Product Evaluation

TOKUYAMA DENTAL AMERICA

OMNICHROMA Flow BULK

This one-shade bulk fill flowable composite is the newest member of the OMNICHROMA family of restorative materials

For a dental practice, one of the secrets to success really isn’t a secret at all—operating efficiently improves productivity. One of the keys to efficiency is selecting techniques and materials that help clinicians finish a procedure as quickly as possible without, of course, sacrificing quality. To simplify and improve placement of direct restorations, many dentists choose a bulk fill composite, and now they can select a bulk fill that simplifies the shade-matching process. The newest member of Tokuyama’s OMNICHROMA family, OMNICHROMA Flow BULK is a single-shade, lightcured, low-viscosity composite that matches the 16 VITA classical shades with 1 shade of composite.

Hoping to “combine the practicality of a bulk fill with the esthetics of shade matching,” Dr. Scott Waletzko was excited to try OMNICHROMA Flow BULK. “I was surprised by its ability to blend in with surrounding tooth structure. It also polishes easily,” he told DPS. “It is great for occlusal or small Class III or V restorations. I completed a row of anterior Class V restorations using this product and found it effective to rapidly place and complete the job. OMNICHROMA Flow BULK convinced me that a universal shade composite in a flowable bulk formulation can play a key role in the restorative toolkit.”

Placement & Handling

OMNICHROMA Flow BULK is a highly flowable, light-cured, single-shade bulk fill composite that can be placed directly into the prepared cavity in 3.5- mm increments. Suitable for anterior and posterior restorations and indicated for all carious classes, it can be used as a cavity base or liner, to repair porcelain or composite, and to block out cavity undercuts.

“I liked the ability to see exactly where I placed the material, as it starts out very opaque prior to polymerization,” shared Dr. Roger Urlaub, who praised its good marginal adaptation but suggested more viscosity. “I liked the flowability and the marginal adaptability,” said Dr. Felipe Falcao. “OMNICHROMA Flow BULK adapts well to the internal anatomy of deeper cavity preparations,” disclosed Dr. David Fine, and Dr. Janet Williams suggested “a bit more viscosity” in cases without definitive walls.

“It is great as a flowable for ortho wire bonding, placing clear aligner attachments, periodontal splinting, and pediatric filings,” shared Dr. Joseph DeLapa. “I’m still finding new uses besides just as a filling material.” Suggesting 2 different viscosities for different applications, Dr. Waletzko decided, “Once you get the hang of its handling properties, many great uses become apparent.”

Shade Match & Esthetics

With Tokuyama’s Smart Chromatic Technology, 1 shade of OMNICHROMA Flow BULK matches all tooth shades. “This material is a game changer that will match almost all shades with excellent blending,” proclaimed Dr. Richard Creaghe. “Having one shade that matches all” was Dr. Reena Gupta’s favorite feature. “We loved the one shade; it gives us an easy solution to get the right shade match,” she explained. “The color match was very good,” shared Dr. Fine. “Its ability to be occlusally adjusted and polished was more than acceptable.” Praising its smooth finish and polish, Dr. Waletzko said, “Class V restorations blended with surrounding tooth structure much better than I had anticipated would be possible with a single shade.”

Lauding the “universality” of OMNICHROMA Flow BULK, Dr. Vlastimil Bazant enjoyed “good esthetics without a complicated procedure” in most cases, while Dr. Ray Morse said it “was a bit high in value color-wise.” Using OMNICHROMA BLOCKER or BLOCKER Flow in some cases “obscures discolorations very well and enhances the esthetic finish of restorations,” shared Dr. Williams.

“This material is a game changer that will match almost all shades with excellent blending.”
- Richard Creaghe, DDS San Rafael, CA

Time Savings

Compared to other composites, using OMNICHROMA Flow BULK “was less time consuming and decreased chair time” for Dr. Gupta because she “no longer needed different shades to match.” She is now “looking forward to using this excellent product on all restorative treatments.” Needing “only 1 syringe instead of 5 or 6 separate shades” was a huge time saver for Dr. Creaghe, and Dr. Morse agreed that simplified shade matching “made the restoration completion very quick.” For Dr. Williams, “The easy polishability reduces chair time,” and Dr. Falcao said the bulk fill provides him with “convenience, faster procedures, and shorter appointments.”

Overall Satisfaction

“I found myself specifically asking my assistant for OMNICHROMA Flow BULK over other composites in my inventory,” shared Dr. Fine. For Dr. Paul Chaiken, “it was very easy to use, the shade match was good, and it had great viscosity and adaptation to the cavity prep.” Naming the “universal shade” and “streamlined inventory” as her favorite features, Dr. Williams concluded, “OMNICHROMA Flow BULK improved esthetic restorations each and every time.”

Takeaways

• A light-cured,low-viscosity, bulk fill composite resin for anterior and posterior restorations

• Smart Chromatic Technology enables it to match all 16 VITA classical shades with 1 shade of composite

• Material is placed directly into the prepared cavity in 3.5-mm increments

• For optimal shadematching, BLOCKER is recommended to cover dark dentin

• Good adaptation to cavity, low shrinkage, and high flexural and compressive strength