Warming composites have gained popularity, and this is a technique that many dentists recommend to achieve ideal handling. Warming composites offer many advantages, but it’s important to know what to use and why it can be beneficial. Let’s break down the basics of warming composites: when and why to use this method, what tools are necessary, and whether all composites can be warmed.
Why Warm a Composite?
Warming a composite can temporarily change its viscosity by increasing its flowability. This increased flowability allows the material to easily flow into the restoration and can improve marginal adaptation and conversion, reducing microleakage and making the material easy to handle1. If you find that the composite you're working with is too “stiff" and you need something more flowable, warming the composite could be the solution you're looking for.
What Tools Should You Use to Warm a Composite?
When warming a composite, it's critical to use a dedicated composite warmer specifically designed for this purpose. These warmers can safely heat the material to increase flowability. Using non-traditional methods of warming, such as a microwave or mug warmer is not recommended. These methods have not been tested to verify the outer packaging or the material itself is being properly warmed, and you might lose out on the benefits of using a warmed composite.
Can All Composites Be Warmed?
Not all composite material is indicated for warming. It’s best to use materials that are specifically designed for this. BISCO's new composite, Quantium™, may be warmed for up to an hour at 68°C (unit dose only) without altering its physical properties. Using composites that are indicated to be warmed indicates it went through testing to confirm the outer packaging and material itself is suited to be warmed. This guarantees that the composite retains its physical properties, while also giving you the versatility of viscosity.
Conclusion
Warming composites are more than just a trend, it can enhance handling and help composites work better for you. However, it’s important to use the right equipment and products to ensure you are getting the benefits of a warmed composite. By understanding the “what" and "how” of warmed composites, you can decide whether this is the right choice for you.
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