Diamond, Glass Ionomer Cement

Celebrating over a decade of Success.

A selection of GDPs highlight the key features and benefits of the Diamond GIC range, explaining why it is their glass ionomer restorative material of choice.

Kemdent first introduced the Diamond glass ionomer cement (GIC ) range to the United Kingdom dental market in March 1999. Now, more than 10 years later, it is one of the world’s leading GIC's used daily by thousands of dentists in more than a dozen countries worldwide. Here some of its longest serving UK advocates highlight the exciting developments within the range over the years and explain why it is still their GIC of choice.

Diamond Range

Diamond restorations provide dentists with a clinically proven GIC polyphosphonate cement restorative material that effectively performs highly aesthetic restorative procedures, replacing traditional composite, conventional ionomer and amalgam methods of working. Chemical curing, without dimensional change, Diamond restorations can be placed in one increment, saving time and avoiding the creation of stresses within the restoration that can be caused by incremental build-up using composites. Both of these advantages also contribute to its relative lack of post-operative sensitivity compared with bonded composites. Fluoride release is another significant advantage.

Diamond is also far less susceptible to moisture around the operating site, partly due to its rapid chemical snap set and its healthier, mercury-free composition. It quite categorically adheres to both enamel and dentine, without the need for acid etching – saving time and additional expense. Finally there is no polymerisation shrinkage and consequence cracking associated with Diamond.

The innovative Diamond range allows both NHS and private orientated practices to perform various styles of chairside treatment. The firm consistency of the Diamond GIC range allows easy placement of the materials and rapid “snap setting”, matching tooth colour in just over two minutes at normal room temperature. Gone are the days of sending away patients with poorly aesthetic, opaque, moisture sensitive restorations, with instructions to return a week later for polishing: hoping that when they return the restoration would not have a crazed appearance and have been weakened by moisture contamination.

There are many products within the Diamond range to choose from. Here is what some of its longest serving users have to say.

Diamond 90

Diamond 90 can be predominantly used to perform non-load bearing class I and II restorations together with procedures for deciduous teeth, the sandwich technique and core build-ups. It is “waterproof”, has a chemical snap set which adheres to both enamel and dentine without the need for any preparation of the tooth surface or light curing, is radiopaque and available in seven aesthetic shades.

Clive Bolsover, from Trent Bridge Dental Surgery, Gainsborough, says: "I’m amazed I’ve only been using Diamond for 10 years! I thought it was a lot longer than that!

I first became aware of Diamond by coincidence. One of my patients sat next to one of Kemdent’s owners on a cruise and they started talking about it. I then received a complimentary Starter Pack and I’ve being using Diamond ever since. I think it’s great!

Sometimes aesthetics are good, normally very good and on occasions outstandingly good – as good as composites!

I normally use Diamond 90, but for multiple restorations or more complex situations where I need more time I use Diamond Carve, sometimes as part of the sandwich technique. Whichever one I use I like to mix it to a suitable consistency, roll it into a ball and pack it like amalgam. Once packed, I place a foil over the top and ask the patient to bite. This normally creates a good occlusion, which I can refine if necessary.

I also like the fact that it is much less moisture sensitive compared with other GIC materials I’ve used, which need to be kept particularly dry.

I love Diamond and would need an exceptional reason to start using something else"

Diamond 90 is supplied in a handmix presentation in seven shades.

Diamond Carve

Featuring the same chemical and physical properties as Diamond 90, Diamond Carve has a longer setting time. It is also available in seven shades.

Dr John Rees, from Rees Dental Practice, Birmingham, says: "I use Diamond Carve because it is easy to mix and you can mix the exact quantity you require. There is no waste. I also like the way it bonds well to the tooth and is a lot harder than other glass ionomers. Therefore it lasts longer.

I use Diamond Carve to restore Primary Teeth and Class V’s in adults where the restoration is held in place and shaped using a metal cervical foil which gives a very smooth finish after the initial snap set."

Diamond Carve is supplied in a handmix presentation in seven shades.

Diamond Rapid Set Capsules

The encapsulated version, for use with Silamats etc, was first introduced in 2002. It offers all the clinical advantages of Diamond 90 but in pre-dosed capsules which facilitates easier handling, combined with the optimised chemical and physical properties associated with automated mixing in encapsulated presentations. It is available in three shades.

Readily used by busy dental practices, Diamond Rapid Set Capsules have a fast setting speed of 135 seconds from activation with the added advantage of a waterproof snap set, so it is ideal for use when speed and reliability is of the essence.

Mike Bell, from Llangollen Dental Practice, is a self-professed "big fan". He often uses Diamond Rapid Set Capsules as a direct replacement for amalgam etc in both primary and secondary teeth. He says: "I use Diamond Capsules because I know I can rely upon them even in more challenging situations – uncooperative patients who can’t or won’t keep their mouth open, difficult access, unretentive restorations etc. Situations where other GICs would probably fail. I find myself using it in more and more situations and it never lets me down.

I like Diamond Capsules because of their ease of mixing and dispensation directly into the cavity. I also like Diamond’s exceptional handling characteristics. It’s easy to place – no matter how large the cavity – doesn’t pull away from the cavity walls, doesn’t pique like other materials and sets quickly.

I always try to get the cavity dry before I pack it, but if it does get wet or the cheek comes into contact with Diamond it doesn’t cause a problem – unlike other GICs I’ve used. Once it’s in place it’s also easy to smooth and finish; it doesn’t pull away or pique like other materials.

To finish Diamond I do the gross reduction with a fine diamond, without water, and then produce the final sheen using Esthet-X polishing points.

I use Diamond for all my most difficult cases – cases where I think other materials could possibly fail – and it has never let me down."

The Diamond GIC range is one of the few dental restorative materials manufactured in the UK and an export success. It is manufactured in the UK by Kemdent. For further information contact Kemdent on 01793 770090.