Product Evaluation

VOCO

Meron Plus QM Evaluation

A paste-to-paste resin-modified glass ionomer cement that’s easy to handle and clean up—saving time while producing strong, reliable adhesion

Because crown cementation can be a tedious process involving multiple steps and several different products, many dentists rely on self-adhesive glass ionomer cements that do not require a primer or conditioner yet still provide predictable, reliable cementation results. “When cementing crowns, there are usually many steps before the cement is placed,” shared Dr. Cynthia Leung, a New Jersey dentist who was looking for a less time-consuming method of crown cementation.

Along with several other dentists, Dr. Leung tested VOCO’s Meron Plus QM resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement for this DPS evaluation and was delighted that “the self-adhesive feature reduces the amount of time we need to complete the procedure.” She added, “My dental assistant loves it since there are fewer products to set up!” In addition, Dr. Leung pointed out, “The cement is easily cleaned up due to its gel-like consistency after a short time.” Because the material is easy to clean up, reduces preparation steps, and does not need a primer or conditioner, Dr. Leung said she would be glad to recommend Meron Plus QM to colleagues. “It’s easy to use and saves time and money.”

Delivery & Handling

Meron Plus QM is a paste/paste formulation that is easy to mix and dispense with VOCO’s QuickMix syringe, which ensures a reliable mixing ratio and easy application directly into the prepared restoration. “The delivery system provides a consistent mix every time,” said Dr. Craig Smith, and another dentist shared, “The mixing tip made it quite easy to handle without making a mess.”

Dr. James Rhea said the material is “easy to work with, easy to clean up, and the light-cure tacking option is useful.” Calling Meron Plus QM “very easy to handle and a breeze to clean up,” Dr. Edward Barragan mentioned that a slightly lower viscosity would be ideal. Dr. Irving Lebovics said it was easy to work with for single-unit cementation. He added, “We’ll see how it does over time, but for now it is an excellent product.”

Meron Plus QM is indicated for the cementation of metal-based inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges; high-strength all-ceramic crowns, bridges, and inlays; and metal, ceramic, and fiber posts. With a shear bond strength to dentin of 11.3 MPa and a bond strength to zirconium dioxide of 11.8 MPa, the “bond strength of Meron Plus QM is supposed to be higher than competitors,” noted Dr. Rhea. Appreciating the material’s versatility, Dr. David Sabourin praised its ability to “release fluoride and adhere to zirconia and all substrates.” He called it “great for the difficult patient with a strong gag reflex and hypersalivation while performing cementation of the lower subgingival second molar.”

Time Savings

The self-adhesive formula of Meron Plus QM allows for quick, secure bonding without a primer or conditioner, and the 2-minute working time is sufficient for single-tooth restorations or multi-unit bridges, according to VOCO. Low film thickness encourages a precise marginal fit to minimize time spent making adjustments. Because he did not need to use a primer, Meron Plus QM saved time for Steven Edelson, DDS, resulting in easy crown insertion. Another dentist agreed that it “saves a lot of waiting time for the cement to set,” and several evaluators said it was easy to use.

Calling it an excellent option for RMGI applications, Dr. Smith said, “The working time with Meron Plus QM is enough for multiple crowns or a bridge, and the bond strength is adequate.” When seating 4 anterior PFM crowns, there was enough time to load and seat all 4 crowns at the same time, he explained, but he would like to see a faster full set time. “It made the clinical experience easier for the patient by streamlining the procedure,” noted Dr. Sabourin. “After a number of years, you realize that anything that makes it easier for the patient, makes it easier for the clinical team.”

Ease of Cleanup

After placement, once Meron Plus QM reaches the gel phase—either with a light cure or self cure—the excess material can be removed simply and cleanly. To reduce waiting time, the gel phase can be achieved quickly by briefly light curing the excess material for 5 to 10 seconds. Several dentists said ease of cleanup was their favorite feature, including Dr. Smith, who noted, “The light-curing ability to begin the gel phase for fast and easy cleanup is fantastic. It made for predictable cleanup.” Carrie Niemann, DDS, agreed and said, “The gel set was very convenient and allowed for very easy cleanup. I also had no complaints of bad taste as I did with my current cement.”

"It is easy to work with, easy to clean up, and the light-cure tacking option is useful."
-James Rhea, DDS
Brentwood, MO

Overall Satisfaction

Although the evaluators could not assess long-term retention in this shortterm evaluation, Dr. Sabourin said Meron Plus QM provided “better adhesion than other glass ionomer resin cements” and added, “I had no issues with any cementation to date.” Dr. Edelson summed up his experience by saying, “I liked its ease of cleanup, retentive capabilities, and thin film thickness. Crowns were fully seated, cleanup was fast and simple, and it saved overall procedure time.”

Takeaways

• Paste/paste formulation is easy to mix and dispense with QuickMix syringe
• Self-adhesive formula allows for quick, secure bonding without primer or conditioner
• 2-minute working time is sufficient for single-tooth or multi-unit restorations
• Excess material is easy to remove during gel phase
• Shear bond strength to dentin is 11.3 MPa and bond strength to zirconium dioxide is 11.8 MPa