Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Chris Papastavros, Greenacre Dental, NSW
This modelling liquid is placed on direct composite material to assist in placement and shaping. It helps achieve a great final result.
What’s good about it
Sometimes composite can feel a little bit dry or be a bit tacky on your instrument. It can be difficult to feather out very well. I used to wet my composite with a bonding agent, particularly when doing anterior work, anterior cosmetic veneers or bonding.
I’ve been using GC Modeling Liquid for the past six years and it works much better. It’s specifically made for this situation and consists of only one component of a bonding agent. I wet the instrument and it allows for a nice flow-effect enabling you to shape the composite easily. You can even use a brush to do the really fine work, especially when you’re mixing composites. I find there’s minimal polishing required afterwards.
I don’t use it for posterior composites or when packing a composite. It’s ideal when doing layering and you want to slowly have a flow in certain positions. Once the first increment is placed, the flat plastic or brush is wetted with the modelling liquid and the composite surface is feathered.
What’s not so good
It comes in a six-millilitre bottle and when you place a drop on a brush or instrument, it’s usually a bit too much. There’s always a little bit of wastage.
