Bifix SE Self-Etch Resin Cement
VOCO America
Bifix SE produces high bond strength in only 4 user-friendly, time-saving steps.
VOCO America’s Bifix SE is a self-adhesive resin cement indicated for use with inlays and onlays, full and partial crowns, pins and posts, and bridges. The material combines high bond strength, high flexible strength, and low water solubility for optimal immediate and longterm outcomes.
Bifix is formulated specifically for time-saving ease of use; no additional bond, prime, or etch steps are required. Low film thickness (5 ?m to 10 ?m) cuts down on adjustment time. The radiopaque material is compatible with common materials (ceramic and zirconia, CAD/CAM, PFMs, metal restorations), and the efficient self-cure mode enables Bifix to set up completely without any light.
The introductory kit includes 3 gm x 5 gm QuickMix syringes, mixing tips type 14 and 15, type 1 intra-oral tips, and shades U, T, and WO. Thirteen dentists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of Bifix SE, rating such features as handling, delivery system, ease of use, and initial bond strength.
Handling and Delivery
Handling was rated as excellent by 6 evaluators, as very good by 6, and as good by 1.When asked about the Bifix SE delivery system, 7 evaluators rated it as excellent and 6 rated it as very good. “Handling was very good,” noted 1 evaluator with a large general practice. Another evaluator, in practice for 17 years, said, “I especially liked the delivery system with the fine syringe tips to access canals for luting posts.” A prosthodontist in practice for 48 years noted that “ease of use with the delivery system is excellent when having to fill more than 1 crown or to put it in a canal or onlay prep.”
Ease of Use
Cementing is accomplished in 4 easy steps—applying the cement, seating the restoration, removing the excess, and self- or light-curing. Gel-phase cleanup further facilitates removal of excess material, and there is no need for handmixing, trituration, or refrigeration. The manufacturer reports a working time of 2 minutes and 15 seconds and a setting time of 31/2 minutes in the self-cure mode.
Ease of use of Bifix SE was rated as excellent by 7 evaluators, as very good by 5, and as good by 1. A family dentist with 18 years of experience noted that “you need to floss the contacts before setting; otherwise, we had problems getting the excess cement out.” A New York dentist with 3 years of experience said he “adjusted quickly after the first few uses and found it to work very well,” and an Illinois dentist in practice for 30 years called it “easy to use.” One evaluator said, “Please add a second version with much shorter curing time,” adding that “curing time was the only drawback.” Another evaluator noted that “the tack cure required before cleanup was a little longer than I was used to (about 2 seconds rather than a quick on-off).
Initial Bond Strength
The manufacturer reports an exceptionally high bond strength with Bifix SE, especially to ceramic (35MPa) and zirconia (25MPa). Twelve evaluators rated effectiveness with regard to initial bond strength to enamel/dentin; 6 as excellent, 4 as very good, and 2 as good. A Jonesboro, AR dentist in practice for 9 years said his initial experiences with the material were “positive,” and a Glen Allen, VA dentist with 23 years of experience reported “no problems with crowns coming off.”
Overall Satisfaction
Twelve dentists evaluated postoperative sensitivity as reported by their patients. Six evaluators rated it as excellent, 4 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good. “I have yet to have a complaint of sensitivity with this product,” said one evaluator.
Overall satisfaction with Bifix SE was rated as excellent by 5 evaluators, as very good by 7, and as good by 1. Eleven evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend it to colleagues, and 10 said they would definitely or probably purchase Bifix. A general practitioner with a large (11 operatories) practice in New York called it “a solid self-etch adhesive resin cement that I would recommend to dentists for cast restorations, PFM crowns, and zirconia restorations.” A Pennsylvania dentist in practice for 17 years remarked, “[VOCO] products continue to be of high quality.”
