Product Evaluation

OptiBond Universal: Single Component Universal Adhesive

OptiBond Universal provides excellent adhesion in a range of direct and indirect applications, and offers maximum versatility and flexibility for self-, selective-, and total-etch techniques

Dr. Raul Escalante wanted a predictable, easy-to-use universal adhesive that lasts and produces no post-op sensitivity. Dr. Rachna Surana, meanwhile, was looking for a product that offered the speed and accuracy needed to work on pediatric cases without sedation.

The 2 dentists were interested to find out if Kerr’s OptiBond Universal could be the answer, trying the product in their practices for several weeks for this Dental Product Shopper evaluation. The single component, light-cure adhesive is designed to provide excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces and substrates for direct and indirect applications, and is effective with self-, selective-, and total-etch techniques, according to Kerr.

Dr. Escalante concluded that OptiBond Universal fit the bill. And Dr. Surana called it the most versatile bonding agent she’s ever used. “In one such case, during multiple restorations in one quadrant, OptiBond came out as the hero, saving us time and eliminating the two-step process,” she said.

Ease of Use

Delivered via bottle or unidose, OptiBond Universal simplifies the bonding process while making it less technique-sensitive, according to Kerr. The material’s viscosity allows it to stay where it’s placed but rinses off easily, eventually creating a better fit for final restorations.

Calling it a great product that’s very easy to use, Dr. Andre Kanarki said OptiBond adhesive saved him time. He added, “After applying and light air drying, I did not encounter a thick resin film.” Dr. Alan Howard described OptiBond as easy to use for most situations, and Dr. Alfred Bassin was able to complete the procedure quickly when dealing with a squirming child. Adam Beno, DMD, appreciated the material’s easy application and said it was “not too viscous with low film thickness.” OptiBond Universal “reduces multiple steps, and saves time,” said Dr. Surana, who said her favorite features were the “low post-op sensitivity, the bond strength of a two-step system, and simplifying our bonding protocols.”

Several evaluators commented on delivery, including Dr. Escalante, who said, “I like how easy it is to dispense,” Etta Lobel, DMD, who said, “I like the small applicators,” and Dr. Beno, who noted, “The bottle serves as a very convenient delivery system.” When asked what she’d like to see improved, Dr. Surana remarked, “I was hesitant in using the unidose for a single-surface restoration due to wastage of material. Having a different amount option for unidose might help during case selection.”

Versatility and Bond Strength

OptiBond Universal provides reliable bond strengths in any etching technique, giving clinicians the flexibility to select techniques based on indication or personal preference. According to Kerr, the material is an excellent adhesive for everything from enamel and dentin to porcelain and ceramics, and also serves as a cavity sealer, core buildup material, and the only primer needed for metal, ceramic, and composite substrates/restorations.

Calling OptiBond adhesive easy to use both with direct and indirect restorations, Aamna Nayyar, DDS, noted that it “worked well in full dried form on enamel while a little wet was OK on dentin.” Dr. Kanarki said, “[OptiBond was] great for different procedures, from simple bond to veneers,” and Dr. Lobel said it proved critical in a case involving “very deep cavities.” Describing OptiBond as a “very versatile bonding agent,” Dr. Beno told DPS, “Its ability to be used in total-, self- or selective-etch modes” was the feature he liked most. Dr. Escalante used the material for buildups, and said he “was able to place, cure, buildup and continue on with my prep,” adding, “the build-up stayed in place.”

While not asked specifically to rate bond strength, a number of evaluators commented on this feature. Dr. Lourdes Calvo said the material offered reliable bond strength, and Analia Veitz-Keenan, DDS, was able to achieve composite retention in a difficult area. Dr. Escalante said, “[I] placed numerous restorations [and] not one of them popped off,” adding, “My buildups didn’t come off when I removed the temp.”

“I like a one-step etch bond that has good adhesive properties, [and OptiBond] worked well,” said Dr. Lobel. Dr. Surana commented on esthetics, noting that, “OptiBond Universal‘s low film thickness made it possible to achieve best esthetic results in anterior restorations.”

Reduced Postoperative Sensitivity

Almost every evaluator weighed in on reduced post-op sensitivity, from Dr. Nayyar, who said, “No sensitivity reported to date,” to Dr. Kanarki, who noted, “Of 23 patients only one reported moderate sensitivity.” Dr. Calvo said she always asks a patient if there was any post-op sensitivity at the next visit and concluded, “There was none reported.” And Dr. Surana found that “no postoperative sensitivity has reduced the appointments for follow-up drastically.”

"It truly is the most versatile bonding agent I've ever used."

-Rachna Surana, DDS

Laguna Niguel, CA

Overall Satisfaction

All of the evaluators said they would recommend OptiBond adhesive material to their colleagues. ”I would strongly recommend this for anyone who is looking to simplify their bonding protocol and wants to master one product,” concluded Dr. Surana.

Takeaways

•Provides excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces and substrates for direct and indirect applications

•Can be used with self-, selective- and total-etch techniques

•Low (~5 microns) film thickness and perfect viscosity allow it to stay where it’s placed and improves final restoration fit

•Reduces postoperative sensitivity