Alternatives for dental amalgam
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 15th December 2022
The goal in UK dentistry is to steadily phase out the use of dental amalgam by the year 2030 for environmental reasons.[i] However, with amalgam offering great strength, durability and versatility, it can be difficult to know what the best amalgam alternatives on the market are.
3M Oral Care has a number of solutions that can replace amalgam, not only offering the required strength and versatility, but also providing an aesthetic, long-lasting solution, even in posterior cases:
3M Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative
Specifically designed to make posterior cases simple and stress-free, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative from 3M boasts a number of features that make it a suitable replacement for amalgam. Placement is easy, and with no need for layering or other techniques you can use the composite for one-step placement in depths up to 5mm.* This is made possible through innovative AUDMA and AFM monomers that reduce shrinkage stress, enabling deep filling with confidence of a deep cure.
Plus, it’s available in five shades, has high polish retention* and superior wear resistance,* making it a durable, long-lasting option for a wide range of indications.
3M Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer
Another strong amalgam alternative is our 3M Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer. Much like the Filtek solution mentioned above, this ionomer can be used for one-step, bulk filling and there’s no need for layering, ensuring strong, reliable restorations even in deep cavities.
The material requires no conditioning or coating,* making it a swift, easy option. It also has a low stickiness for easier placement,* self-cures and is radiopaque.* With six shades available, the material can be used across a variety of cases, so it’s always an option for when amalgam would usually be used.
One extra benefit of 3M Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer is that it continually releases fluoride for 24 months after placement.* This makes it the ideal solution for high-risk patients where further decay is likely.
3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive
Switching from amalgam will also mean that you need to support composites with an appropriate adhesive. 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive is an excellent choice.
Versatile to your needs, the adhesive can be used with all direct and indirect bonding indications and etching techniques.* It can also be used on caries-affected dentine,* helping to support minimally invasive dentistry and safeguard natural tissue where possible.
3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive is also the world’s first radiopaque universal adhesive,* helping to prevent future misdiagnosis. It requires no separate primers, silanes or activators, and can achieve an outstanding bond to all dental materials and substrates,* making it an invaluable asset in every case.
The switch is easier than you think…and more aesthetic
Finding an amalgam alternative may seem daunting, but with these solutions from 3M you can confidently provide strong, long-lasting restorations for all. These materials are versatile and durable as well as aesthetic, meaning that they not only eliminate the need for amalgam, but patients will probably prefer them too!
*According to manufacturer’s data
For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental
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3M, Ketac, Filtek and Scotchbond are trademarks of the 3M Company.
[i] BDA. Dental Amalgam. Link: https://bda.org/amalgam#:~:text=the%20feasibility%20of%20a%20phase,health%20services%20and%20medical%20care. [Last accessed July 22].
