Product Evaluation

With the average adult making thousands of decisions every day, it’s no surprise that many are looking for ways to simplify their lives. As a dentist, you can simplify your work life—and your workflow—by choosing versatile materials that perform in a variety of clinical situations, leaving you with one less decision to make.

To streamline the cementation process for indirect restorations, Dr. Steven Berk discovered that Dentsply Sirona’s Calibra Universal+ Versatile Resin Cement “is easy to use on all types of crowns, from zirconia and lithium disilicate to PFMs.”

Designed for simplicity, consistency, and predictability, the 2-component, high-strength cement contains fluoride and can be used with or without adhesive, in any curing mode, and has a simplified cleanup technique.

With the expedited cementation process, Dr. Berk “was able to seat multiple crowns at an appointment and was able to remove all of the excess cement without leaving any behind.” In fact, “the ease of removing excess cement” was one of Dr. Berk’s favorite features and one reason why he would recommend Calibra Universal+ to his colleagues.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Indicated for cementation of indirect restorations, including ceramic, composite, and metal-based inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and posts, Calibra Universal+ is suitable for use with lithium disilicate, zirconia, glass ceramics, and other materials. No adhesive is needed for many surfaces, but Prime&Bond active universal adhesive is recommended when cementing resin composite, lower strength porcelain/ceramic, or minimally retentive restorations.

Each dual-cure, automix syringe contains 4.5 g of cement, and the “easy delivery system” was the feature that Dr. Aisha Nasir liked best. Dr. Reem Mahjoub called the cement “multifunctional and easy to use” and appreciated its ability to be light-cured, dual-cured, or self-cured. Although she felt the consistency was a little runny, she said, “Ultimately, that can be managed using short curing times.”

Noting that “the film thickness is perfect,” Dr. Frederick Bonds said, “Calibra Universal+ is easy to use, reliable, and performed very well with onlay and crown cementation.”

Dr. Robert Kirchmann enjoyed the cement’s “simplicity and ability to work on slightly moist surfaces” and reported “predictable results in various challenging conditions.” His staff appreciated the “simplified selection process” and reduced inventory, and he is now “considering using this as our main restorative line.”

Time Savings and Ease of Cleanup

The cement’s “very straightforward process reduced chair time” for Dr. William Campbell, who explained, “The quick bonding process expedited the procedure and appointment, especially for those challenging cases with patients with sensitivity or dental anxiety.” When Dr. Alan Pressman used Calibra Universal+ to cement a 7-unit [lithium disilicate] bridge on a severe gagger, he said, “Cementation worked wonderfully.”

To further improve efficiency, Dr. Campbell believes that “ease of cleanup is key,” and he appreciated the 10-second tack cure window and 45-second extended gel phase, which made “excess cement easy to clean up.” Dr. Mahjoub said, “The appropriate tacky phase allows for easy cleanup,” and Dr. Pressman agreed that “removal of excess was exceptional.”

Dr. Sharde Harvey noted, “Cleanup is excellent; better than other cements to remove.” Because of the ease of use and easy cleanup, Dr. Shailesh Patel said, “Calibra Universal+ made my life easier. I absolutely love this product.”

Final Esthetics

Calibra Universal+ comes in 5 highly esthetic, stable shades—Light, Medium, Translucent, Opaque, and Bleach. The shade options give Dr. Kent Jackson “the ability to shade-match anterior restorations with better results,” and Dr. Patel said, “The different shades are beneficial for my cosmetic cases.”

Agreeing that “the variety of shades for the anterior is a plus,” Dr. Campbell also pointed out the stability of the shades. “From try-in to cementation, the material maintains a consistent shade outcome. It is beneficial for the very detailed-oriented patient who may notice subtle changes in anterior restorations after cementation.”

When asked what she liked best, Dr. Harvey said, “It is very visible on x-rays and shows up a bit more radiopaque than other cements.” Dr. Mahjoub agreed that “high radiopacity creates better imaging,” and added, “I found myself not rushing to cement, clean, and cure, which created a more favorable cementation result.”

Overall Satisfaction

Despite a wide variety of restorative materials available from which to choose, Dr. Harvey noted that “there are not very many good cements available for [lithium disilicate] cementation,” and deemed Calibra Universal+ “a great alternative to other [lithium disilicate] or porcelain cements.”

Dr. Campbell declared, “It satisfied my desire to simplify the cementation process and is overall a great, consistent product.” Explaining that “new and improved tools in my armamentarium are always useful,” Dr. Pressman may be adding Calibra Universal+ to his toolbox in the future. “It was easy to use, and my restorations looked great,” he explained.

“Calibra Universal+ performed beyond my expectations,” concluded Dr. Bonds. “It is a truly wonderful product and will be included in my cementation procedures.”