Unique properties of Filtek filling material

Filtek Ultimate is a restorative photopolymerizable dental composite intended for the restoration of anterior and posterior teeth.

All shades are radiopaque.

The universal material Filtek Ultimate contains bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, PEGDMA and bis-EMA resins.

The fillers are a combination of non-agglomerated/non-aggregated 20 nm silicon filler, non-agglomerated/non-aggregated 4 – 11 nm zirconium filler and dispersed zirconium/silicon cluster filler (composition – 20 nm silicon particles and 4 – 11 nm zirconium particles).

For dentin, enamel and universal body shades, the average cluster particle size is 0.6 – 10 µm. For transparent shades, the average cluster particle size is 0.6 - 20 microns. The inorganic filler content is approximately 72.5% by weight (55.6% by volume) for clear shades and 78.5% by weight (63.3% by volume) for all other shades.

To bond the material to the tooth tissue, a dental adhesive is used, for example, adhesive from 3M ESPE. The restorative material is available in a wide range of dentin, enamel and universal body shades, as well as transparent shades. It is packaged in traditional syringes.

general information

Filtek is a composite material widely used for dental restoration. It was developed by specialists from the famous ZM ESPE corporation at the beginning of this century.

For the first time, specialists used the latest technologies - the introduction of nanoparticles, nanoclusters and their combinations into the composition of the composite. This ensured the material long-term strength and exceptional aesthetics.

A large number of shades of the composite are presented, and this makes it possible to use it on any part of the dentition. At the moment, Filtek is firmly established in the arsenal of modern dentists.

Indications for use

Composite material is indicated for use in the following situations:

to fill the cavity after treatment;
building a stump before performing further actions (for prosthetics and other methods);
splinting, treatment of periodontal diseases;
restoration of the surface of the dentition;
production of veneers, inlays.

Release form and composition

The basis of the Filtek filling material is acrylic polymer resins of various types. Each type of composite has its own specific composition , depending on the purpose of application.

To impart color to a future filling, fillers are used in the form of silicon and zirconium nanoparticles, and their combinations - nanoclusters. The sizes of these particles range from 0.6 to 20 nm.

The color of the future filling depends on the filler included in the base material. More precisely, it depends on the size and quantitative ratio of nanoparticles and nanoclusters in it. The smaller their size, the denser and more matte the filling will be.

Composite mass of various compositions, placed in syringes, is included in the package of ready-made kits for work. Depending on the goals and objectives, there are several varieties.

Single Shade Set

A set of this type contains syringes with composite material in the amount of 2 pieces. The filling material has colors A2, A3, which have the classification “body” - universal.

The kit comes with instructions for use with technical specifications.

Dual Shade Kit

This kit contains a set of 4 syringes. Available shades - 2 syringes for dentin restoration - A3, A4; 2 syringes for enamel restoration – A2, A3.

Additionally, the set contains an auxiliary scale for selecting the desired color. The kit is supplied with technical instructions.

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Professional set

The professional set contains 12 working shades of the material:

A2, A3, B3 – for restoration of dentin zones;
A1, A2, A3, W – for work on the enamel layer;
B2, A2, A3, A3.5 – universal “body” shades;
AT is a shade with a transparent effect.

As in the previous case, the kit contains an auxiliary color selection scale and instructions for use.

In addition to specially selected kits, separate syringes filled with composites of certain compositions are produced. The most common ones are Filtek Z250 and nanohybrid Z550.

Filtek Z250

Available in separate 4 g syringes. It is a microhybrid material and contains an increased amount of nanoparticles. It has particularly high strength and adheres well to the walls of the tooth.

The range of applications is very wide:

filling all types of cavities on the front and side teeth;
performing veneers;
splinting.

The color range of this type of composite includes 15 shades, which ensures its use in the restoration of any area of the dentition.

A filling made from Z 250 completely eliminates the possibility of recurrent caries.

Nanohybrid Z550

This series of composites is a modification of the Z250 series. It consists of nanoparticles and nanoclusters. Also available in syringes of 4 g.

Presented in 12 types of shades, each of them is radiopaque and fluorescent.

It is mainly used for reconstruction of the frontal and lateral parts of dental groups. It is simple and convenient to use; it does not stick to tools or gloves.

Allows you to perform any tooth modeling and subsequently retains the completed shape well.

Filtek Z250

Filling material 3M ESPE Filtek Z250 belongs to microhybrid composites. It is also used to fill all types of cavities.

Differences in composition

The composite is also based on organic resin. Unlike the Ultimate series, only bis-GMA, UDMA and bis-EMA can be found in the composition.

In addition to the matrix, the Z250 series has a different filler. It contains particles 0.5-5 microns in size.

Release form: 4 g syringe. The number of color options is much smaller; there is no division into dentin, enamel and “body”.

Differences in properties

This material also has the basic properties of composites, namely:

satisfactory aesthetics;
wear resistance;
radiopacity;
long-term preservation of the quality of the filling.

But due to the different size of the filler, the material has some disadvantages compared to the Ultimate series:

higher shrinkage during polymerization;
more complex application of material and its insufficient density;
the quality of the restoration itself is lower;
worse polishability;
insufficient strength when used on complex and multi-level cavities.

Indications, methods of use and precautions are similar to the previous substance.

Advantages

The filling composite of the Filtek line is one of the latest generation materials. It is logical that it has a number of advantages over previous options:

shrinkage after polymerization and exposure to light is minimized;
high strength;
duration of use as a filling;
good fit into the required cavity;
high polishing effect;
long-lasting shine;
the ability to create the desired color effect.

All these qualities have made this material indispensable in the work of modern dentists.

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Material properties

According to the classification, Filtek Ultimate belongs to nanocomposites. The main properties of this filling material are:

low shrinkage after light curing;
excellent strength;
sufficient wear resistance;
plastic;
easy adaptation to carious cavity;
good packability;
good polishability;
long-term preservation of surface gloss;
"chameleon" effect.

Preparatory activities

Working with the proposed composites requires certain preparatory work.

The first step is standard brushing of teeth using normal hygiene products. Then the dentist performs a complete sanitation of the oral cavity. It includes treatment, inflammation removal and professional cleaning.

The final stage of preparation is the correct selection of the shade of the proposed filling. It is executed in the following order:

Dividing the tooth into segments. The body of the tooth has some heterogeneity in color tone in different areas.
To reconstruct it correctly, the entire area is divided into 3 segments. Each of them is filled with a composite that matches the color for the given area.
The area near the neck of the tooth is restored with yellow material. For the middle, composites of gray, yellow or brown color are used. The upper (incisal) border is made in grayish or blue shades.
Selection of shade. The color and its saturation of each of these areas is checked using an auxiliary color scale, corresponding to that part of it that is identical to the thickness and color of the desired area of the tooth.
Checking the correct selection. To control the correct choice of shade, the composite is applied to the desired location.
After its polymerization, a visual assessment is made using different types of light. If necessary, adjustments are made until the desired effect is achieved.
Isolation and protection of the treated area from other teeth is carried out using a latex napkin (rubber dam). If it is not available, then the use of cotton swabs or a saliva ejector is used.

This concludes the preparatory work before the restoration of damaged surfaces begins. It must go through the full cycle, regardless of which method of tooth reconstruction is chosen.

Restoration methods

After all the preparatory work has been completed, a method for restoring lost teeth or dental surfaces is selected. Two main methods are used .

Direct recovery

In this case, restoration is carried out in the following order:

The required cavity is processed.
A pad with medicine is placed inside (if necessary).
A matrix is inserted to ensure interaction between adjacent teeth.
Dentin and enamel are etched.
The adhesive is applied and time is given for its polymerization.
The required amount of composite is placed in a block protected from light. The syringe with the remaining material should be immediately closed with a cap.
The composite is applied in layers similar to tiles into the finished hole.
Each layer should be illuminated in turn with a lamp containing halogen or LEDs.
The filling is given the required contours using burs and finishers.
It is necessary to ensure contact between the teeth - the filling is adjusted if it is insufficient. In this case, articulating paper is used.
Final grinding and polishing of the restored area is carried out.

Indirect technique

Obviously, this method is much more labor-intensive. But in some cases there is no choice, and restoration of a lost tooth is only possible using the indirect restoration method.

This method includes the preparatory stage described above and the following operations:

The doctor selects the type of structure and performs a complete treatment of the tooth.
An impression is taken from the processed unit.
In the laboratory, plaster models are made from a cast.
The finished model is covered with a separating layer.
The composite is applied to the tooth in layers, each layer is processed with a special light lamp.
Formation of the desired contours and polymerization.
The structure is adjusted, finished and polished, followed by testing on a tooth model.
The doctor checks the stability of the structure in the treated cavity. If defects are found, they are eliminated at the place of manufacture.
A rough texture is created on the internal surfaces.
The prosthesis is treated with a soap solution by placing it in a bath with ultrasound. After this, it is thoroughly washed with water and dried.
The finished product is fixed in the desired place with special cement.

Direct recovery technique

In this case, the following procedures are carried out:

treatment of carious cavity;
if necessary, a therapeutic or insulating pad is applied to the bottom of the cavity;
if it is planned to restore contacts between teeth, the doctor installs a matrix;
etching of enamel and dentin;
application of adhesive and its polymerization;
the required amount of filling material is removed from the syringe and placed on a special notepad, then the syringe is closed with a cap, and the notepad is covered with protection from light;
the introduction of the composite into the prepared cavity should occur layer by layer and in a tiled manner;
each layer is separately illuminated using a halogen or LED lamp with a light range of 400-500 nm;
contouring the filling with finishing stones, burs or carborundum stones;
checking occlusion using articulation paper and correcting if necessary;
final grinding and polishing of the filling.

Recommendations and warnings

Working with Filtek composite paste requires compliance with certain precautions.

Acrylic resins (especially uncured ones) included in its composition can cause an allergic reaction if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

There are rules that, if followed, will help avoid unpleasant moments:

When working with composites, it is necessary to use non-contact techniques and protective gloves.
If contact of the material with the skin does occur, the area should be thoroughly washed with running water and soap.
If the composite gets on gloves, they should be thrown away and your hands should be sanitized. For further work, use a new set of gloves.
Syringes should be stored in tightly closed boxes, away from light (to preserve the properties of the material). Syringes are stored at room temperature.
Contact time with the material should be reduced to a minimum.

Caution when using the Filtek composite should be exercised not only by staff, but also by patients.

You need to make sure in advance that you are not allergic to this material, and if you have one, notify your doctor.

Price

The cost of both sets and individual Filtek syringes varies quite widely. It depends on the configuration of the kits and the type of composite.

The average price level in Moscow looks like this:

Set of maximum content – 22,000-29,000 rubles.
Sets Single Shade and Dual Shade – 10,000-15,000 rubles.
Syringes – from 2300 rub. (depending on the type).

More accurate information can be found on the seller’s website and by calling reference numbers.

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Purpose

The universal restoration material Filtek Ultimate is recommended for use:

When filling anterior and posterior groups of teeth (including occlusal surfaces);
Stump superstructure;
Splinting;
Indirect restorations, including inlays, onlays and veneers.

Reviews

Filtek brand filling materials are used in almost every clinic. The vast majority note the complete compliance of expectations with the results obtained.

We invite readers who have experience in restoring teeth using this material to share their opinions about it in the comments to this article.

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