A time-saving, 2-step process—along with a gap-free interface—has made the self-curing Stela restorative a practice go-to for this Iowa pediatric dentist
Pediatric patients present unique challenges: shorter attention spans, lower tolerance for lengthy procedures, and difficulties with moisture control, to name a few. That’s why Stela has become a trusted go-to for Jarod Johnson, DDS. Self-curing and etch-free, the composite requires a simple, 2-step process, reducing chair time. In his Muscatine, IA, pediatric dental practice, Dr. Johnson reaches for it several times a day.
Fewer Steps, Faster Treatment
“The number of steps is reduced, and it saves treatment time compared with other restorative systems," Dr. Johnson shared. "It cuts down concerns over the number of components I previously had to introduce to a child, which helps from a behavior management standpoint. It’s also replaced many of my resin-modified glass ionomer materials under good isolation. My restorations are holding up very well.”
The 2-step process is simple: First, apply Stela Primer to the prep, which speeds up polymerization at the restoration interface. After air-drying the primer, fi ll the prep with the flowable, self-curing Stela composite. After a few minutes, you'll have a fully cured and esthetic restoration.
Gap-Free Interface = Reduced Microleakage
Dr. Johnson particularly appreciates Stela’s accelerated polymerization, which delivers a reliable gap-free interface. Another benefit, he shared, is that while light-cured composites shrink toward the curing light, Stela's self-curing component means the material shrinks toward the tooth.
“The No. 1 benefit for me is the gap-free margins, which reduce the chance of microleakage, especially with high-risk pediatric patients,” he said.
"I always want to be one-and-done with baby teeth and not have to restore them over and over again, and I can place Stela composite without seeing recurrent decay due to microleakage. I’m also seeing less shrinkage, which can cause sensitivity in some patients. In fact, I haven’t had to redo a composite due to sensitivity since using Stela."
Esthetic and Versatile
With a chameleon effect that balances translucency and opacity, Stela blends in with surrounding teeth for highly esthetic restorations.
“I use Stela for Class Is, IIs, and Vs in primary and permanent teeth, Class IIIs in permanent teeth, and strip crowns in primary teeth,” Dr. Johnson said. “I also use it for core buildups after endo; with its unlimited depth of cure, I don’t have to increment, which is really helpful. I find it's a great option for my patients."
