Dental cement Variolink: composition, properties and instructions for use

VariolinkVariolink - multicomponent dental cement. It gains hardness as a result of light and chemical exposure. It is used as a fixing agent when installing restoration elements on areas of a tooth with defects of carious and non-carious origin.

Content

  • Description of modifications
  • Composition
    • Matrix
    • Inorganic fillers
  • Colors
  • Drug characteristics
    • Indications
    • Contraindications
    • Side effects
    • Interaction with other substances
  • Instructions for use
    • Step 1. Removal of temporary restoration
    • Step 2. Fitting
    • Step 3. Insulation
    • Step 4. Preparation of restoration
    • Step 5. Tooth and cavity preparation
    • Step 6. Composite system application
    • Step 7. Installation of restoration
    • Step 8. Polymerization
    • Step 9. Finishing treatment. Polishing
    • Step 10. Local application of fluorides
  • Precautions and storage
  • Finally
    • A little about the manufacturer

Description of modifications

ModificationsVariolink is a composite system. Its main function is to fix the restoration to the surface or cavity of the tooth. Fixation occurs by the adhesive method, in which the surfaces of two dissimilar bodies adhere.

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Polymerization is performed to transfer the material from a plastic state to a solid state. To do this, the Variolink base paste is mixed with a catalyst, after which the mixture is exposed to light radiation.

Variolink is based on modified nano-optimized technology for TetricCeram restorations. A special set of fillers gives the cement its distinctive characteristics:

  • increased resistance to abrasion;
  • improved radiopacity;
  • excellent light-optical performance;
  • long-term release of fluorine-containing compounds.

The manufacturer offers several modifications of Variolink:

  • Variolink N - has improved radiopacity, is offered in 7 colors;
  • Variolink Veneer - used as a luting agent for restorations up to 2 mm thick. It is characterized by increased color stability, improved radiopacity and strong mechanical bond with the surface;
  • Variolink Ultra is a luting material for restorations placed with ultrasonic tips. Has increased reliability due to continuous fluoride release;
  • Variolink II - the most versatile and popular bonding material, is one of the leaders among dental cements;
  • Variolink Esthetic is the most advanced product in the line. Meets the highest aesthetic requirements.

Variolink products are manufactured in Liechtenstein by Ivoclar Vivadent.

The following article describes the characteristics and applications using the example of the Variolink II.

Composition

The main structure of Variolink is formed by an organic monomer (matrix) and inorganic fillers.

Matrix

CompositionThe matrix consists of a Bis-GMA monomer system, urethane dimethacrylane (UDMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA).

Bis-GMA (bisphenol-A-glycyl dimethacrylate) is a high molecular weight monomer. It acts as a hardener, while exhibiting low shrinkage (5%).

Urethane dimethacrylane (UDMA) is an organic monomer. It lowers the viscosity and accelerates polymerization, as well as imparts mechanical strength and flexibility.

Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is an organic monomer. It significantly lowers the viscosity and accelerates polymerization.

Inorganic fillers

Inorganic fillers connect polymer chains and determine the strength, radiopacity, shrinkage, and thermal expansion of the composite.

In Variolink, inorganic fillers are presented in the form:

  • barium glass;
  • ytterbium trifluoride;
  • Ba-Al-fluoride silicate glass;
  • spheroidal mixed oxides.

Additional components:

  • catalysts;
  • stabilizers;
  • pigments.

The average particle size is 0.7 microns.

Colors

Variolink is available in different colors. Each color has a numerical Chromoscop identifier. There are also 3 viscosity levels.

Available colorsBase Paste Colors (Chromoscop / Viscosity):

  • color of bleached teeth bleach XL (010);
  • transparent (T);
  • white (110 / A1);
  • white opaque;
  • yellow universal (210 / A3);
  • brown (340 / A4).

Catalyst colors:

  • yellow universal (210 / A3);
  • transparent (T).

High viscosity catalyst colors:

  • yellow universal (210 / A3).

Drug characteristics

Indications

Variolink is used for adhesive fixation of the following types of restoration elements:

  • inlay / onlay-tabs;
  • crowns;
  • metal-free adhesive bridges;
  • veneers;
  • pin stump tabs.

Contraindications

The use of this cement is unacceptable in the following cases:

  • there is no way to organize a dry work area;
  • there is no way to comply with the established application technology;
  • there is a pronounced allergic reaction to the material.

Side effects

Systemic side effects have not been identified. In rare situations, the patient's personal allergic reaction can be traced. Inflammation of the dental pulp in unprotected cavities is likely.

Interaction with other substances

Phenolic compounds inhibit polymerization. The use of substances with similar compounds should be excluded.

Instructions for use

Fitting is a validation process during which the prosthesis is tested against the correct fit for insertion. If the fit gave a positive result, you can start fixing.

Fitting the restorations and their further fixation is carried out in several steps:

Step 1. Removal of temporary restoration

To begin with, the prepared tooth area prepared for restoration is cleaned of temporary dental cement. This process is carried out with a brush and paste, oil and fluoride free. After that, the treated areas of the tooth are washed with an aqueous aerosol.

It is necessary to use only cement that does not contain Eugenol, otherwise the Variolink polymerization will be suppressed.

Step 2. Fitting

The check should be carried out on the try-in paste. It is important not to damage the restorative element at this step, therefore, the occlusion should not be carried out. If the need arises for grinding, you need to use a diamond bur. Pressing on it should be minimal. After sanding, the surface must be polished.

Step 3. Insulation

To isolate the oral cavity during adhesive fixation, you can use a rubber dam - a special latex scarf, which is fixed on the teeth with metal clamps - "clamps".

Step 4. Preparation of restoration

First, the restoration must be cleaned. The glycerin gel must be rinsed off with water and then the restoration should be dried with dry, oil-free air. The selected type of restoration is prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5. Tooth and cavity preparation

Cavity preparationThe surface to be restored is washed with a watery spray and dried. Then the protective tape is installed in the contact areas using interdental wedges. The use of a protective tape eliminates the etching of adjacent teeth and simplifies the removal of excess Variolink.

Prepared enamel and dentin are treated with phosphoric acid using a disposable brush. A cannula is used to treat inaccessible places. As phosphoric acid, 37% Total Etch can be used. It should be kept for 15-30 seconds on enamel and 15 seconds on dentin.

The treated surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with water for 5 seconds. Excess water is removed in one of the following ways:

  • dry air;
  • a high-performance tow truck;
  • applicator.

It is important not to dry out dentine and keep the surface moist. After etching, the enamel should take on a bright white color. If this effect is not achieved, the etching process must be repeated.

After surface preparation, Excite DSC or Syntac adhesive is applied.

Step 6. Composite system application

On a mixing pad, a mixture of Variolink base and catalyst is prepared in a 1: 1 ratio. Mixing is carried out with a spatula for 10 seconds. The ready mixture should be applied within 3.5 minutes (at a temperature of 37 ° C).

Important to remember:

  • Variolink is sensitive to light exposure, therefore mixing should be carried out immediately before use and intense light exposure should be avoided;
  • during mixing, there is a possibility of entrapment of air bubbles, which impairs the polymerization and mechanical strength of the mixture;
  • after application, the surplus of Variolink should be immediately removed, since the removal of the polymerized material will be laborious and will require the use of special tools.

Recommendations

Composite applicationThe catalyst is selected according to the degree of viscosity, depending on the case: installation of crowns - low viscosity, installation of veneers and inlays - high. If the color of the tooth has changed after preparation, an opaque paste should be used. It has the best masking characteristics.

For the installation of veneers, only the base paste is used, no catalyst is needed. Polymerization occurs exclusively under the influence of light. The paste is applied using the application tip.

Step 7. Installation of restoration

  1. Inlay / Onlay tabs. The prepared mixture is applied to the tooth cavity with a brush. To prevent the formation of air bubbles, Variolink is also applied to the contacting part of the restoration.
  2. Crowns and bridges. The prepared mixture is applied to the contacting part of the restoration. To prevent the formation of air bubbles, cement is also applied to the prepared tooth.
  3. Veneers. Prepared Variolink is applied to the prepared tooth, as well as to the veneer, if necessary. The paste is applied using the application tip

Installation features:

  • Initially, the restoration is installed with low pressure. Excess Variolink is removed with a brush;
  • when installing large restorations, it is necessary to remove all excess mixture during the working period;
  • pressure should be added to the restoration and kept in this state for a few minutes. The excess cement that appears must be removed;
  • To facilitate the removal of excess, the restoration should be point-fixed using a polymerization light. The exposure to light is carried out for 10-20 seconds;
  • after preliminary fixation, excess mixture is removed from the gingival zone. It is important not to remove the base layer of Variolink together with the excess.

Step 8. Polymerization

PolymerizationVariolink polymerization is carried out step by step. It is necessary to devote 40 seconds for each section. You should start with the contacting parts.

The outer layer of 50 microns does not polymerize due to interaction with oxygen. This is the so-called inhibited layer. You can eliminate it in the following ways:

  1. A little excess is left before polymerization. This will remove the uncured layer during final finishing.
  2. After removing the excess, but before polymerization, a glycerin gel is applied to the margins of the restoration. Due to it, the appearance of an inhibited layer is avoided.

Step 9. Finishing treatment. Polishing

Processing stages:

  • polymerized excess is removed with a finishing diamond tool with a grain size of no more than 25 microns;
  • polishing strips are used on the contacting parts;
  • after removing the excess, the occlusal contacts of the teeth are checked and, if necessary, a correction is made;
  • the margins of the restoration are polished with silicone polishes.

Step 10. Local application of fluorides

The final stage of fixation of restorations is the process of saturation of hard dental tissues with fluoride elements. This is done by applying special fluids to the tooth enamel (eg Fluor Protector).

Precautions and storage

In the process of working with Variolink, it is necessary to exclude the interaction of the paste with the skin, mucous membrane, eyes. Unpolymerized paste causes irritation and increases the body's sensitivity to methacrylates.

It is not recommended to use Variolink after the expiration date. It is necessary to store the catalyst at a temperature of 2-8C. After using the paste, the syringes should be closed immediately to avoid premature polymerization.

Finally

Variolink kitVariolink has been used worldwide over 30 million times. This indicates the great confidence of patients and doctors in this material. Ivoclar Vivadent's extensive experience and the latest developments ensure maximum quality in dental restorations.

A little about the manufacturer

Ivoclar Vivadent is a multinational company that produces a wide range of state-of-the-art dental products. The company started its activity in 1923 with the production of dentures. Today it is a leading manufacturer in the global dental market. The head office is located in Shan, Liechtenstein.

The organization has 25 offices in various countries, the staff is 3.5 thousand. people, and products are delivered to hundreds of countries around the world. The company owns the largest scientific center. A team of qualified specialists participates daily in the creation of complete solutions for dentistry and interacts with the world's leading universities. The company also owns the internationally renowned Shan Dental Education Center (ICDE).

The company produces:

  • dentures;
  • adhesives;
  • cermets;
  • metal-free ceramics;
  • filling materials;
  • fixation materials;
  • restoration;
  • temporary materials;
  • tools and equipment.

The site is for informational purposes only. Do not under any circumstances self-medicate. If you find you have any symptoms of illness, contact your doctor.

  • Oct 28, 2021
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