Mosaic’s excellent handling properties and balanced performance ensure both functional durability and esthetic longevity
Auniversal composite should balance handling, esthetics, and performance, but as dental professionals know, that perfect combination of qualities is often difficult to obtain. Ultradent sought to answer that call with Mosaic universal composite, described as a versatile material ideal for Class I to V restorations in both the anterior and posterior.
According to Ultradent, Mosaic uses a bis-GMA-based formula to provide exceptional handling without slumping, tearing, or excessive stickiness. Twenty intuitive shade options ensure predictable, natural results.
We asked our evaluators to try the universal composite in their practices for several weeks to see if they found that precise balance of handling, esthetics, and performance. Many of them agreed it did just that, with Dr. Luciana Daniels deciding, “This is a good product that fills the gap for providing good esthetic anterior restorations.”
Ease of Delivery and Placement
Each of the dentists who participated in this DPS evaluation received a kit containing 5 of Mosaic’s shades (A1, A2, A3, Enamel Neutral, and Enamel Translucent) and selected either syringes or unit dose compules. When asked about delivery, Dr. Aamna Nayyar commented, “The syringe design made the manipulation easy and the flow is great.” Paul Yi, DDS, said it took his assistant some time to get used to the large-diameter syringe to dispense the appropriate amount of composite for fillings.
Among the evaluators who commented on ease of placement was Dr. Nayyar, who noted that Mosaic by Ultradent stays in its place. Dr. Joesph Ritz said he has had problems in the past with a composite slumping during placement, but with Mosaic universal composite, he found the “better consistency eliminated [the] slumping problem.” In fact, the ease of placement and ability to shape the material were the features that Dr. Ritz liked best.
Handling and Sculpting
Mosaic won’t flow or slump out of place after shaping and is formulated not to stick to instruments, according to Ultradent. Its smooth, pliable consistency allows for total control and maintenance of detail, and the material can be feathered to a thin edge without crumbling or tearing.
“Manipulation of the product was very easy; it probably saved some time in sculpting,” determined Martin Sobieraj, DMD. Dr. Ritz, who used Mosaic by Ultradent only in posterior cases, said the higher viscosity resulted in less flow at the margins, while Dr. Mark Taira would like to see the material be a “little less viscous.” For Dr. Ritz, the ability to sculpt resulted in less finishing, which he noted is a benefit for both the patient and clinician. Dr. Mark Nelson said Mosaic adheres well to the base of the preps, Dr. Abraham Jaskiel said it handled very well and was not too sticky, while Dr. Daniels said she found the product to be “a bit sticky.”
Shade Matching and Esthetics
Mosaic is available in 20 intuitive shades for predictable, lifelike results. Its fluorescence mimics that of natural dentin and enamel, and, according to Ultradent, the material retains its gloss even after 10,000 brushing cycles. “[Mosaic] provides good esthetic results. I liked the shade selection, and patients appreciated the shade match of the material to the natural teeth,” Dr. Yi said. Lauding the product for its use in Class II and Class III cases, Dr. Nayyar said Mosaic has great shade choices and she “really loved the shade guide provided with the material.”
Several evaluators commended Mosaic’s esthetic qualities, with Dr. Sobieraj remarking, “Polishability was great, chameleon effect was fine, and it was easy to manipulate.” Dr. James Merrett said, “[Mosaic] gave me an enamel and translucent choice to layer the composite and create visual depth and blending.” He liked how the material allowed for blending colors in the anterior and added, “[The] color matching was excellent and I was able to get great incisal translucency.” The patient told Dr. Merrett she couldn’t even tell she had broken the tooth.
“Color was excellent [and there was a] wide range of shades available to really fine-tune esthetics,” noted Dr. Jeffrey Sternlicht. “My patient was happy with the incisal edge buildup of tooth No. 8, which is always difficult regarding color when restoring one central,” Dr. Sternlicht added. When asked about potential improvements, Dr. Taira said, “A1-A2 shades were very opaque; [it] took more time to layer A1-A2 with enamel shades.”
Overall Satisfaction
Several dentists said they would purchase Mosaic universal composite and recommend it to their colleagues. Because of its favorable chemistry and ease of placement, Dr. Ritz said he would recommend the material, especially since he has confidence in Ultradent.
