Part 2: SDI’s Stela Self-Cure Bulk Fill Flowable Self Cure Restorative Delivers Stress-Free Bulk-Fill Restorations

Last month in Part 1 of this article, we looked at a variety of dental material types including traditional light-cured bulk fill flowable composite, incremental fill of packable composite, and resin-modified glass ionomer. Here, in Part 2, we’ll get into the benefits of self-cure bulk fill flowable composite.

Self-Cure Bulk-Fill Flowable
Until recently, I didn’t know that a self-cure bulk-fill flowable existed. SDI Limited, an Australian-based dental product manufacturer, has been providing innovative solutions for more than 50 years.

Figure 4. Because the material was extruded from an auto-mix syringe, there was no question or worry about voids or homogeneity. I simply extruded the product and walked away. Upon returning, I was happy to see a fully cured, fully monolithic, gap-free, void-free true bulk fill.

Figure 5. A patient presented to our office with an asymptomatic No. 14 with missing mesiolingual and mesiobuccal cusps. Both the patient and I preferred to avoid endodontic therapy. Decay was noted.

Figure 6. Upon removal of all decay and dermal-epidermal junction staining, I was relieved to discover no pulpal exposure, but I was eager to use a bioactive restorative product due to the proximity of the restoration to the pulp.

Figure 7. Without placing a band, I simply used the SDI Stela Primer, air dried, and delivered a large bulk fill of SDI Stela Bulk Fill Flowable Self Cure Restorative

Figure 8. I was pleased to discover a highly radiopaque, gap-free solid monolithic restoration as the core buildup.

Figure 9. Upon beginning the crown preparation, I noticed an excellent stain-free, gap-free margin.

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Most dentists have already tried or regularly use its composites, cements, silver diamine fluoride, and whitening products available through brands like Luna, Riva, and Pola. One solution that I have had the opportunity to try was the Stela Self-Cure Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative. What makes this product unique is that it self-cures at the point of contact with its proprietary primer/adhesive.

The composite itself is a combination of a bisphenol A (BPA)–free resin monomer along with a bioactive ion glass filler. It is delivered via an auto-mix syringe and comes out in a consistency similar to flowable composite (Figure 4). This results in an overall bulk fill with very high compressive and flexural strength to rival any modern composite, zero voids, and a gap-free interface between the material

and tooth surface. The fact that the material is BPA free, free of tertiary amine, and bioactive is icing on the cake for an already excellent option.

Clinical Case
Let’s take a closerlook at the Stela Bulk Fill Flowable Self Cure Restorative via a clinical case (Figures 5-9).

Dentistry is, and probably always will be, difficult at times. But materials like Stela, a monolithic solution that is a self-cure, bulk-fill composite that does not require separate etching or light curing steps, can make things easier for clinicians. Thanks to SDI and its Stela solution, I can confidently deliver bulk-fill restorations with a lot less indigestion, nausea, and upset stomach!