material Handling and
Manipulation
According to Pentron, Artiste Nano
Composite has a nonslumping, nonsticky
consistency that allows for easy
sculpting and shaping. When the dentist
evaluators were asked to rate the
product on material handling and
manipulation, they rated it excellent to
good. One evaluator commented that
“material handling was excellent—the
material did not seem to excessively
stick to the instruments while placing
the composite.” Another evaluator
said, “The dentin consistency is pliable,
not stiff, and remains on the
tooth when placed with a composite
instrument or gloved fingertip.”
However, 1 evaluator said that he
found the material “sticky and hard to
handle.”
Polishability
Pentron states that Artiste’s strength
and polishability combine to create
beautiful restorations. When the evaluators
were asked to rate the composite
on polishability of the final restoration,
they rated it excellent to very good.
One evaluator commented that “diamond
finishers leave a clean, smooth
surface with no powder residue.”
Another evaluator said, “The polishability
and packability of the composite
is excellent.”
Overall Satisfaction
When asked about their overall satisfaction
with Artiste Nano Composite,
they rated it as excellent to good. One
evaluator said, “The organization of
the Artiste system with the ease of
manipulation results in a masterful finished
product.” Another evaluator said,
“Overall I would consider Artiste to be
an excellent composite.”
