Double Take: "This isn't your father's glass ionomer."

In addition to his role as an educator and practicing dentist, Dr. Nový also coordinates treatment in two community clinics. His work has also  provided the opportunity to work as a consultant for numerous dental manufacturers. Here, he elaborates on his experience using GC America’s EQUIA Rapid Restorative System.

What is it that makes EQUIA unique?
EQUIA is one of only a few restorative materials that chemically fuses to tooth structure. Because of the chemical bond to dentin and enamel, it doesn’t require any mechanical retention. It’s much more esthetic than amalgam, and is easy to use. The fact that it moves like a tooth is an added bonus.

How do you use EQUIA?
Anytime I want a well sealed margin I use EQUIA.  In deep subgingival preparations, it’s my material of choice.

After completing the preparation, apply a polyacrylic conditioning agent for 10-20 seconds, rinse with water (leaving the preparation moist), place the material and begin contouring. Apply EQUIA Coat and light cure. Once the material is fully set, adjust any occlusal discrepancies. A second application of EQUIA Coat eliminates the need to polish.

Describe how it works in your hands.
EQUIA is incredibly versatile. Since it’s a hydrophilic material, it follows water very well. By leaving the preparation moist, the material flows remarkably well. Using a microbrush dipped in the EQUIA Coat to help develop anatomy makes shaping the restoration easy.

What do you view as EQUIA’s key strengths?
It’s ease of use and marginal seal. I know it’s cliché to say, “I never have post-operative sensitivity,” but with EQUIA I rarely encounter it. I’m sure it has to do with the chemical fusion to the tooth. That bond is so strong we even see it under the microscope in our research.

How would you describe EQUIA?
Glass ionomers have been around for a while, and during that time, their physical properties have improved dramatically.  EQUIA is the result of better glass and stabilized chemistry.  This isn’t your father’s glass ionomer.