Heraeus Kulzer launches new iBOND Universal bonding agent

Heraeus Kulzer has introduced new iBOND Universal, its latest development in bonding technology, in a joint launch at both IDS 2015 in Cologne and at the ADA Congress in Brisbane.

While several definitions for the word "universal" seem to exist when describing bonding agents, Heraeus Kulzer's latest development is designed to be compatible with all kinds of dental materials, different bonding techniques and cover all indications for the adhesion of direct and indirect restorations. The company also believes that for a product to be truly universal, it should be easy to use and precise in application. As a basic requirement, it must also be safe and provide excellent, durable bond strength. Last but not least, as a modern bonding agent, it should meet all these demands in one bottle.

With that premise in mind, the resulting iBOND Universal combines all these properties. In addition, the company's scientists have combined their expertise in the development of bonding agents to create an intelligent new formula. The resulting moisture control system provides instant and reliable bond strength.

Unique moisture control

For the creation of iBOND Universal, scientists from Europe and Japan have cooperated in order to develop a bonding agent that combines the best of two worlds. The result: an adhesive with a unique moisture control system. Acetone acts like a water chaser and supports the fast evaporation of water. During the air-drying, the water phase is separated from the monomer phase and improves the bonding efficacy. This effect leads to easier air-drying, reduced technique-sensitivity and an homogeneous bonding layer. The different components interact to allow the fast evaporation of water, effective etching, good penetration into the dentinal tubules. The intelligent new formula of iBOND Universal contains MDP and provides instant and reliable bond strength.

Universal compatibility

iBOND Universal is compatible with light-, self- and dual-cure materials without the need of a dual cure activator. That means reliable bond strength for all common types of restorations and materials, from resin cements and core-build-up materials to self-cure composites and compomers for the cementation of indirect restorations. Silicate ceramics are bonded with the additional iBOND Ceramic Primer. iBOND Universal can be applied for bonding of direct restorations for all cavity classes and fissure sealants, sealing of cavities and core preparations, cementation of indirect restorations, or sealing of hypersensitive tooth areas. Restoration fractures or chippings and localised caries lesions at the restoration margin can be repaired at one appointment instead of costly replacements, making the process very effective and economical. This allows the direct, easy repair of all types of dental ceramics including oxide and silicate ceramics, composites and metal restorations with one layer of iBOND Universal in combination with composites. To bond and repair silicate ceramics, iBOND Ceramic Primer is used for enhanced bond strength. iBOND Universal also respects the user's personal habits. Whether dentists prefer bonding in the total-etch-, selective etch or self-etch-technique, they can apply iBOND Universal with any of these methods. Additionally, users benefit from a short curing time of only 10 seconds.

Easy application

iBOND Universal represents the quality of a universal bonding by being broadly and easily applicable. With this in mind, Heraeus Kulzer offers applicator tips in two sizes for more flexibility and efficacy for all cavity sizes. iBOND Universal is stored simply at room temperature, refrigeration is not necessary. From the first application of an homogeneous adhesive layer, the excellent handling properties of iBOND Universal and its durable, reliable bond strength is convincing for users of any generation of bonding agents.

Last but not least, the bonding agents and desensitizers from Heraeus Kulzer come exclusively with drop control. This means that every bottle of iBOND is equipped with a notched design which ensures a perfect cut of the drop and prevents drops from running down the bottle. The result is a very precise dispensing of iBOND bonding agent. Thanks to this accurate dispenser, the number of single drops per bottle goes up to 220, adding around 30% more output than with the old dropper design. As one of the world's leading dental companies, Heraeus Kulzer once again proves its profound knowledge of dentists' needs and facilitates their clients' working routines.