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by Dr Glaphyra Lim, Maison Dental, Hunters Hill, NSW
Estelite Posterior is specifically designed for creating dependable restorations in the posterior of the mouth. It has high physical strength and is cured quickly. I use this composite for all my posterior restorations.
What’s good about it
There are four different shades available but I generally use PA2 or PA3 as they blend in with most teeth well. The main reason I like this product is due to its handling. I find it’s not too hard and not too sticky, which means I can shape it without it sticking to my instruments. It has high flexural and compressive strength so it’s perfect for posterior restorations.
It can be cured in 10 seconds but I’m old school and give it a full 20 seconds. It’s important to use an orange filter if wearing a headlight so the ambient light doesn’t cure it early.
It’s available in syringe and compules but I prefer the syringe because there’s less wastage and less plastic use. Compules should only be used one per patient which means a lot of the material is thrown away.
I’ve been using Estelite Posterior for about 15 years. Long-term patients return for check-ups and their restorations still look good after 10 years. The only thing that can affect one of these restorations is if the patient is an acute teeth grinder who doesn’t wear their nightguard.
What’s not so good
It’s not the strongest posterior composite on the market but its excellent handling ability makes it my composite of choice. I prefer it to composites that are super hard. It also isn’t strongly radiopaque on X-rays.
