January, 2025
In Japan, “PALFIQUE UNIVERSAL BOND” was sold under the name “BONDMER Lightless”, “ESTECEM Plus” was sold under the name “ESTECEM II”, “PALFIQUE UNIVERSAL FLOW” is sold under the name “ESTELITE UNIVERSAL FLOW”, “PALFIQUE LX5” is sold under the name “ESTELITE Σ QUICK”, and “PALFIQUE ASTERIA” is sold under the name “ESTELITE ASTERIA”.
Restorative treatment today is supported by rapid advances in equipment and restorative materials, including adhesives, which have led to a constant stream of products based on new concepts. As dentists, we must regularly update not only our treatment techniques but also our knowledge of the properties of these new materials in order to provide care that meets individual patient needs.
I have used this product routinely in daily clinical practice for nearly eight years, beginning with its predecessor, BONDMER Lightless, and continuing with the current BONDMER Lightless II. I use it in cases requiring bonding, such as restoration placement across a wide range of materials (including zirconia, glass ceramics, and metal), direct bonding, fiber cores, and various repair procedures.
I imagine quite a few of the dentists reading this find it cumbersome to use several different treatment agents just to perform the proper bonding procedures (such as pretreatment). This is especially true when handling different materials, like zirconia and glass ceramics, during the placement of ceramic restorations.
Before this product was released, I also often found the bonding process cumbersome. However, BONDMER Lightless allows the same adhesive to be used for all materials through simple steps. This reduces stress for both the practitioner and staff, and significantly shortens chair time.
Beyond its simplicity and versatility, this product offers high bond strength that withstands harsh intraoral conditions, contributing to a favorable long-term prognosis (Figs. 1, 2).
In this article, the long-term prognosis of cases treated using BONDMER Lightless and ESTECEM II are presented in Cases 1, 2, and 3.
CASE 1: Two-Year Follow-Up of Direct Bonding and Zirconia Inlay in the Molar Region
Fig. 1 The condition of #46 (Class I complex cavity) and #47 (Class I simple cavity) was evaluated two years after restoration using BONDMER Lightless as the bonding agent and ESTELITE ASTERIA (shade: OCE) as the filling material. The bonding interface of #46 remains in good condition, with only slight discoloration observed.
Fig. 2 The condition of #35 and #37 (both MOD cavities) was evaluated two years after placement of zirconia inlays. As in the case of direct bonding in Fig. 1, the interface between the zirconia inlays and enamel remains in good condition, with only slight discoloration observed.
CASE 2: Composite Resin Repair of a Fractured Ceramic Crown
Fig. 3 August 2017. BONDMER Lightless was applied after cleaning, followed by air drying.
Fig. 4 Filling was placed starting from the incisal edge using a silicone guide (ESTELITE UNIVERSAL FLOW (M) BW).
Fig. 5 Next, the proximal surface was filled (ESTELITE UNIVERSAL FLOW (M) BW).
Fig. 6 Finally, the labial surface was filled (ESTELITE Σ QUICK BW, CE) and polished.
Fig. 7 As of May 2024, eight years after the repair, several rounds of polishing with a silicone point have been performed. There has been no debonding, and progress remains favorable.
CASE 3: Zirconia Crown Treatment for a Patient Presenting with Esthetic Dissatisfaction of #21 and #22
Patient: 44-year-old female;
first visit: April 2017;
placement date: August 2017
Fig. 8 Preoperative condition: Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on #21 and #22 show a color mismatch.
Fig. 9 November 2017: Zirconia crowns were placed on #21 and #22 using BONDMER Lightless and ESTECEM II. Evaluation at 3 months postoperative.
Fig. 10 April 2019: 1 year 8 months postoperative.
Fig. 11 April 2020: 2 years 8 months postoperative.
Fig. 12 April 2024: 6 years 8 months postoperative. Maintenance has been performed every four months, with no debonding or other issues, and progress has remained favorable.
