Product Evaluation

VISTA APEX

RE-GEN Flowable + RE-GEN Universal 

When used together, the RE-GEN adhesive and composite duo maximizes the bioactive benefits of both materials, creating long-lasting restorations

Always willing to try something new, Dr. Maria Madonna finds “the journey away from surgical treatment of a tooth to chemical treatment of teeth” especially exciting. She also considers a dental material’s bioactive properties to be “very important for everyday treatment of primary and permanent dentition.” When she heard about Vista Apex’s RE-GEN, a unique bioactive product line for restorative dentistry, Dr. Madonna was eager to try RE-GEN Flowable Composite Liner and RE-GEN Universal Adhesive, focusing on how the materials work together.

The combined use of the adhesive and composite maximizes the bioactive benefits of both materials with ingredients that produce osteogenic, antimicrobial, and biocompatible restorations. Dr. Madonna found the products particularly intriguing because they both deliver and attract calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions directly to compromised tooth structure, creating an infinite regeneration loop. She appreciates the chemistry, bioactivity, and biogenerative healing properties, and her patients have reported no postoperative sensitivity so far. All in all, Dr. Madonna believes the RE-GEN products “show much promise” and “seem like a positive direction for restoratives.”

Universal Adhesive

The light-cured RE-GEN Universal Adhesive provides consistent and exceptional bonding for direct and indirect restorations in

 selective- and total-etch modes, while virtually eliminating postop sensitivity, according to the manufacturer. RE-GEN is also available in a self-etch kit for those who prefer a self-etch technique. “It was wonderful to hear that all patients with whom I used this product experienced nearly no postoperative sensitivity,” shared Dr. Marisol King. Dr. Alan Pressman said a patient reported “zero sensitivity” after a deep MOD on a premolar, and Dr. Jodi Lampert appreciates the desensitizing properties and having flexibile etching techniques. Dr. Arthur Volker liked having an alternative to a total-etch system, with which he’d seen occasional sensitivity. Dr. Madonna said the adhesive was a little too thick, while Dr. Kent Caserta said both products are “good for small fissures and small buccals,” and added, “I would definitely use it on gingival areas.” 

Flowable Composite Liner

With a unique combination of flowability, thickness, strength, and radiopacity, RE-GEN Flowable Composite Liner is highly effective as a liner in large restorations. Because of its flowability, it also can be used as a filler for small restorations. Dr. Caserta liked the consistent flow from the composite syringe, Dr. Paul Trombly enjoyed the “comfortable, easy handling,” and Dr. Madonna called it “easy to use and easy to express.” When using it as a liner, Dr. David Fang said it “easily adapted into interproximal deep preparations,” and Dr. Pressman said his restorations “came out perfectly; the contacts were great, and I’m confident that the proximal floors were sealed.” Suggesting a longer, more flexible tip for delivery, Lucynda Raben said the materials are “great in difficult-to-access locations” because they can be co-cured. While Dr. Ryan Saunders felt that multiple steps took extra time, Dr. King said it’s “a simple system that added minimal chair time to the procedure, for what I hope will be positive, long-term results.” 

Bioactive & Regenerative Properties

As the first bioactive product line in the restorative arena to incorporate bioglass as an active ingredient, studies have shown that RE-GEN’s benefits abound. According to those studies, bioglass promotes hydroxyapatite regeneration, accelerates tissue healing by stimulating osteogenic hydroxyapatite regeneration, and, according to recent research out of the University of Alabama - Birmingham, provides antimicrobial effects that prevent recurrent caries and secondary decay.

“The chemistry of both products helps retain composite restorations in primary teeth better than conventional bonding agents,” reported Dr. Mark Taira, who said he has “increased confidence that recurrent caries will be minimized, and restorations will be better retained with RE-GEN than with conventional composites.” Stating that the bioactive properties of REGEN are beneficial “particularly in cases of deep decay with close pulpal proximity and for patients with high caries risk,” Dr. King believes that “bioactive restorative materials should become a regular part of every doctor’s practice—something that should start in dental school.”

"These products minimize or eliminate postop sensitivity, encourage selfhealing, and increase caries resistance.”

Marisol King, DDS

Albuquerque, NM

Overall Satisfaction

Dr. King said she would recommend RE-GEN Flowable Composite Liner and RE-GEN Universal Adhesive to colleagues because they “minimize or eliminate postop sensitivity, encourage self-healing, and increase caries resistance.” Stating that she “would definitely purchase it for the peace of mind,” Dr. Lampert said, “If it does what it says it does, why would you buy anything else?” Dr. Raben concluded, “This is a super exciting advancement in the flowable field. Move this into offices!”

Takeaways

• The first bioactive restorative material with bioglass as an active ingredient
• Delivers calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions directly to compromised tooth structure
• Attracts calcium, phosphate, and fluoride from the oral environment 
• Adhesive bonds to all restorations, with little to no postop sensitivity

• Composite liner combines flowability, thickness, radiopacity, and strength