Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Oliver Connell, Vital Dental, Randwick, NSW
This is a nano hybrid composite that’s specifically designed for use with clear aligners. It’s point of difference is that it has a fluorescent effect when put under UVA light.
What’s good about it
With all brands of clear aligners, small composite buttons often need to be placed on the enamel surface as an attachment. Ideally, this composite should blend with the natural tooth shade. When it’s time to remove the composite, the fluorescent effect makes it easy to see and ensures no residual composite is left behind.
AlignerFlow LC fluoresces a purple colour so you can see exactly where the attachment is located. It makes the removal of the attachment quick and easy. During the clean-up, it also helps to ensure you’re not damaging the underlying enamel.
It has a quick curing time of 10 seconds and is a viscous material which assists in the handling and loading of the aligner templates. This is a great product for practices that have a high volume of clear aligner cases. If you’re only doing an Invisalign case every couple of months, there probably wouldn’t be much need for it.
What’s not so good
It has very limited use outside of putting on attachments. Another drawback is that it only comes in three shades: A1, A2 and A3. It’s not suitable for patients with very white or bleached teeth.
