3M Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative
Offering an array of advanced clinical properties, this nanocomposite lets you blend and opacify simultaneously—and it shines in any preferred restorative technique
Very easy to place and press without pull-back from the instrument,” noted Spokane, WA, general dentist Dr. Charles Regalado, when asked about some of
the qualities that make 3M Filtek One Bulk Fill his go-to restorative. He continued, “And placing 3M Filtek One is significantly faster than a layering technique, shaving minutes off the procedure.”
Although these, and other beneficial properties of 3M Filtek One are widely acknowledged and supported by research and clinical evidence, Dr. Regalado’s perspective might be just a bit different than that of many restorative dentists.“
There is certainly not much of a learning curve when it comes to bulk-fill composites in general,” he said. “We know how to set up a matrix system of choice and then adapt the composite into the prep. As long as you have set everything up correctly, it is just a matter of pressing it into the tooth as best as you can.
“However, that is not how I use Filtek One. Without exception, I heat the composite to improve flow and adaptability—this in conjunction with the clear mylar matrices used in the technique for the Bioclear system.
The Facts and Features
3M Filtek One Bulk Fill is the newest generation of 3M’s bulk fill offerings, providing improved opacity and esthetics along with exceptional adaptation to the cavity. Enabling one-step placement in increments of up to 5 mm, Filtek One comes in capsule or syringe delivery and in shades A1, A2, A3, B1, and C2.
According to Dr. Regalado, one of the major improvements offered with 3M Filtek One is its ability to
opacify as it cures. “In the uncured state, the light doesn’t refract as much so that light can get through the material when using an adequate light source,” he observed. “As the material cures, the refractory index changes and the light scatters rather than just passes through. This creates a final cured state with both adequate opacity to hide darker stains and enough translucency to blend to the natural tooth.”
Another notable benefit of 3M Filtek One is its true nanofill chemistry, which imparts high strength as well as very high and sustainable polishability. “My patients comment on the ultra-smooth surface I can create with 3M Filtek One.” Dr. Regalado said. “And it only takes seconds to bring it back to full luster whenever we need to at re-care appointments.”
Filtek One In Vivo with Bioclear
As a fan and instructor of the Bioclear Matrix restorative system, Dr. Regalado uses warmed 3M Filtek One exclusively with its technique.
“One very important change in my practice has been the ability to use 3M Filtek One for larger composite restorations that might otherwise be difficult to restore without an indirect option,” he noted. “Indirects typically need maximum tooth reduction to create a path of insertion, and often this means sacrificing healthy tooth structure. In order to more conservatively achieve a true mono-lithic result, a bulk-fill composite like 3M Filtek One is a great option."
