Used as an integrated system, these 3 products streamline workflow and ensure consistently excellent restorative outcomes.
Used separately, Kerr Restoratives’ Harmonize composite, OptiBond universal adhesive, and Demi Ultra LED Curing Light each play a critical role in restorative outcomes. When used together as an integrated system, these products raise the bar, streamlining workflow and optimizing practice efficiency and effectiveness, according to the manufacturer.
Kerr shipped these 3 products to a group of Dental Product Shopper evaluators, who then used them in their practices for 4 weeks to find out how the products worked together for a variety of indications. Following the evaluation period, each evaluator offered comments and ratings on product-specific criteria as well as the overall ease of completing procedures and the esthetics of the final restorations.
New York dentist Cristian Secareanu was among those concluding that it is a great combination of products. “It gives us a lot more confidence to deal with challenging restorations where we would otherwise consider crowns or veneers.”
Composite
Harmonize’s Adaptive Response Technology (ART) ensures restorations with exceptional strength and unmatched esthetics. Its nanoparticle filler network provides exceptional handling, easy sculpting, superior blending and enhanced structural integrity, according to Kerr, and the evaluators had nothing but praise for this composite.
“Harmonize is a wonderful restorative material; easy to manipulate and very esthetic,” noted John Newland, DMD, and Dr. Rodolfo Olmos called it easy to handle with “great adaptation and excellent finish.” Dr. Joel Gentry said Harmonize is the best Kerr restorative yet, and Dr. Vincent Labruna said the ease of handling and chameleon blending were his favorite features. Because it did not stick to her placement instruments, Dr. Nageen Rak said handling the composite decreased chair time. She added, “[Harmonize] had a great consistency, adhered very well to tooth upon placement, polished to a high gloss and [was] great for posterior as well as anterior restorations.”
For Dr. Sharde Harvey, the different unique colors of the composite helped her to design a lifelike composite restoration, and Traci Portnoff, DMD concluded, “I’m excited to continue to use Harmonize for most all esthetic resin cases.”
Bonding
With the convenience of one-bottle delivery, OptiBond Universal enables excellent adhesion in a range of direct and indirect applications, with maximum versatility for self-, selective-, and total-etch techniques. “The bonding agent is excellent and simple to use,” said Dr. Secareanu, who had success using OptiBond to treat central incisors after a previous product had failed within days. He said polishability, esthetics, and bonding strength were crucial to this treatment. “We had no issues after 3 weeks, and it looks like it will be there for a long time to come,” Dr. Secareanu added. While Dr. Rak said the bonding agent sometimes flowed out of the bottle too quickly, Dr. Gentry said, “I love the ease of one-bottle bonding.”
Curing Light
The durable yet lightweight Demi Ultra LED curing light delivers a uniform depth of cure at low temperatures, and its Easy Suite feature enables simple, intuitive operation, according to Kerr. The U-40 Ultracapacitor re-energizes to full power in under 40 seconds. “The light was the greatest,” shared Dr. Gregory Peppes, who said it was “a wide source, quick charging, and very adaptable in the mouth.” Calling the Demi Ultra curing light strong and fast, Dr. Cindy Brayer said the faster cure made procedures faster, while Dr. Sara Ghaem Maghami would like to see the charge last longer.
Several evaluators commented on improved access. Dr. Rak said the Demi Ultra curing light was great for small mouths. Dr. Harvey noted, “The sleek design allows easy access to a patient’s filling, especially in the posterior area.” While using the light to cure a 3-year-old child’s filling, Dr. Harvey shared, “Because it had such a nonobtrusive end, the young patient barely noticed it was in his mouth.”
Overall Satisfaction
Calling it a great combination of products, Dr. Olmos determined, “The whole system was easy to use with excellent clinical results.” Walter Davies III, DDS, said it is comforting to know that the products he’s using are compatible. And Dr. Newland concluded, “The products were easy to use, predictable and resulted in superior restorations in all cases.”
Dr. Portnoff, who did several diastema closures with the OptiBond and Harmonize, said she and her patients were very pleased with the esthetic outcome, and Dr. Ghaem Maghami discovered that she was able to fabricate better restorations that last longer.
The 3 products increased productivity for Dr. Steven Edelson. He noticed “tremendous improvement in handling and battery life, and loved the esthetic outcome.” Dr. Secareanu said his patients are very happy with the esthetics and have reported no fractures or postop sensitivity. Dr. Harvey summed up her experience by saying, “These products are wonderful and easy to use.”
