Description

3M Protemp Plus Temporization Material is a two-component composite with a new generation of fillers for fabrication of interim restorations. It is indicated for temporization of single and multiple-unit crowns, bridges, implants, inlays/onlays, and veneers, including long-term provisional restorations.

Editors'' Observations

Manufacturer''s Instructions: The introductory kit is well organized and contains the necessary materials to fabricate, repair and cement the interim restorations. Detailed written instructions as well as a quick reference technique card are included to facilitate fabrication of the provisional restorations.

Ease of dispensing: Extrudes smoothly from the dispenser through a mixing tip, which helps control the flow of the material directly into the matrix.

Viscosity: The material exhibits good flow into the matrix with very few bubbles in the mix. It also adapts well to the prepared tooth and captures margin detail. Editors commented that Protemp Plus sticks to adjacent teeth and occasionally is difficult to remove after it has been in the mouth for the recommended time (1 minute 40 seconds after start of mixing).

Working/Setting Time: Working time is sufficient even for multiple interim restorations; however, many editors would prefer a slightly faster setting time. One concern was the need to keep the interim restoration in the matrix after removal from the mouth for five minutes before trimming and adjusting. Five minutes is recommended to achieve optimum esthetic properties.

Lack of Oxygen-inhibited Layer: The presence of an oxygen-inhibited layer was not a consistent finding during this evaluation. Editors were almost evenly split, with some reporting that there was minimal oxygen-inhibited layer, while the others described the sticky layer to be the same or worse than that of other products. The oxygen-inhibited layer was reported to be easily removed without alcohol. When the temporary was kept in the matrix fo rthe recommended five minutes after removal from the mouth, the presence of an oxygen-inhibited layer was minimized.

Fit of Restoration/Strength/Resistance to Fracture: The interim restorations had a very good fit, particularly the marginal adaptation, to the prepared teeth. Protemp Plus can be trimmed easily without cracking or chipping, and it seems to have more flexibility than other products. The strength is more adequate for single-unit provisional restorations and small bridges. There were a few reports of fractures with fixed partial dentures.

Final Shade Match/Esthetics of Restoration: In general, the editors were satisfied with the esthetics of Protemp Plus; however, most remarked that the shades were consistently lighter than the labeled Vita shades. Additionally, the shades were reported to be opaque. The final interim restorations required very little polishing, which is an improvement over most other similar materials.

Cinical Tips

• Use 3M Filtek Supreme Flowable to repair the temporary when needed.