Studies have been performed over the past 20 years that suggest bond failures can happen as early as day 1 because of isolation issues, placement techniques, and light curing issues, or in as little as 3 to 6 months because of bond degradation from matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity, as well as over time because of water absorption issues from hydrophilic resin chemistries. More recently, studies have shown degradation from oral bacteria and biofilm accumulation that penetrate the direct resin restorations.

Most dentists hope that someday we will have a simplified tooth colored restorative material. That material would be able to overcome all the shortcomings that traditional resin-based direct restorative filling materials offer. The futuristic direct restorative filling material would have an appearance similar to the tooth, have true hydrophilic capabilities, be simplistic in placement with minimal technique issues, seal the tooth, propagate the formation of apatite, remineralize the tooth, and protect the tooth from acid attacks and decreases in pH. The future is now.

Doxa Dental, Inc, is a Swedish-based dental products company known for having created a bioactive, biocompatible, and bioceramic crown and bridge cement that was launched to the dental industry in 2009. The same groundbreaking technology that was implemented in the award-winning Ceramir® Crown & Bridge QuikCap Cement has now been introduced into a new tooth-colored direct restorative material known as Ceramir Restore QuikCap. This revolutionary technological advancement is a combination of glass ionomer and Ceramir technology. The Ceramir Restore material is a resin-free, self-curing, tissue-friendly, hydrophilic, bioactive, tooth colored direct restorative material. The material has the same indications as the conventional glass ionomer restorative materials, with the added benefit of lower acid solubility, better chemical integration with teeth, and beneficial mineralization properties. The continuous release of calcium and fluoride ions and a unique level of biocompatibility make this product unique in its ability to strengthen and integrate into the existing tooth structure while providing a superior remineralization process like no other product.

The material’s simplicity of placement and its unique chemical interaction with the tooth structure eliminate many of the typical technique issues of most direct restorative materials. Ceramir Restore can be used for many indications, including temporary restorations, dentin replacement, core buildups, nonload-bearing Class I and II restorations, Class V restorations, and more. It is truly a one-of-a-kind restorative material.

Recently the members of Catapult Education evaluated the Ceramir Restore material. The group placed over 200 restorations, and the findings from the study were as follows:

As per the DFU, the restorations were primarily done in nonload-bearing Class I’s, Class V’s, and as bases.

Most clinical applications in this study were performed on adults. Delivery was rated easy to very easy. Packing and contouring were rated as easy but had some learning curve.

Seventy percent of the group reported plenty of working time to place and contour the material, and no reviewer felt there was not enough working time. Seventy percent of the group found finishing OK, whereas a few found it tricky, and a few others rated it easy.

Regarding the dry polish, 86% of the group felt it worked well, 66% felt little material loss, and 73% felt the surface improve during polishing.

The color transformation from the opaque color at placement of that to the final A2 shade was noted as acceptable.

Eighty-seven percent of their reviewers would recommend this product to their colleagues.

The simplicity of placement along with the remineralization effect, acid resistance, and chemical seal are just some of the many reasons why the Ceramir Restore material should be a product dentists implement for their patients’ health.