Bioclear and 3M— A Perfect Marriage
Take advantage of this collaboration that provides patients with the care they need and request
Success requires partnership. Your practice success relies on partnerships with product manufacturers, distributors, financial experts, staff, colleagues, patients, and many others. When you work with each of these parties, depending on the situation, you have access to support, skills, and insights that ultimately ensure your practice achieves its mission and continues to prosper.
“I think the marriage between 3M and Bioclear is a great one.”
—Arthur Volker, DDS
Partnerships also occur between manufacturers when they see how their products can work together to improve patient care and treatment outcomes. Bioclear and 3M Oral Care have entered just such a partnership. By combining the innovative Bioclear matrices and protocols with 3M’s family of restorative products, dentists can more efficiently solve many restorative challenges with minimal preparation.
The Bioclear Side of the Equation
Arthur Volker, DDS, first encountered Bioclear around the time it was introduced in 2007. “I was a few years out of dental school and saw a promotion for a Bioclear class while I was at a conference,” Dr. Volker said. “I took the class and was blown away because it presented a way for us to deliver minimally invasive dentistry where you don’t have to do anything in an amputative manner. And you can deal with situations that arise clinically, like black triangles, which are common after periodontal surgery and orthodontic treatment.”
The Bioclear Method, created by Dr. David Clark, includes an innovative approach to tooth preparation, a unique injection molding technique, and a patented clear anatomic matrix system. The ultrathin matrices that are part of the method conform to the natural shape of the tooth to ensure a smooth and esthetic restoration. Clinicians can inject composite directly into the embrasure, eliminating concern about an overhanging margin.
“The Bioclear matrices are the same thickness as the standard mylar strips that most dentists were taught to use in dental school, which are perfect for amalgam but not ideal for composites,” Dr. Volker explained. “Dr. Clark created a more physiologically contoured matrix that is appropriate for composites, so you no longer have to rely on things like burnishing to get a good contact.”
Dr. Clark continues to evolve the Bioclear Method by introducing matrices designed for specific clinical situations, including posterior, anterior, and black triangle restorations. The Black Triangle (BT) System, for example, includes a color-coded gauge and matrices that aid selecting the appropriate curvature for gingival embrasure closure.
Where 3M Comes In
In 2019, 3M Oral Care and Bioclear began working together to educate dentists about the Bioclear Method. Combining this unique restorative approach with reliable, evidence-based products (composites, adhesives, polishers, and curing lights) creates a predictable protocol for strong, esthetic restorations.
“I think the marriage between 3M and Bioclear is a great one,” said Dr. Volker, who practices in Sunnyside, NY. “Their products fit the Bioclear Method perfectly. They’ve even adapted some of their products to the method.”
For example, no dentist wants to see bubbles in their flowable composite. They are both frustrating and unsightly, especially when they land on the facial or occlusal surface of a restoration. 3M managed to virtually eliminate bubbles from their flowable restoratives by introducing a new syringe design where channels remove unwanted air that may be introduced when the syringe is filled. And, a new tip eliminates sharp internal angles to avoid air entrapment when the material is dispensed.
Learning the Art of the Bioclear Method
Like any new technique or protocol, the Bioclear Method requires training to learn its nuances and to ensure dentists are applying it appropriately. The hands-on training offered through Bioclear and supported by 3M is available in-person or virtually.
Dr. Volker, a Bioclear trainer since 2014, has taught courses via both scenarios. “The virtual training was especially important at the height of the pandemic,” said Dr. Volker. “I set up my camera so that the students can see my work and then they would do the same. However, in my opinion, there’s no better way to learn than to be in-person and see the actual hands of the instructor working, see where they’re positioning everything. We keep the Bioclear classes small to ensure lots of interaction with the instructor.”
It’s All About Meeting Patient Needs
Dr. Volker encounters many patients looking for minimally invasive solutions to their oral care needs. He offered this example: “Let’s say you have a patient who had orthodontic treatment and now they have black triangles. Many times, the doctor might recommend veneers or crowns to address the issue. But the patient is thinking, ‘Wait a minute. I just spent all this time and money to improve my smile without any invasive work and now you want to remove tooth structure.’” Rather than suggesting an invasive option, Bioclear allows dentists to offer patients a non-amputative procedure that will provide them with the result they’re seeking.
“I also have patients coming in and asking for Bioclear by name,” said Dr. Volker. Dentists trained in the method can immediately talk with those patients about their options and move forward with treatment as appropriate.
Ultimately, the goal of any dentist and the partners they collaborate with is to provide patients with the care they need to achieve good oral health. Bioclear and 3M Oral Care have that same goal in mind—they’ve teamed up to help dental practices meet patient needs.
