Cement cleanup is a snap with Calibra Universal, a versatile, easy-to-use, self-adhesive resin cement.
"It's definitely a product worth trying since it has some great characteristics for cementing crowns to help you reduce chair time,” reported a California dentist after evaluating Calibra Universal cement for Dental Product Shopper. Fifteen general dentists evaluated the product and shared their opinions with DPS.
Handling and Esthetics
Manufacturer Description: Calibra Universal cement is a 2-component, dual cure, high-strength self-adhesive cement that contains fluoride. The material combines es- thetic shading with a self-etching adhesive, making it suit- able for the permanent cementation of metal, PFM, resin/ composite, ceramic and porcelain inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and endodontic posts without applying a sepa- rate dentin/enamel adhesive bonding agent/system. It has proven flexural, compressive, and bond strength for long- lasting, highly esthetic results and is available in 5 shades: light, medium, translucent, opaque, and bleach.
Evaluator Feedback: When asked what they liked best about Calibra Universal cement, several evaluators men- tioned its handling properties. One dentist commented, “Ease of handling and lack of post-op sensitivity [is what I like best],” and added, “The product handled very well and was easy to clean up. Good retention.” A Louisiana evaluator liked that Calibra Universal cement “worked well” and “handled well,” and a New York dentist, who recommended a “curved tip to dispense,” liked that the material “flows well.” Another evaluator suggested “a different dispenser to use on small areas without the tip,” but noted that “the handling is so great!”
Regarding esthetics, a West Virginia evaluator liked the color best. A dentist from New Jersey liked Calibra Universal cement’s “esthetics” best and said, “Great product with excellent esthetics. However, I felt like it’s my go-to cement for anterior restorations primarily.”
Working and Curing Time
Manufacturer Description: Calibra Universal cement has a wide tack cure window of up to 10 seconds and an extended 45-second gel phase* that allows for easy re- moval of excess cement. Because it’s self-adhesive, there’s no need to prepare enamel or dentin with an etchant or bonding agent.
Evaluator Feedback: “The cement had great working time, allowing me to clean the excess cement, especially interproximally, in a minimal amount of time,” reported a dentist in practice for 11 years. A South Dakota evaluator, who rated working and curing time as very good, recom- mended that the manufacturer “shorten the total set time, perhaps [provide] 2 separate products with different set times.” He continued, “The tack set for the excess is a super feature.” One dentist suggested that “the product needs to be more photo reactive,” while another reported, “[A] very short tack cure of 1 second was needed with my halogen light."
Cleanup
Manufacturer Description: The ex- tended gel phase allows time for thor- ough and effective removal of excess cement and avoids stressful, rushed cleanup.
Evaluator Feedback: Seven evaluators mentioned “easy cleanup” as the feature they liked best. Some comments were, “Easy to clean up, especially in the interproximals,” and “I would like to have a longer gel/removal phase for easier clean- up.” “I did like the curing time speed and easy cleanup when not over-cured on the tack cure. It seems to be a solid resin cement,” concluded one evaluator.
Overall Satisfaction
Twelve of the evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend Calibra Universal cement to their col- leagues, and 10 would definitely or probably purchase it. “There were no complaints of post-operative sensitivity,” shared a dentist who rated her overall satisfaction as very good and who would definitely recommend Calibra Universal cement to colleagues. Another dentist recommended “a capsule form…since there is less waste,” and a New York evaluator concluded, “Nice cement. Good handling. Easy cleanup.” “This is the cement every dentist should have in their offices,” summarized a dentist who rated his overall satisfaction as excellent.
