Dentistry is constantly evolving with innovative approaches that improve efficiency and enhance patient outcomes. Among these advancements, the injection molding technique stands out as a game-changer for restorative and esthetic dentistry. This innovative approach allows clinicians to create seamless, long-lasting restorations with remarkable precision and speed.
GC America, a pioneer in innovative dental solutions, has long been at the forefront of restorative excellence. With their advanced material offerings, this technique is now more accessible, predictable, and clinically advantageous than ever before.
This approach is ideal for:
- Direct composite veneers
- Full arch composite restorations
- Class V restorations
- Smile makeovers or diastema closures
- Additive contouring in wear cases
Key Benefits of the Injection Molding Technique
Efficient Workflow – By simplifying the restorative process, the injection molding technique significantly reduces chairside time. Clinicians can complete esthetic cases efficiently, making it possible to treat more patients in a day, thereby increasing practice profitability.
Enhanced Esthetics – The technique’s ability to precisely replicate tooth anatomy and G-ænial Universal Injectable’s effectiveness of achieving seamless integration of restorations, with natural-looking results meet or exceed patient expectations.
Minimized Marginal Discrepancies – The controlled resin injection of G-ænial Universal Injectable reduces the risk of voids, ensuring excellent marginal adaptation and long-term clinical success.
Accessibility for Patients – This cost-effective alternative allows patients who cannot afford expensive veneers or indirect restorations to achieve an esthetic smile. This approach opens treatment opportunities for a broader demographic, including those seeking affordable yet transformative dental solutions. Moreover, it results in greater treatment acceptance contributing to enhanced profitability.
Clinical Case: Step-by-Step Application of the Injection Molding Technique
Case Overview (Clinical case by Hiromi Saisho, DDS, MS, CDT)
A female patient presented with old, discolored restorations on the anterior maxillary teeth #8 and #9, seeking an affordable yet highly esthetic solution to enhance her smile. During the consultation, it was decided to extend the treatment to include composite veneers on her front four teeth (#7 to #10) to achieve a more uniform and balanced esthetic outcome. This decision was made to ensure seamless blending of the restorations with the adjacent teeth, enhance overall symmetry, and provide better durability for her smile makeover. The patient expressed a preference for a quick and minimally invasive procedure, and the injection molding technique was selected as the ideal approach. This method allowed for a predictable, efficient, and cost-effective transformation, delivering a natural and harmonious result in a single visit.
Steps
The process of composite injection molding begins with an initial consultation and diagnosis to assess the patient’s oral condition. This step involves taking photographs and radiographs to evaluate the current state of the dentition, followed by capturing impressions of both arches, either digitally or conventionally.
FIGURE 1. Pre-operative photograph of the patient’s smile with old, discolored restorations on tooth #8 and #9.
Based on the impressions, both total and partial wax-ups of the dentition are created. The total wax-up provides a comprehensive representation of the planned restorations, while the partial wax-up consists of the final anatomy of every alternate tooth to be restored. A transparent silicone index, such as GC’s EXACLEAR, is then fabricated over these wax-ups to serve as the matrix for the composite injection. For models created with gypsum or digitally, additional preparation steps like hydration or separator application may be required.
FIGURE 2 & 3. Fabrication of EXACLEAR silicone index on total wax-up model.
In the clinical phase, prior to preparation, shade selection is performed using a shade guide to ensure the restorations closely match the patient’s natural teeth. Tooth preparation then begins with rubber dam isolation from #4 to #13 and the removal of all old restorative material. Teeth in the first phase of the restoration are sandblasted and selectively etched with a phosphoric acid gel for 30 seconds, followed by the application of G-Premio BOND, air-drying, and light-curing for optimal adhesion, with the remainder of the teeth covered with teflon tape to prevent adhesion onto its surface.
FIGURE 4. Shade selection.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6. Removal of all old restorative material.
FIGURE 7 & 8. Selective etching and application of G-Premio BOND on the tooth surface.
For the composite injection process, the silicone index is prepared with access holes created at the incisal borders of the teeth. G-ænial Universal Injectable is injected into the index for each tooth and polymerized initially for 5 seconds. After completing the injection, excess material is carefully trimmed using a scalpel, and each side of the restoration is light-cured for 20 seconds.
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10. G-ænial Universal Injectable injected into the index for tooth #9.
FIGURE 11. Initial 5 seconds polymerization with the index in place.
FIGURE 12. Excess composite trimmed using a scalpel.
Once the restorations for the first series of teeth are completed, the alternate series is addressed using the index made with the total wax up, following a similar process. The final stage involves removing the rubber dam, fine-tuning the occlusion, and completing polishing. Using finishing tools like EPITEX, GC NEW METAL STRIPS and rubber cups ensures the restorations achieve a high-gloss, natural finish.
FIGURE 13. Polishing of final restorations.
FIGURE 14. Post-treatment photograph of the final restorations, polished to a high-gloss finish.
Clinical Results
The patient’s diastemas were successfully closed with lifelike composite restorations that harmonized with the adjacent dentition. The entire procedure was completed in under two hours, a fraction of the time required for traditional veneer fabrication. The patient expressed satisfaction with the esthetic improvement and the affordability of the treatment.
Elevate Your Practice with GC America and Patterson Dental
At Patterson Dental, we’re proud to partner with GC America to provide innovative solutions to clinicians. With resources and unparalleled support by GC America, you can confidently incorporate the injection molding technique into your practice to deliver exceptional patient care.
Ready to take your restorative dentistry to the next level?
Contact your Patterson Dental representative today to learn more about GC America’s portfolio of products and how they can empower your practice.
Shop now at www.pattersondental.com
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