Bulk filling has become a popular way for clinicians to treat composite restorations— with clear benefits for both patients and practices. The key advantage is time gained in the operatory, as it’s much simpler for clinicians to bulk fill a restoration than to place resin material in small, time-consuming increments. It also decreases the chance for voids or shrinkage in the fill material since it’s placed all at once.
Dr. Randy Halihan, a general dentist in Crystal Lake, IL, makes it a priority to stay on top of new innovations in dentistry to help with his restorative cases. “I was excited to hear about Estelite Bulk Fill Flow being launched this past fall, and was anxious to try this new composite material on my restorative cases,” he said.
Tokuyama Dental’s Estelite Bulk Fill Flow is designed to be strong, reliable, and adaptive. It has high compressive and flexural strength, minimal shrinkage stress, and excellent cavity adaptation. The material flows easily into restoration nooks and crannies, providing an excellent marginal seal that shields against restoration failure.
“Estelite Bulk Fill Flow has simplified my posterior Class II restorations by making them faster and more dependable,” said Dr. Halihan. “I am confident that there are no voids in the interproximal box when I’m using it, as compared to a packable composite material or other lower-quality bulk fills that I’ve used in the past.”
Tooth preparations can be filled up to 4 mm without the need to apply a capping layer of another composite. A 10-second light cure is all that’s needed to create a strong and esthetic restoration. The tooth surface turns from translucent to opaque after curing—helping light reach the bottom of the restoration and offering a more natural look.
“With the 10-second light curing time, it is reassuring to know that my assistant will finish a fully cured restoration every time,” Dr. Halihan shared.
Adding to the strength and speed of Estelite Bulk Fill Flow is its unique chameleon effect. The material comes in 5 shades with superior color-matching ability. It also reaches 93% glossiness after only 60 seconds of polishing, leaving the patient with a long-lasting shine.
“I haven’t had any patients call the office with postoperative sensitivity or restoration breakage. This convinces me that I am providing the best low shrinkage and completely voidfree restoration that my patients deserve,” Dr. Halihan said.
