Product Evaluation

BISCO

Duo-Link Universal 

Formulated for cementation of all* indirect restorations with all dental materials, Duo-Link Universal is a dual-cured cementation system that combines simplicity and strength 

It might sound too good to be true, but BISCO’s Duo-Link Universal adhesive cementation system really does combine the best of both worlds— simplicity and strength. While BISCO describes it as “universally strong and universally simple,” we wanted to hear it directly from the source—the dentists who trust Duo-Link Universal daily for reliable cementation of indirect restorations.

One of those dentists, Dr. Mitchell Pasenkoff, has relied on Duo-Link Universal for over a decade and said it is an ideal solution for cementing indirect restorations. Originally recommended by his lab for luting zirconia and lithium disilicate restorations, Duo-Link Universal has proved to be a versatile cementation system for Dr. Pasenkoff. “I started using it for zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns, and then began using it on all indirect restorations,” he explained. “This cement is strong, simple to use, and has many uses. I have confidence in using Duo-Link Universal.”

Versatility

As Dr. Pasenkoff discovered, Duo-Link Universal’s versatility makes it suitable for all* indirect cementation procedures—including crowns, bridges (fixed prostheses), inlays, onlays, and posts/dowels— and with restorations made from metal, composite, porcelain, glass ceramics, zirconia, alumina, and lithium disilicate. It is available in 2 shades—universal, which is a translucent A2, and milky white, which can be used to mask darker tooth preparations.

“I have been using BISCO’s Duo-Link Universal for over 5 years now, and I use it for all my cementation needs, from metal to ceramic to zirconia,” shared Dr. Charles Rubin, who appreciates its versatility. Calling it “very easy to handle,” Liljana Petrova, DDS, explained that Duo-Link Universal “can be used in different situations, either with selective-, self-, or total-etch modes.”

Ease of Use

Dispensed in an automix dual syringe, Duo-Link Universal consistently mixes to the desired consistency for immediate delivery and placement. It features an ideal film thickness for easy and predictable luting and can be light- or self-cured. “BISCO’s Duo-Link Universal has an ideal thickness for easy and predictable luting,” said Dr. Rubin. “I like the dual-cure feature and that I can control the working and setting times, which greatly improves the process of cementation of indirect restorations and makes cement cleanup easy and stress-free,” he added. A Duo-Link Universal user for 8 years, Alan Barr, DDS, said he uses it because “it has predictable results, is easy to use, is a very good value, and is made by a company I trust very much.”

Another loyal BISCO customer, Dr. Daniel Berman, said Duo-Link Universal has “all the key properties that should be found in a cement,” giving him “much of what I need for cementing most types of crowns.” Available in 2 universal kits, one with a universal primer and one with ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL, the kits It is include “everything needed to cement crowns in 1 package,” noted Dr. Berman. “I like that the resin cement kit comes with two primers,” said Dr. Pasenkoff, explaining that “one is for porcelain and lithium disilicate restorations, and the other, Z-Prime Plus, makes it easier for the resin cement to bond to zirconia or metal.”

“Duo-Link Universal is identifiable on x-rays, has the right film thickness, and cleans up well.”
—Daniel C. Berman, DMD; Denver, CO

Easy Cleanup & Reliable Retention

Easy Cleanup & Reliable Retention Duo-Link Universal is formulated for quick and easy removal of excess cement, which saves time during cleanup, according to Dr. Pasenkoff, who said, “Cleaning up excessive cement is quick and easy.” Describing his favorite features, Dr. Berman said, “Duo-Link Universal is identifiable on x-rays, has the right film thickness, and cleans up well.” Dr. Rubin stated, “Duo-Link Universal is by far the easiest cement to clean up I have used in my 31 years in practice.”

Featuring a high degree of conversion in both light- and self-cure modes, Duo-Link Universal ensures a strong, long-lasting restoration, according to BISCO. Confirming the cement’s durability and retentive properties, Dr. Berman said, “I have not encountered crowns coming off, which is especially important. I certainly would continue to use this product, as well as other products made by BISCO.” Dr. Pasenkoff agreed and said, “I had no retention issues with cement and cannot recall having any problems. I would recommend this product.”

“I feel it is a great cement,” described Dr. John Leitner, who uses Duo-Link Universal on lithium disilicate crowns and said his favorite feature is “zero sensitivity for patients.” Dr. Petrova agreed that “patients didn’t complain of any sensitivity.”

Overall Satisfaction

Explaining that he has recommended Duo-Link Universal to many dentists over the years, Dr. Rubin said he “encouraged his new associate to try this product and it quickly has become his go-to for all his cementation needs as well.” He concluded, “The ease of use, easy cleanup, versatility, and strength make Duo-Link Universal an exceptional product.”

Reference

*It is recommended to use BISCO’s Choice 2 for veneer cementation

Takeaways

• Versatile for cementation of all indirect restorations with all dental materials
• Dispensed in an automix dual syringe for ease of delivery and placement
• Ideal film thickness for easy and predictable luting
• Features a high degree of conversion in both light and self-cure modes for long-term durabtility and high retention
• Available in 2 shades--universal (translucent A2) and milky white (opaque for masking darker tooth preparations)