Consultants’ Comments
- “Complete kit which is easy to use, but packaging could be improved.”
- “The adhesive, Futurebond DC, saves steps and works well with the cement.”
- “Work fast when cementing a post.”
- “Remove excess before set, or tack cure and then remove excess.”
Description
Bifix QM is a dual-cured, radiopaque, fluoride-containing, resin luting system for cementation of metal, composite and ceramic restorations. It can also be used for adhesive cementation of posts and etched metal bridges. Bifix QM is packaged in 10-g QuickMix syringes and is available in three shades with corresponding try-in pastes: universal, transparent and white-opaque. The kit contains one syringe of cement in each shade, three syringes of try-in paste, Ceramic Bond, and accessories. The 7th-generation adhesive Futurabond DC single dose is supplied in a separate kit. The working time is 2.5-3.5 minutes with a setting time of 3 minutes after intraoral placement. Seventeen consultants evaluated Bifix QM in more than 230 clinical applications. This product received an 87% approval rating.
Manufacturer’s Instructions
The written instructions are supported by a well-labeled, illustrated, laminated card for quick reference.
Packaging/Completeness of Kit
The cement and adhesive are packaged in separate boxes, which are contained within an outer cover. The packaging could be improved by placing all the materials in one well-organized container. Refrigeration is not necessary but is recommended. The kit contains all the components necessary for resin cementation of any restoration.
Shades Available
The three shades supplied in the kit are adequate for most cementation procedures. The shades, however, are limited when cementing very translucent porcelain veneers or pressable ceramics when shade modification is required. The color of the try-in pastes corresponds well to the cement shade after curing. The try-in paste can be easily removed from the restoration and tooth surface with water.
Homogeneous Mix and Viscosity of Cement
Bifix QM produces a consistent mix with a creamy consistency and good flow, which coats both the tooth and surface of the restoration well. The viscosity of the cement allows complete seating of the restorations; however, a few consultants reported that the cement was too runny.
Working Time/Setting Time
Both the working and setting times are more than adequate, even when cementing multiple restorations. The setting time can be controlled by light curing for 20 seconds at the margins. The cement should be applied directly into a root canal using intraoral tips, not a lentulo spiral. Additionally, Bifix QM can be applied to the surface of the post before the post is inserted into the canal. The occlusal surface should be light cured to fix the post.
Removal of Excess Before and After Set
The unset cement can be removed using a microbrush, but as with all resin cements, the completely set cement is difficult to remove. The set cement does not come off in one piece but tends to crumble during clean-up.
Esthetics
The available shades are adequate for most clinical applications. A few consultants commented that shade selection was limited. The translucent shade gave a nice, natural appearance when used to cement veneers that did not require shade modification.
Retention
Two consultants reported a total of four debonds during the evaluation period.
