The Right Tool for the Job

The concept of “picking the right tool for the job” doesn’t just apply to the tools used in home or automobile maintenance; it applies to the materials that we pick up each and every day in the operatory. In that regard, BISCO’s recently released Quantium™ composite caught my attention for a few reasons.

BISCO has a long history of developing science-backed materials. I’ve been a long-time user of All-Bond Universal® because of its clinical consistency, optimal pH for the ion exchange necessary for a solid chemical bond, and single-bottle ease of use. Similarly, Quantium is formulated with the science of nanofillers and microfillers used in BISCO’s hybrid composite. The nano and micro particles enhance the polishability of the composite as well as reduce volumetric shrinkage. As composite restorations polymerize from their gel state into a solid form during light curing, the associated volumetric shrinkage can lead to porosities and leakage at the tooth-restoration interface.

Right out of the unit-dose carpule (syringe dispensers are also available), the viscosity of Quantium allows it to be easily sculpted without slumping. In my clinical practice, I rely on composite warmers to improve ergonomics, extrusion force, and adaptation as well as to provide a softer texture for sculpting and injection molding. Quantium is compatible with warmers set to 164°F (68°C) for up to 1 hour without undergoing untoward changes to its chemical makeup. Its sculptability and non-sticky texture allow for ease of placement with no changes to my composite workflow.

Quantium is available in six traditional shades, each with body and enamel tones to give practitioners the flexibility to layer as needed. Supplemental bleach body and incisal enamel shades provide additional options, creating a robust armamentarium for both anterior and posterior restorations.

Lastly, Quantium boasts a high level of radiopacity. My clinical practice focuses heavily on composite restorative procedures, oftentimes relying on deep margin elevation for deep caries as well as caries and deep demineralization affecting multiple surfaces of a tooth. Being able to visually monitor these difficult cases via radiographs is without question a benefit that Quantium composite offers, and I look forward to seeing Quantium’s performance on recall images in the future.

Lauren Yasuda
Rainey, DDS
Private Practice
Seattle, Washington

Key Takeaways

➊ Quantium’s hybrid nano- and microfiller technology enhances polishability and minimizes volumetric shrinkage to reduce porosity and marginal leakage.

➋ Optimized for handling, Quantium maintains its sculptable, non-slumping viscosity, even when warmed to 164°F (68°C) for up to 1 hour.

➌ The versatile shade system with body, enamel, bleach, and incisal options allows for esthetic layering in both anterior and posterior restorations.

➍ High radiopacity ensures clear radiographic visibility for confident assessment in deep margin and multi-surface restorations.

Manufacturer Information

BISCO, Inc.
bisco.com
800-247-3368