Consistency of Variolink Esthetic in Comparison to Other Luting Materials

Objectives: A simple and controlled procedure for luting restorations and the comfortable removal of any excess material are essential for clinical success. Therefore a flexible and thixotropic consistency of luting materials is a big advantage. In the following study, the post-elastic force and flow-behaviour of different luting materials were compared to Variolink Esthetic. In addition, the consistency of these materials was analysed.
Methods: Post-elastic force was measured using PMMA-model-crowns which were exactly half-filled with cement. The filled crown was then pressed with a crosshead-speed of 120mm/min. onto a PMMA-stump until a layer thickness of 0.5mm was reached (n=5). The force was measured using a Zwick-machine. Flow-behaviour was followed with the same model-crowns and snags (1.00g cement) for 5min. and photo-documented. Consistency was observed by pressing out 0.30g onto a mixing-block and photo-documented after 5min. Statistical analysis was carried out for post-elastic force using Tukey’s range-test to determine statistical differences (p<0.05).
Results: The post-elastic force of VDC and VLC exhibited significantly lower values compared to the other products, meaning a significantly lower force is needed to seat restorations. Concerning flow-behaviour, only RXV, CAA, N3A and N3V showed good results comparable to VDC and VLC. Regarding consistency, only RXV, N3A and N3V demonstrated similarly favourable results.
Conclusions: Although VDC and VLC both exhibit a very stable, stiff consistency, they hardly cause any resistance when seating a restoration, due to high flowability properties. These luting materials exhibit a flexible and thixotropic consistency.