A Compatible Adhesive for Strong Bonds
Gary Alex, DMD, on BISCO’s All-Bond Universal®
Every so often, a new material, technique, or technological breakthrough spurs a paradigm shift in the way that dentistry is practiced. The development and evolution of reliable enamel and dentin bonding agents is one such example. It is the ability to bond various materials to both enamel and dentin substrates in a reasonably predictable fashion that enables dentists to routinely place porcelain veneers, direct and indirect composites, and a plethora of other esthetic restorative materials. The latest players in the adhesive marketplace are the so-called "universal adhesives." In theory, these systems have the potential to significantly simplify and expedite adhesive protocols. BISCO's All-Bond Universal® was one of the first offerings in this new generation of adhesive systems.
Although the basic chemistries of universal adhesives are similar to each other in some regards (eg, almost all use the 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate [MDP] monomer), there are important and subtle differences, such as pH, initiator and solvent chemistry, and specific monomer types and ratios, that may provide certain products with advantages over others. For example, there is a direct correlation between pH and the compatibility of universal adhesives with self- and dual-cure resin cements and composites. Generally, the more acidic the adhesive, the less compatible it is with the self-cure mode of dual-cure resin-based materials. This is primarily caused by acid deactivation of the aromatic tertiary amines, which play a crucial role in the chemical curing mechanisms of most of these materials. Because of this, many universal adhesives, when used in conjunction with many self- and dual-cure resin cements, require the use of a separate bottle that contains an "activator" that must be mixed with the universal adhesive prior to bonding. All-Bond Universal is compatible with self- and dual-cure resin cements without the use of a separate activator. With a pH of 3.2, this adhesive is less acidic than other universal adhesives that have pH values ranging between 2.0 and 3.0. This is enough of a difference to allow for the reactions that are necessary for the chemical curing of self- and dual-cure resin cements. In addition, the concentrations of the other components in All-Bond Universal, such as water and 2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate (a versatile, low molecular weight hydrophilic monomer), have been carefully optimized to ensure the best result. The presence of too much or too little of either of these components can create problems.
In conclusion, the longevity and predictability of many, if not most, current restorative procedures are wholly predicated on the dentist's ability to effectively bond various materials to the enamel and dentin substrates of the teeth. In this regard, All-Bond Universal has proven to be a mainstay at my practice.
About the Author
Gary Alex, DMD
Private Practice
Huntington, New York
Key Takeaways
1. No activator required: All-Bond Universal's pH of 3.2 allows it to be compatible with all dual- and self-cure materials without ever needing an additional activator
2. Truly universal; 100% compatible: All-Bond Universal is 100% compatible with all light-, dual-, and self-cure materials and can be used with self-, total-, and selective-etch bonding techniques
3.Contains MDP for enhanced durability: All-Bond Universal's MDP monomers and hydrophobic formula offer enhanced durability and bond strength
4. Low film thickness: a low film thickness of less than 10 µm allows All-Bond Universal to readily flow into etched surfaces and offers both chemical and mechanical sealing
Manufacturer Information
BISCO, Inc.
https://www.bisco.com/
800-247-3368
