Ceramic veneers are indirect restorations that can improve the esthetics and functions of teeth. The ceramic veneers are generally bonded to dentition via light-cure resin luting cements. Long-term clinical studies have shown that such bonds have a survival rate of over 90% after 20 years. However, over time, a gap can form between the veneer and the dentition even as the bond remains strong.

The Japanese chemical and materials company, Kuraray, awarded Akimasa Tsujimoto, associate professor of operative dentistry, a $10K grant to evaluate whether their  newly developed light-cure resin luting cement can reduce the gap formation between dentition and veneers.

Tsujimoto will compare Kuraray’s product, Panavia V5 LC with two other products. Panavia V5 LC includes newly developed nano-sized spherical fillers that may reduce how rough a surface becomes over time, which can increase the gap between the veneer and dentition. To simulate years of use, he will use a wear simulation machine and measure its effect on samples prepared with each of the three products.

The College of Dentistry is excited to partner with industry leaders both to meet the needs of industry and to improve clinical practice. This joint endeavor is an opportunity to do just that.