Predictable and Simplified: How Universal Bonding Improves Treatment Confidence

Dental practitioners face numerous important decisions each time a patient requires a restoration, including whether they will use composites or laboratory-created restorations. This article discusses the key decision points and factors to be considered, along with the importance of educating patients so they have a realistic understanding of the treatment plan. Because the durability and predictability of many restorative procedures depend upon the management of the adhesive interface, the practitioner’s choice of adhesive system and understanding of how it works is crucial to the long-term success of the restoration, and, ultimately, to patient satisfaction. The latest generation of universal adhesives exhibit superior strength, ease of handling, compatibility, and very low sensitivity, enabling clinicians today to confidently place restorations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify the main decision points and key factors influencing the choice of restoration materials for each individual patient.

• Discuss the importance of patient education in restoration treatment planning.

• Explain the process of adhesion-decalcification.

• Describe how universal adhesives can potentially simplify restorations, produce durable results, and provide flexibility to the restoration process.

About the Author

Barry F. Bartusiak, DMD
Private Practice, Washington, Pennsylvania