For over a decade, Nate Lawson, DMD, PhD, has used ACTIVA BioACTIVE- RESTORATIVE for large posterior restorations—and he’s had very successful results. In fact, he joins many clinicians who have seen how the bioactive composite delivers all the advantages of glass ionomers in a resilient resin matrix. Realizing that dentists like Dr. Lawson could benefit from a more flowable formulation of the product, perhaps one that didn’t require a dispensing gun, Pulpent researchers quickly got to work. And that, in a nutshell, perfectly describes ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow, a next-generation bioactive bulk fill and the newest member of Pulpdent’s ACTIVA family of bioactive restoratives.
Multiple Applications, Easy Placement
“The big change in this material is the viscosity,” Dr. Lawson shared. “It’s much more flowable, which is very helpful for certain clinical situations, such as when I have a complex restoration or a deep box, and I want the material to take some twists and turns before it gets down to the bottom of the prep. I’ve also found additional applications that really benefit from a flowable material, such as certain Class IIs.
“Additionally, ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow can be dispensed with a thumb dispenser,” Dr. Lawson added. “This reduces the equipment we need, and it brings the fulcrum of the syringe a little bit closer to the patient’s mouth, so it’s easier to manipulate as you’re injecting it.”
Built-In Remineralization
According to Pulpdent, ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow is BPA-free and self-leveling with no capping required. The flowable composite also has among the lowest shrinkage stress in its class. Releasing and recharging calcium, fluoride, and phosphate ions, it physically seals the margin of the material and tooth interface through mineral apatite formation for increased protection against microleakage and secondary caries.1
ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow is powered by 3 patented SMART Technologies: MODULUS, a monomer that allows it to better withstand intraoral forces; WetBond, a moisture-tolerant acidic functional monomer; and ION-X, a hydrophilic polymer matrix. With optimal chroma and translucency, it simplifies inventory with just 1 shade, leveraging ShadeFusion technology to replace common VITA shades.
Dual-Cure Benefits
“One of the biggest benefits of this material is that it’s a dual-cure formulation. It has an unlimited depth of cure, which allows us to place a restoration in a single increment. I can even fi ll something in 6- or 7-mm increments—that’s a huge efficiency advantage,” Dr. Lawson added. “It also eliminates any potential of having voids between layers.”
Reference:
1. Arifa MK, Ephraim R, Rajamani T. Recent advances in dental hard tissue remineralization: A review of literature. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;12(2):139.
