By: Dr. Lee Ann Brady, DMD
This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org, Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
One of the most common and frustrating challenges with indirect restorations is achieving a strong bond after intraoral try-ins. Saliva contamination during this step is nearly unavoidable, yet even a small amount can significantly reduce the bond strength between cement and restorative materials like porcelain.
Most dentists I know use Ivoclean from Ivoclar to clean their indirect restorations after try-in. It is an incredible material for removing saliva and other contaminants that the restoration is exposed to during the intraoral try-in process.
We trust Ivoclean to fully remove resin or traditional cements, as well as saliva and red blood cells to produce a super pristine surface.
The Science Behind Ivoclean
During try-in, the internal surface of a ceramic or metal-based restoration is exposed to saliva and other intraoral debris. These contaminants are rich in phosphates, which interfere with proper bonding.
Ivoclean contains suspended zirconia particles that have a chemical attraction to phosphates. When applied to a contaminated surface, these zirconia particles bind to the phosphate-based debris. Upon rinsing, all the contaminants—now bonded to the zirconia, are easily washed away, leaving behind a pristine bonding surface.
A Different Cleaning Agent on Zirconia Restorations
Zirconia restorations require a slightly different approach. Because of their own affinity to phosphates, we don’t want to clean them with any material that contains phosphates or phosphoric acid.
Instead, to neutralize the bond between phosphates in saliva and zirconia, an alkaline solution like potassium hydroxide (KOH) is needed. Products such as ZirClean by BISCO use this active ingredient to effectively clean zirconia surfaces without compromising bond integrity.
🦷 Clinical Tip – Always check the label of your cleaning agents and match them to the restorative material you’re using.
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