SonicFill™ 2

Adjustable flowability through sonic energy

Courtney Lavigne, DMD

When I first heard Ronald Jackson, DDS, speak about SonicFill^™ 2 (Kavo Kerr)-a bulk-fill composite with a 5-mm depth of cure, high flexural strength, and low shrinkage stress-it sounded too good to be true. I'm a fourth and fifth generation adhesive user, and I equated SonicFill 2 with other seventh generation adhesive systems that cut corners to provide a faster solution.

However, the presentation stuck in the back of my mind, and after I started my practice from scratch 3 years ago, I finally tried it. Since then, SonicFill 2 has changed the way that I do posterior restorations for the better. Through conversations with other dentists, I've found that there's a misunderstanding about how SonicFill 2 works. It is not just another conventional bulk-fill composite.

SonicFill 2 is a resin composite with rheological modifiers that reduce its viscosity by up to 84% through sonic energy from a handpiece. This reduction in viscosity allows it to become flowable during placement and leads to easy condensability and adaptation. However, when the sonic energy is absent, it handles more like a traditional composite in that it is non-slumping and easily sculpted.

In this manner, SonicFill 2 handles like a flowable composite at the beginning of placement and a more traditional composite by the time you're finished with your secondary anatomy. And because it has a polymerization depth of up to 5 mm, most restorations can be cured in a single increment.

High flexural strength refers to a composite's ability to resist deformation and degradation over time in a high-stress environment (eg, a Class II restoration). SonicFill 2 has a higher flexural strength than many of the well-known, traditional composites on the market today.

Lower shrinkage stress translates into a lower likelihood of the composite pulling away from the preparation walls and margins. SonicFill 2 produces lower shrinkage stress than many of the other composite materials against which it was tested, indicating a reduced potential for microleakage and marginal staining. Ultimately, your restorations will look as good as the day they were placed for a much longer period.

After you have placed a few, you get used to the handling, and it becomes really fun to use. It's predictable and extremely efficient. The capacity to reliably place composite for a well-done Class II restoration in an anticipated amount of time can be a huge asset to your overall workflow. SonicFill 2 has increased my excitement regarding the use of composites as well as the profitability of my practice.

Key Takeaways

1. Adaptation: The reduced viscosity resulting from the sonic energy produced during placement increases flowability for better overall adaptation.

2. Depth of cure: The refractive index matching and enhanced curing mechanism facilitate reliable polymerization depths of up to 5 mm.

3. Mechanical properties: SonicFill 2 demonstrates exceptional strength, polishability, and wear resistance for long- lasting, beautiful results.

4. Shrinkage stress and marginal integrity: Lower shrinkage stress than many other bulk and conventional composites improves overall marginal integrity and reduces postoperative sensitivity.

About the Author

Courtney Lavigne, DMD
Private Practice
Wayland, Massachussets

Manufacturer Information

Kavo Kerr
800-537-7123
kerrdental.com