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Dental
3m company manufacturer frequently asked questions about dental products in india

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about 3M dental care products.

1. Material and Product Information

1.1 3M™ Single Bond Universal Adhesive

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1.2. 3M™ Filtek™ Z350 XT Universal Restorative

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1.3. 3M™ Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative

  • What makes Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative unique?
    The AFM monomer used in Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative allows dentists to place one-step restorations without compromising wear resistance or stress relief. This, in addition to its excellent handling, makes Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative a unique restorative material.
  • The greatest benefit is fast and easy one-step placement. You can restore a 5 mm deep class II preparation significantly faster than placing and curing in increments.
  • The shrinkage of Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative is similar to Filtek™ Z250 and Filtek™ Z350XT Restoratives.
  • Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative contains two novel methacrylate monomers that, in combination, act to lower polymerisation stress.

    One monomer, a high-molecular-weight aromatic dimethacrylate (AUDMA) decreases the number of reactive groups in the resin. This helps to moderate the volumetric shrinkage as well as the stiffness of the developing and final polymer matrix—both of which contribute to the development of polymerisation stress.

    The second unique methacrylate represents a class of compounds called addition fragmentation monomers (AFM). During polymerisation, AFM reacts into the developing polymer, forming cross-links between adjacent polymer chains. AFM contains a third reactive site that may cleave through a fragmentation process during polymerisation. This process provides a mechanism for the relaxation of the developing network and subsequent stress relief. The fragments still retain the capability to react with each other or with other reactive sites of the developing polymer, making stress relief possible while maintaining the physical properties of the polymer.
  • Polymerisation shrinkage is simply the decrease in volume of the composite as it shrinks due to the curing process.

    Polymerisation shrinkage stress is the stress created 1) in the bonding interface between the tooth and the shrinking composite, 2) in the tooth provided the adhesive does not fail, and 3) in the composite between the shrinking resin and the filler particles.
  • Polymerisation shrinkage stress can contribute to adhesive failure between the tooth and composite, resulting in post-operative sensitivity, marginal leakage and marginal discolouration.

    If the bond does not fail, polymerisation stress may cause fracture of the enamel adjacent to the cavosurface, which may contribute to marginal ditching over time. Polymerisation stress may also cause an in-ward deflection of the cusps in Class II restorations. Over time, composites have been observed to absorb sufficient water to compensate for some or most of this deflection.
  • The filler system uses a combination of silane-treated nanoclusters and individual silane-treated nanosilica and nanozirconia. In addition, it contains nano-scale ytterbium trifluoride to impart improved radiopacity.
  • Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative is one of our most radiopaque composites. We achieve this high level of radiopacity by incorporating nano ytterbium trifluoride.
  • We’ve replaced the BisGMA monomer that is used in our other composites with a dimethacrylate that does not use Bisphenol A in its synthesis. This was done to maximize the stress relief during polymerisation.
  • There are five shades of Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative: A1, A2, and A3, B1 and C2. These are based on the Vitapan® Classical Shade Guide, and hence are similar to Filtek Z350 family of composites. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative shades, however, are more translucent than all but the translucent shades of Filtek™ Z350 family to enable the bulk curing feature.
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1.4. 3M™ Filtek™ Z350 XT Flowable Restorative

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1.5. 3M™ Clinpro™ Tooth Crème

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1.6. 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure LED Curing Lights

  • How is the collimated and homogeneous beam in Elipar DeepCure LED Curing Lights realised?
    The geometrically optimised combination of the three elements leads to the collimated and homogeneous beam profile:
    • LED
    • lens and
    • diamond-turned reflector
    Each component is specially designed to work well in combination with the other involved components, and the combination of all elements leads to improved technical performance.
  • OPTICS
    The optics have been changed significantly (added lens, changed reflector geometry, additional reflective element between lens and light guide) to achieve a homogeneous and collimated beam. This leads to a more efficient usage of battery, resulting in a longer runtime.

    POWER OUTPUT
    The Elipar DeepCure LED Curing Lights have a higher output of 1470 mW/cm2 (-10%/+20%), compared to the output of its predecessors Elipar S10 LED Curing Light and Elipar LED Curing Light, at 1200 mW/cm (-10%/+20%).

    LIGHT GUIDE
    Optimised light guide tip angle and tip height significantly reduces the opening angle required to reach a posterior restoration. This results in improved patient comfort and easier handling for the operator. Its black coating reduces stray light and prevents glare.

    CHARGING BASE
    The top part of the housing is made of a new material which makes it more resistant against disinfecting agents. A new design and print makes the available functions more visible to the operator.
  • The different curing lights have been made to serve different customers. However, both devices use the same optics and same electronics inside, offering the same performance.

    HOUSING
    Elipar DeepCure-S LED Curing Light: One-piece stainless-steel housing
    Elipar DeepCure-L LED Curing Light: Lightweight, robust plastic housing

    LIGHT GUIDE
    Elipar DeepCure-S LED Curing Light: Magnetic, easy on and off coupling
    Elipar DeepCure-L LED Curing Light: Friction-fit interface to curing light

    CHARGING
    Elipar DeepCure-S LED Curing Light: Charging base with built-in light intensity meter and battery charge indicator
    Elipar DeepCure-L LED Curing Light: Charging plug

    LIGHT INTENSITY MEASUREMENT
    Elipar DeepCure-S LED Curing Light: Light intensity meter built-in charging base
    Elipar DeepCure-L LED Curing Light: Provided curing disc

  • The use of the latest LED generation in combination with the newly developed, highly effective optics allows higher efficacy and a longer runtime, despite a higher energy output.
  • PA 6 (Polyamide 6), per definition is a very robust material, resistant against disinfectants and shatter-proof.
  • The issue with poly wavelength systems is that the beam profile is very inhomogeneous, leading to inconsistent/hard-to-predict curing results. We decided to use a single wavelength LED, as this delivers more consistent/predictable curing results even for materials using other photoinitiators e.g., Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill from Ivoclar Vivadent.

    For more details, refer to the Clinical Performance section in our Technical Data Sheet.
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2. Recommendations

  • What dental products are recommended for direct restorative procedures?
    3M has developed a complete solution of dental products and materials for promoting efficiency and outstanding patient outcomes in every step of the direct restorative procedure.

    Key products in our product catalog include:
    • For bonding: Single Bond Universal Adhesive
    • For restoring/filling: Filtek™ Z350 XT Universal Restorative, Filtek™ Z350 XT Flowable
    • Restorative, Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative
    • For light curing: Elipar™ DeepCure LED Curing Lights
    • For finishing/polishing: Sof-Lex™ Finishing and Polishing System
    • For preventive care: Clinpro™ Tooth Crème

    For more information, view the complete 3M Direct Restorative Workflow here.
  • Clinpro Tooth Crème is suitable for all patients. However, it is especially indicated for patients with medium to moderate caries risk.
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3. Product Usage Tips

3.1. Single Bond Universal Adhesive

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3.2. Filtek™ Z350 XT Universal Restorative

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3.3. Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative

  • What adhesive should I use with Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior restorative?
    All methacrylate-based dental adhesives are compatible with Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative.
  • Start dispensing in the deepest portion of the preparation, holding the tip close to the preparation surface. For proximal areas, hold the tip against the matrix to aid material flow into the proximal box. Withdraw the capsule tip slowly as the cavity is filled, and avoid lifting the tip out of dispensed material while dispensing, to reduce voids. When dispensing has been completed, drag the capsule tip against the cavity wall while withdrawing from the operative field.
  • It depends upon the class of restoration and the intensity of your curing lamp. For Class II restorations that are 5 mm deep, we instruct curing for 10 sec from the occlusal surface followed by curing 10 sec each from the mesio- and/or distobuccal and lingual directions after having removed the matrix band. For a Class I restoration, which is not likely to be more than 4 mm deep, we instruct curing from the occlusal surface for 20 sec. These times are applicable for curing lamps with an intensity of 1000mWcm-2 or greater. For curing lamps with intensities less than 1000mWcm-2 we instruct that the cure times are doubled.

    Caries Classification Increment Depth All halogen lights
    (with output of 550 -
    1000mW/cm²)    		 3M™ ESPE™ LED lights
    (with output 1000 -
    2000mW/cm²)
    Classes I, III, IV and V 4mm 40 sec 20 sec
    Class II 5mm 20 sec occlusal,
    20 sec buccal,
    20 sec lingual    		 10 sec occlusal,
    10 sec buccal,
    10 sec lingual

    Note: For class II restorations, remove the matrix band prior to the buccal and lingual curing steps.
  • The three-sited curing technique that we recommend was based on in vitro studies carried out at the Oregon Health Science University. We discovered in a 5 mm-deep Class II preparation that the cure adjacent to the metal matrix band was equivalent to the cure down the center of the restoration as well as the cure at the restoration-tooth interface when a three-sited curing technique was used. When the restoration was cured from the occlusal direction only, the cure adjacent to the metal matrix tended to be lower at deeper depths compared to the rest of the restoration. This tells us that there is less light available for polymerisation adjacent to metal matrix bands at deeper depths within the restoration. A three-sited curing technique overcomes that limitation.
  • To ensure sufficient cure throughout the restoration, we recommend the three-sited curing technique be used for 4 mm Class II restorations as well.
  • Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative was designed to be durable in stress-bearing Class I and II restorations. The bulk fill capability also makes it appealing as a light-cured core build-up. In the instructions for use, it is noted that Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative can be used in Class III through V restorations. As Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative is semi-translucent, the esthetic outcome in anterior restorations will be affected by variables such as the location of the restoration and underlying tooth color. When esthetics are a primary outcome, we recommend using a Filtek™-branded universal restorative. See Instructions for Use for a complete list of indications.
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3.4. Elipar™ DeepCure LED Curing Lights

  • Can I reduce the curing time with the new curing lights?
    Research has shown that shorter curing times may lead to very inconsistent results. That’s why we always recommend using the curing times given by the manufacturer of the material.
  • Research has shown that shorter curing times may lead to very inconsistent results. That’s why we always recommend using the curing times given by the manufacturer of the material.
  • All high-intensity curing lights (over 1100 mW/cm2) cause a certain amount of heat.
    In the past, numerous in vivo studies have reported different results for the temperature at which thermal damage is initiated. This indicates that the range of safe temperatures in dental tissues, particularly in the dental pulp, is not known.

    To address concerns of potential thermal irritation of the pulp, apply these two heat management techniques:
    1. Cure with external cooling from an air flow.
    2. Cure at intermittent intervals (e.g., 2 exposures lasting 10 seconds each instead of 1 exposure lasting 20 seconds)
  • We do not recommend this test method as a fingernail or the back of a hand does not have the same properties or thickness as a tooth.
  • A very short initial cure at some point of the processing before the final curing. Examples of use include the excess removal of light curing cements or the pre-cure step of 3M™ Protemp™ Crown Temporization Material.

    With its unique tack-cure function, Elipar DeepCure LED Curing Lights produce a reproducible short light pulse by simply keeping the start button pressed. The tack cure function makes excess removal of light curing cements easier and more predictable.
  • Yes. Elipar DeepCure LED Curing Lights offer a switch-off function for the beeps.

    Here are the steps to switch it off:
    1. Put the handpiece in sleep mode, e.g., by setting it in the charger.
    2.Take the device from the charger. Press first the TIME button, then the START button.

    The beeps are now switched off. They can be reactivated by following the same procedure.
  • Elipar DeepCure LED Curing Lights have no vents that might be blocked by a barrier sleeve. Therefore, they can be used with a barrier sleeve (not offered by 3M ESPE Dental). Make sure the sleeve is not covering the tip of the light guide, as this would diminish the intensity. Furthermore, the sleeve should be removed before placing the light guide in the charger to make sure the pins in the charger are contacting the battery properly.
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4. Product Care

4.1. Single Bond Universal Adhesive

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4.2. Elipar™ DeepCure LED Curing Lights

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5. Repair and Replacement Parts

5.1. Elipar™ DeepCure LED Curing Lights

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6. Where to Buy

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