If dentistry is to advance as a profession, it’s important that manufacturers of restorative materials continue to improve their products even after they receive accolades for the first generation. Sometimes it takes a few years, but when the next generation of the product is finally available, it’s worth the wait. That appears to be the case with KaVo Kerr’s recently introduced OptiBond eXTRa Universal.
Based on the OptiBond GDPM (glycero-phosphate dimethacrylate) technology of its award-winning predecessor OptiBond XTR, OptiBond eXTRa Universal now offers a 2-component formulation that brings together the power of a total-etch adhesive and the safety of a self-etch technique in one consistent protocol. The result is a next-generation adhesive that’s formulated to deliver more reliable outcomes that are less sensitive to technique or restrictions.
‘Shampoo’ and ‘Conditioner’
Most people with long hair would attest to the following statement: it’s better to have separate bottles, and separate formulations, for shampoo and conditioner. The same concept applies with the two-bottle OptiBond eXTRa Universal system.
“What I like about OptiBond eXTRA is that it keeps the science separate…I believe the strongest bond you can get in adhesive dentistry comes from a 2-bottle system,” explained Greg Gillespie, DDS, of Vancouver, WA.
With one bottle built to prime and the other focused solely on adhesion, OptiBond eXTRa Universal is formulated for excellent strength and universal compatibility. Regardless of the cement type, composite, or core build-up material, the system delivers more reliability, less application sensitivity, and one simple protocol.
In Step 1, the hydrophilic primer acts as a shampoo with a unique self-etching capability that creates a deeper etching surface for higher mechanical retention. Plus its ability to penetrate into the dentinal tubules results in powerful bond strength and protection against micro-leakage and postoperative sensitivity.
In Step, 2, the adhesive acts as the conditioner. It’s hydrophobic and provides an effective chemical bonding with the restorative material to boost mechanical strength, bond durability, and marginal integrity.
A Closer Look at the Chemistry
Like OptiBond XTR, OptiBond eXTRa Universal contains Kerr’s OptiBond GPDM Monomer, which according to the manufacturer, ensures more effective 
and reliable adhesion than other adhesive monomers to both the tooth structure and the resin material. It contains both acidic phosphate groups to effectively anchor the adhesive to the hydrophilic surface of the tooth and more methacrylate functional groups than other adhesive monomers, i.e. MDP, for a more effective interface with the hydrophobic resin. This creates better compatibility with both substrates and overall higher bond strength.
In addition to the GPDM Monomer, the formula of OptiBond eXTRa Universal is also enriched with Ternary Solvent System—made from water, acetone, and ethanol—which effectively etches the enamel while promoting the priming and sealing of dentin. This results in a more reliable and less sensitive technique.
Prior to curing, OptiBond eXTRa Universal features a very low pH for effective enamel etching. After curing, the pH neutralizes, creating excellent compatibility with virtually all composite, self-cure, dual-cure, and light-cure resin cement and core build-up materials, and it does not require the use of a dual-cure activator.
OptiBond eXTRa Universal is available in both bottle and unidose delivery systems. An innovative brush box is designed to avoid product cross-contamination for a safe procedure at any application.
Here are 5 direct-bonding applications for OptiBond eXTRa Universal:
1. Light-cured composite and compomer restorations
2. Composite/ceramic/metal repairs
3. Cavity sealing for amalgam restorations
4. Sealing of hypersensitive and/or exposed root surfaces
5. Core build-ups (self-cured, light-cured, or dual-cured)
Here are 5 indirect bonding applications:
1. Veneers
2. Self-cure, dual-cure, light-cure resin cements and core build-up materials
3. Porcelain, ceramic (including zirconia-based lithium disilicate-based, and alumina-based composite) and metal-based (including precious and non-precious metal inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges)
4. Endodontic posts
5. Cavity sealing as a pretreatment for indirect restorations
To find out if “two is good for you,” visit KaVo Kerr’s website to request a sample of OptiBond eXTRa Universal.