Dual-cure, self-leveling, and bioactive bulk-fill composite features 1-step placement and process
"It saved time and made it so much easier to use for almost all fills."
Joy Poskozim,
DDS Chicago, IL
"Its ability to fight through minor moisture intrusion really helps with small children."
Bertram Hughes, DMD
Danvers, MA
"I liked its adaptation in difficult-to-see areas and deep preps."
David Sabourin, DDS
La Jolla, CA
In recent years, profound technological advancements have significantly changed how society operates, and dentistry is no exception. Along with smartphones and smart watches, dental materials are becoming “smarter,” and Pulpdent is leading the way with its ACTIVA BioACTIVE line of dual-cure, bioactive restorative materials. Featuring several proprietary advancements for user convenience, patient satisfaction, and long-term restorative success, the product family now includes ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow, a flowable, self-leveling, bulk-fill material with unlimited depth of cure and 1-step placement.
Dr. Divyang Patel was “pleasantly surprised” with ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow, especially since he was “seeking a flowable resin restorative with bioactive properties to prevent recurrent decay.”
Calling it an “excellent product with the capability of preventing secondary decay, which is not commonly seen in most resin restoratives,” he also praised the “excellent marginal adaptation with no noticeable interface between the tooth and restoration.” After using ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow for a few weeks, Dr. Patel found it especially beneficial in “cases with deep interproximal decay with the hope of preventing any recurrent decay.”
Ease of Delivery and Placement
ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow is packed with advanced features, including a bioactive hydrophilic ionic matrix (ION-X), an elastomeric functional monomer (MODULUS), moisture-tolerant WETBOND technology, and universal ShadeFusion technology.
It can be used as a dentin replacement or as a bulk-fill composite in a single step, and a capping layer is optional.
The material is dispensed with an automix syringe and a bendable tip for easy access. Dr. Glen Willis called “the dual syringe delivery system impeccable in size and ease of placement,” and Dr. Scott Dubowsky said, “The ease of placement shortened chair time for procedures.”
The unlimited depth of cure and 1-step placement of ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow “made restoration time quicker” for Dr. Leslie Dillard, who was pleased to “eliminate multiple layers in composite restorations.” Appreciating “no need for a separate liner or capping layer,” Dr. Arthur Volker enjoyed having a “restorative material with unlimited depth of cure that remineralizes,” and that he “did not need to use multiple products to restore a cavity.”
Handling and Adaptation
ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow’s self-leveling characteristics allow for maximum marginal adaptation, while it is thixotropic enough to remain in preparations, according to the manufacturer. The formula tolerates moisture and contains no bisphenol A, no bis-GMA, and no BPA derivatives.
“I really liked the way this material felt when using it for a buildup that needed to be prepped for a crown,” stated Dr. Dillard. “It was successful in many applications, particularly large deep post endo access fills with uneven undercut and textured walls,” she added. While Dr. Willis suggested slightly more thixotropy, Dr. Bertram Hughes said, “I like the viscosity, and it handles so well, especially for kids. Its ability to fight through minor moisture intrusion really helps with small children, which enhances our productivity and efficiency.”
“I liked its adaptation in difficult-to-see areas and deep preps,” shared Dr. David Sabourin, who “felt comfortable using it in multiple tricky situations where getting a cavosurface margin seal was imperative.” He added, “Being able to use it in auto-curing mode was important in assuring a better dentin seal with hopefully less gap formation.” He also appreciated its “visibility when cured so I could see finish lines on deep crown preparations.”
Dr. Joy Poskozim said ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow “saved time and made it so much easier to use for almost all fills,” although she would like it to “stay in place more at the gumline.” Dr. John Jackfert found its bulk-fill and dual-cure properties, which increased the speed of his procedures, to be especially vital when working with pediatric patients.
Bioactive Properties
ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow’s bioactive properties support the natural remineralization process to protect against microleakage and secondary caries. The material is composed of hybridized reactive ionomer glass to mimic the properties of natural teeth while enabling long-term release and recharge of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate.
Dr. Hughes was very excited to find “a bioactive resin and replacement for glass ionomer.” Dr. Jackfert “loves that it is bioactive to help strengthen the enamel around the restoration” and said he “felt much more confident using ACTIVA due to its fluoride and other ion release.” Praising “the potential to reduce recurrent caries” and acknowledging that “we will not know for many years,” Dr. Sabourin is pleased to have “another tool in our armamentarium for treating and preventing caries.”
Overall Satisfaction
Dr. Jackfert is delighted to have “a bulk-fill, dual-cure composite that is compatible with most adhesives and matches multiple shades.” And Dr. Sabourin concluded, “It helps with efficiency and makes practicing dentistry easier and more predictable.”
Takeaways
- One-step placement and unlimited depth of cure (dual-cure mode)
- Self-leveling for maximum marginal adaptation
- Bioactive properties support natural remineralization process
- Mimics the properties of natural teeth
- Moisture-tolerant formula contains no bisphenol A, bis-GMA, or BPA derivatives
