StackFlow Injectable: Where Flow Meets Form

Many flowable composites force clinicians into an inevitable trade-off: a material that adapts easily to the prep, or one that stays put without slumping. Premier’s new injectable, light-cured composite, StackFlow, offers both—control when dentists want it and adaptability when they need it.

“I really appreciate having a flowable that lets me inject and adapt precisely but also has enough shape stability to sculpt the restoration without constantly fighting the material,” said Nader Yermian, DDS. Since StackFlow launched earlier this year, the Los Angeles-based general and cosmetic dentist has found it a natural fit for much of his everyday restorative work, as well as for the biomimetic philosophy behind his practice.

Place with Precision

StackFlow features a thixotropic viscosity that allows for smooth, controlled handling without sacrificing stackability.

According to Dr. Yermian, running an explorer tip through the material activates the flow so it settles into the preparation. But when left alone, it stays right where he places it. “You can really sculpt this composite with light strokes, because it does hold its shape,” he shared. “You don’t lose the anatomy you’re trying to create.”

That shape stability is particularly helpful when working with a silicone palatal matrix. “You can place a little bit at a time, and you don’t have to worry about it running everywhere,” Dr. Yermian said.

StackFlow’s Zero-Bubble syringe tip also helps avoid problems during placement. “If you have an air bubble, you may have to drill back and redo the restoration,” Dr. Yermian explained.

“StackFlow’s syringe tip has been a noticeable improvement. I get fewer bubbles in the extrusion, which makes delivery more predictable.”

Built for Biomimetics

“Biomimetic dentistry is really about respecting and preserving the enamel and natural tooth structure, while restoring function and esthetics as closely as possible,” Dr. Yermian said. To put these principles into practice, he prioritizes minimally invasive restorations over crowns. “If I can place a direct composite under good isolation and good adhesive technique, I feel very confident creating a restoration that lasts,” he explained.

Dr. Yermian finds that StackFlow “fits very nicely” into this approach and works well for most direct restorations. “I just did a case where I placed some Class V restorations by the gumline with this material, and I also use it for my posterior restorations,” he said. “I love the versatility of this product.” Premier indicates StackFlow for Class I to V restorations and composite or ceramic repairs, as well as for use as a base or liner.

The Best of Both Worlds

Supporting StackFlow’s versatility is a proprietary hydrophobic silane surface treatment that promotes uniform filler dispersion and gives the material strength equivalent to a conventional composite. Dr. Yermian reports that esthetics hold up as well, praising the product’s optical properties and a streamlined 4-shade range that simplifies selection.

In a recent posterior case, he discovered that StackFlow masked the dark substrate beneath the restoration. “It has good brightness or opacity already built in,” he said, noting that this could reduce the need for an opaquer.

Ultimately, Dr. Yermian says StackFlow’s value lies in what it allows him to accomplish clinically. “StackFlow occupies a really nice space between a traditional flowable and a sculptable composite,” he said. “It gives you the best of both worlds, and that’s what really sets it apart.”