Description
Xeno III is a single-step, self-etching dental adhesive (6th-generation, Type II) that bonds direct, light-cured composite restorations to enamel and dentin. The system is designed to reduce both treatment time and postoperative sensitivity while providing high bond strengths to dentin and enamel. Equal amounts of primer and adhesive are mixed before use, applied to the tooth, air dried and light cures. The kit includes 4-ml bottles of self-etching primer and adhesive, 50 applicators and a dappen dish. Refrigeration is not required. Sixteen editors used Xeno III in over 350 restorations during a six-week period. This product received a 96% clinical rating.
Editors’ Observations
Manufacturer’s Instructions
Directions for use are clear and concise. The technique guide provides excellent illustrations and is a quick reference.
Delivery System
Editors appreciated the simplicity of using the system. The dropper bottles of self-etching primer and adhesive allow confirmation that equal amounts of each product are dispensed and mixed. When the primer is mixed with the adhesive, the color changes to a light yellow, verifying activation. Some editors indicated that they would prefer a unit-dose system in addition to the two-bottle system.
Ease of Use in General Restorative Procedures
The time efficiency of the single-step system received excellent ratings. The material flows evenly, and it uniformly wets the surface. The use of a single step allows for a quicker procedure in areas that are difficult to keep dry.
Reduction in Sensitivity
Postoperative sensitivity was negligible during the six-week evaluation period.
Ease of Matrix Band Removal
Some self-etching systems bond to metal, making matrix band removal very difficult. Removal of metal matrix bands after using Xeno III to bond direct composites is not difficult.Editors’ Note: The original evaluation was published in THE DENTAL ADVISOR, Vol. 20, No. 8, October 2003.
