Global Health Nexus, Winter 2004

NYU Dentistry Receives $120,000 Grant for Composite Restoration Study

Dental products manufacturer Heraeus Kulzer, Inc., has awarded NYU Dentistry a two-year, $120,000 grant to study the clinical performance and handling characteristics of a new micro-hybrid composite resin claiming to offer improved handling and fluorescence and an extensive range of shades and opacities that can be closely matched to surrounding teeth for both anterior and posterior restorations. Two one- bottle adhesives that can be used interchangeably with the resin will also be evaluated. The Bluestone Center for Clinical Research (BCCR) will be the site for all research-related examinations and procedures.

The principal investigators are Dr. Van P. Thompson, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics and Acting Chairman of the Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, and Dr. Benjamin Godder, Clinical Associate Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry. United States Public Health Service criteria are being used to evaluate wear, marginal discoloration, and any post-operative sensitivity of the Venus™ composite. This micro-hybrid composite is available in 27 shades in three opacities, and is made from a typical aromatic bifunctional methacrylate monomer (BIG-GMA) resin combined with a unique filler that includes barium aluminum fluoride glass and highly dispersed silicon dioxide. The two, 4-META-based one-bottle adhesives to be evaluated are: Gluma® Comfort Bond, which is used with a total etch bonding technique, and iBond™, a self-etching adhesive.

Approximately 70 subjects will be enrolled in order to study 120 restorations on carious posterior teeth. Each tooth will be randomly assigned to one or the other bonding agent. Most subjects are expected to require at least two similar procedures, thus enabling a comparison of Gluma Comfort Bond and iBond within the same individual. The investigators plan to make the majority of the restorations on molars to enable evaluation in a high-stress environment. Periodic independent evaluation of the restorations will be conducted by calibrated teams of faculty from the Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry.