Consultants’ Comments

• “I would definitely keep this kit in the office, even though I wouldn’t use it every day. ”
• “Dispensing directly from the syringe is easy.”
• “Nice viscosity‚Äîthe material stays in place.”
• “There is a learning curve to selecting the best shade and mixing custom shades for the best result.”
• “Including a ceramic etch and primer in the kit would be helpful.”

Description

EMBRACE Esthetic Opaquers is a direct placement opaquer, intended to mask the appearance of metals and discolored tooth surfaces under composite and ceramic restorations. The kit contains instructions, 20 applicator tips and opaquer in 1.2-ml syringes in five shades: bleach white, off-white, yellow, pink, and a unique brown color used for custom shading, characterization, or tinting of the other four shades. The individual shades can be mixed to achieve custom shades. The manufacturer reports that this resin can form chemical bonds to metal, ceramic, and tooth surfaces, although it is recommended that metals be microabraded and ceramics be either etched or microabraded before use. Tooth surfaces should be slightly moist before the product is applied. The use of a bonding agent is optional. Curing time is 20 seconds with a conventional halogen light; more powerful lights will cure the material faster. Twenty-four consultants evaluated EMBRACE Esthetic Opaquers in over 150 restorations. This product received a 90% clinical rating.

Product Features

Consultants commented that the EMBRACE Esthetic Opaquers was a good product to have in the office and was very useful in specific clinical situations. The ability to mix a custom shade is helpful and consultants especially liked this versatility. Several consultants remarked that the yellow shade is very similar to the off-white shade, and they would have preferred it to have more chroma. Consultants especially liked the flow of the material but stressed the need to follow directions carefully and use a brush or applicator tip to apply the material for the best results. Ninety-three percent of consultants found the EMBRACE Esthetic Opaquers to be equal to or better than the product they currently use. Fifty-eight percent of consultants would switch to the EMBRACE Esthetic Opaquers and 71% would recommend it to a colleague.

Clinical Tips

• When working with veneers or pressed ceramic crowns on stained teeth, apply opaquer followed by an opaque composite to help achieve a natural dentin color.
• Use the pink shade to increase the value of a dark tooth under ceramic or composite veneers.
• When used alone, the brown shade should be applied in a very thin layer.
• Use a microbrush or artist brush to judiciously spread the opaquer on the tooth. Make sure to cure completely before adding the next composite layer.
• When restoring an endodontic access opening in a ceramic-metal crown, place composite core material up to the level of the metal, followed by a layer of opaquer and then a layer of hybrid composite on the occlusal surface. This technique eliminates the gray appearance that can be caused by the metal shining through the composite.