Product Evaluation

VISTA APEX

RE-GEN Universal Adhesive

RE-GEN Universal Adhesive’s bioactive formula promotes hydroxyapatite formation while enhancing bond strength and reducing post-operative sensitivity

Like so many of his colleagues, Robert Klein, DDS, is always looking for products that increase bond strength and decrease postop sensitivity for his restorative patients. After testing Vista Apex's RE-GEN Universal Adhesive for this DPS evaluation, he found that it worked well for both composite restorations and seating crowns, explaining, “I used it on several quadrants of Class II composite restorations and was very happy with the RE-GEN Universal Adhesive.”

Designed for use with both direct and indirect restorations, RE-GEN Universal Adhesive combines the conditioner, primer, and bonding resin into a simple, one-bottle system. Non technique-sensitive use further maximizes its ease of use and consistency. The included RE-GEN Cleanser removes contaminants from the tooth surface, disinfects, and prepares enamel for exceptional long-term bonding, and the no-rinse system eliminates postoperative sensitivity.

The bioactive adhesive contains no bis-GMA, Bisphenol-A, or BPA derivatives, and along with all of Vista Apex's RE-GEN solutions, RE-GEN Universal is formulated with Bioglass to stimulate bone cells toward a path of regeneration and self-repair. The release of bioactive calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions promotes hydroxyapatite formation, which, in turn, ensures closure of any gaps at the resin-dentin interface, potentially improving long-term bond strengths and eliminating bond degradation.

Ease of Use

Calling RE-GEN Universal easy to use, Philip Harper, DMD, said that he likes the idea of using the cleanser to clean up the contamination before bonding. “The pre-clean process helps the bond have stronger connection.” Because he didn’t have to apply and rinse an etchant, Dr. Ricardo Ochinang said it saved him time, and Dr. Richard Creaghe praised its “good, quick setting time.” Reena Gupta, DDS, described both the viscosity and consistency as “perfect,” and Dr. Klein said, “It wasn’t difficult to use; very similar use to other adhesives.” When asked to suggest improvements, Dr. Klein said, “I like my adhesive a little thicker,” and Dr. Robert Korwin and Dr. Michael Hansen suggested reduced application time.

Lack of Postop Sensitivity

Reporting no sensitivity after deep restorations, Dr. Korwin said his favorite feature was that REGEN Universal contains a cleanser as part of the product. “You’re able to leave the prep moist, not dry, reducing postop sensitivity,” he stated. Dr. Ochinang agreed, saying, “There was no reported postop sensitivity with its use.” Dr. Gupta described a patient with sensitivity from a fill that was done a few months prior and said that the patient found relief after she applied RE-GEN Universal. The adhesive provided “extreme cervical sensitivity relief,” according to Dr. Richard Lezell, and Dr. Terry Kristallis identified “immediate relief of sensitivity” as the product’s best feature. Another evaluator remarked that he “used it several times for root sensitivity with great results,” explaining that “root sensitivity resolved with confidence.” Dr. Hansen said, “I have had zero sensitivity issues and [the material] also reduced the dreaded white lines.”

Versatility and Bioactivity

Dr. Klein described RE-GEN Universal as “very versatile,” and Dr. Harper said it worked well when he placed direct and indirect restorations along with veneers. Dr. Hansen also reported success with direct restorations and said that the material’s bioactivity was his favorite feature. “Long term results are still out, but this made me a believer of Dr. Kanca’s bonding protocol, when I have been skeptical in the past,” he said of John Kanca III, DMD, who is a pioneer in bonding solutions and restorative dentistry. “The benefit of releasing calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to promote hydroxyapatite formation can definitely lessen risk for recurrent caries or possible bond degradation over time,” Dr. Ochinang concluded.

"A good product that may help maximize the lifespan of composite restorations, considering its bioactive features."
-Ricardo Ochinang, DMD
San Angelo, TX

Overall Satisfaction

While acknowledging the need for more time to accurately determine long-term bond strength, the evaluators were optimistic about RE-GEN Universal’s ability to hold up over time and successfully retain restorations for years to come. “If the long-term bond strength is good, it is definitely a must-buy,” determined Dr. Kristallis. Dr. Gupta said she has started using the adhesive on a regular basis, and Dr. Ochinang decided, “Overall, it’s a good product that may help maximize the lifespan of composite restorations, considering its bioactive features.” In a message to Apex Dental Materials, Dr. Hansen concluded, “I look forward to continuing to utilize your products to provide a bioactive product to my patients.”

Takeaways

•Formulated with Bioglass to stimulate bone cell regeneration and self-repair
•Versatile for use with both direct and indirect restorations
•Provides excellent bond strengths at 46 MPa
•RE-GEN Cleanser removes contaminants from tooth surface, disinfects, and prepares enamel for bonding
•No-rinse system eliminates postoperative sensitivity