GC America
recently introduced G-COAT PLUS, a light-cured, protective clear resin coating that
is advertised to contain both nanofillers and an adhesive monomer. The manufacturer
states that a single coat can protect margins and prevent staining while providing
a high gloss that is comparable to a highly polished surface. Advertised indications
include restoration margin repair, application to provisional, composite resin, and
glass-ionomer restorations in order to provide a protective, glossy surface while also
increasing wear resistance.

GC America states that the proprietary adhesive monomer results in superior adhesion
to enamel, dentin, composite, glass ionomer, and resin modified glass ionomer restorations
while the uniformly-dispersed nanofillers provide wear resistance. G-Coat PLUS is further
said to be polymerized with both LED and halogen visible light curing units.
G-COAT PLUS  (#002583) is available for $58.50 (suggested retail) and $35.00 (government)
and contains one 4mL bottle of G-COAT PLUS, 20 Disposable Dispensing Dishes, 50 Micro
Tip Applicators, and one Applicator Holder - (Col Roberts)


Aquasil Ultra is the newest form of polyvinylsiloxane impression material
marketed by Dentsply/Caulk. Aquasil Ultra features the digit Targeted Delivery
System that is designed to precisely dispense the lower-viscosity materials
intraorally from an autoclavable, palm-sized syringe device using unit-dose
cartridges. The digit delivery system reportedly makes it easier to dispense
and deliver impression material intraorally without the bulkiness of traditional
automix dispensers. The pleasant-tasting impression material purportedly has
hydrophilic properties, high tear strength, excellent dimensional accuracy and
resistance to deformation. Aquasil Ultra is available in two setting times
(fast and regular) and six viscosities: putty, rigid, heavy body, monophase,
low viscosity (LV), and extra low viscosity (XLV).
ADVANTAGES:
+ Meets ANSI/ADA specifications for detail reproduction
+ Heavy body tray materials exceeds ISO detail reproduction specifications
+ Meets ISO specifications for linear dimensional stability
+ Acceptable working and setting times
+ Acceptable contact angles suggested adequate hydrophilicity
+ Taste and odor well tolerated by patients
+ Wide variety of material viscosity
+ Viscosity of different materials adequate for intended clinical purpose
+ Easy to remove from the oral environment
+ Good packaging configuration
+ Easy to read manufacturer instructions contain adequate technical detail

DISADVANTAGES:
- More expensive than some comparable polyvinyl siloxane impression materials

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS:
Aquasil Ultra is Dentsply/Caulk's latest polyvinyl siloxane elastomeric
impression material that features the unit-dose, digit Targeted Delivery System
for the lower-viscosity wash materials. During this evaluation, all three
Aquasil Ultra wash viscosities (XLV, LV, monophase) provided excellent detail
reproduction while the heavier-bodied tray materials (Heavy, Rigid) exceeded
ISO 4823 detail reproduction requirements, providing the same detail
reproduction as the wash materials. Aquasil Ultra materials met international
requirements for linear dimensional stability, had acceptable working and
setting times, and demonstrated hydrophilicity (via contact angle measurement)
that was in the same range reported for other elastomeric impression materials
in the scientific literature. The clinical users liked the packaging
configuration and thought that the manufacturer instructions were easy to read
and contained adequate technical detail. The evaluators reported that none of
their patients objected to Aquasil Ultra's taste or odor, the material was easy
to remove from the oral environment and the viscosity of each material was
adequate for its intended clinical purpose. The clinical users appreciated the
simplicity and control afforded by the digit Targeted Delivery System and were
unanimous in recommending its purchase for their clinic. Although Aquasil Ultra
is more expensive than some products, it is still comparable to other
impression materials currently in use in the Federal Service inventory.
- (Col Roberts)