SPONSORED EDITORIAL
One of the biggest impediments to testing new materials is that restorative dentistry is a mix of art and science. It isn’t just how the material itself performs, but how it performs within a system—other materials, handpieces, curing lights, et cetera—and how it performs in the clinician’s hands.
The technique you bring to the procedure is based on the consistency and reliability of the products you use. Introducing a new player has the potential to change the results you’ve come to expect, and often that doesn’t feel like a risk worth taking.
What if there was a new material that actually promised to change results for the better? And what if you could introduce it without having to change a step of your technique? The Infinix line of restorative materials intends to do just that.
New Formula, No New Steps
The beauty of the Infinix system of dental restorative materials is that it mirrors the products already in your armamentarium. Instead of adding a step, the bioprotection is built into the formula itself.
Infinix’s innovation is powered by Nobio, the company behind the bioprotection breakthrough. Nobio developed a non-releasing antimicrobial technology specifically for long-term use in dental materials.
Existing antimicrobial agents, which release molecules that kill bacteria (like silver ions or antibiotics), have significant limitations that make them unfit for long-term dental treatment. First, they fade out over time. Second, long-term exposure may have undesired side effects, such as changing the normal flora or toxicity. Third, bacteria may develop resistance by adapting to the chemicals released.
Nobio’s technology utilizes proprietary, non-soluble particles. These QASi particles consist of a high concentration of quaternary ammonium residues, a known antimicrobial, which are covalently bound to a silica core particle, similar to standard composite filler.
The QASi particles are incorporated into the dental material and become part of the polymerized composite like other filler particles. Their antimicrobial effect does not depend on release but is exerted only by contact with bacteria, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of all release-based approaches.
Published studies show that composite restorations accumulate more biofilm than amalgam restorations (Beyth et al, 2007). This increases the risk of recurrent caries and potentially reduces the longevity of a composite restoration.
In addition to targeting the source of the problem—bacteria at the tooth/restoration interface—the long-acting nature of the Nobio technology may provide some crucial benefits:
- The Nobio technology kills microbes indefinitely. The effectiveness of other antimicrobial technologies that dissolve or leach will fade over time.
- The Nobio technology provides protection in cavity-restoration micro-gaps, which are gateways for cariogenic pathogens. This may lessen the recurrent caries risk and minimize technique-sensitive posterior restoration procedures.
- The Nobio technology acts only by direct contact between the microorganism and the restoration material, thus not affecting the microbiota (normal flora) of the oral cavity.
The Infinix Portfolio
Infinix advanced dental restorative materials include Nobio’s patented QASi technology. Embedded within Infinix’s family of composites, QASi technology maintains the integrity of the restoration and protects against degradation by bacteria over time.
Infinix advanced dental restorative materials offer the same mechanical, physical, and handling characteristics as today’s leading restoratives, with all the added benefits of the Nobio technology. Available products include:
- The Infinix Universal Bond System is a universal, light-cured bonding system (prime and bond). It provides strong adhesion between enamel, dentin, and all types of restoration materials. The inclusion of Nobio’s QASi technology provides an antibacterial cavity cleansing effect.
- Infinix Flowable is a single-step, light-cured, low-viscosity flowable composite. Used for Class III and V restorations, it’s ideal for base and liner indirect restorations as well as pit-and-fissure sealant. The QASi technology helps maintain the integrity of the restoration for when compromise isn’t an option.
- Infinix Bulk Flow Composite is a low-viscosity, high-depth-of-cure composite. Ideal for posterior restorations, which are more prone to recurrent caries, Infinix stands alone in its unique formulation, providing excellent handling, strength, and confidence with Nobio’s QASi technology.
- Infinix Universal Composite is a light-cured, high-viscosity universal composite restorative with excellent handling and strength. It offers superb performance across a variety of conditions, as well as Nobio’s QASi technology for added confidence.
To be among the first practitioners to use the Infinix advanced restorative products, reserve a free Infinix Starter Kit today.
Ms. Carter is a senior executive consultant for Cellerant Consulting.
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