Publications

A new approach for addressing recurrent caries is the use of antibacterial restorative materials incorporating quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). QACs are positively charged molecules that are attracted to the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria. A long chain of the QAC can bind to and penetrate the bacterial cell wall and cause leakage of its cytoplasmic contents. Therefore, the mechanism of action of QAC-containing materials is a “contact kill.” QAC molecules have been incorporated into silica filler particles, known as QA silica (QASi) particles. Currently, the only commercially available resin composite containing these QASi particles is Infinix (Nobio Ltd).

The Jan-Feb 2023 edition of Dentistry Today features Dr. Yuval Wind’s clinical article discussing the use of minimally invasive techniques and antimicrobial agents to treat rampant caries.

The use of composites in everyday dentistry is very popular due to their numerous advantages. In combination with adhesive-based technology, it allows one to remove less tooth structure and offer minimally invasive care as well as undetectable restorations that blend into the surrounding tooth structure. Resin composites are certainly popular, but when compared with other materials, their longevity leaves something to be desired. Most experts agree that composite restorations last from 5 to 7 years, often with failure resulting from marginal breakdown and the penetration of bacteria leading to demineralization.

Drs Yuval Wind and Gregori Kurtzman describe the synergy between the infinix bonding agent, with its own FDA-cleared antimicrobial claim, and infinix composites, which have been shown in human studies to reduce demineralization of tooth structure, a critical part of the caries process, by up to 68%. Further, the article addresses aspects the filler / chemistry and abbreviated clinical steps. 

Here is a look at what Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, considers the top dental industry impacts for 2022.

Dental restorative materials that contain QASi have sustained antibacterial properties suggests a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Nobio’s Infinix™ Flowable Composite and Bulk Fill Flow Composite dental composite restoratives fill the cavities with material designed to match the patient’s natural tooth shade and strength. These FDA- cleared products incorporate Nobio’s patented QASi particle technology that supports restoration integrity and protects against degradation by bacteria over time.

Secondary caries is a significant cause of premature restoration failure and is a concern for both patients and dentists. That’s why I was so excited to hear about a long-lasting technology that inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation without the use of chemicals and without affecting the natural flora of the mouth. I wanted to learn all about it, so I sat down with the founder of Nobio, Dr. Ervin Weiss, and the company’s CEO, Yoram Ashery, to find out more.

Not since the development of composites in the 1960s and the introduction of CAD/CAM in the 1980s has there been such an exciting time of innovation in dentistry. Researchers, manufacturers, scientists and practitioners are welcoming new and emerging technologies, from 3D printing and self-healing teeth to non-chemical disinfectants and digital scanning — all of which have the potential to transform in meaningful ways how dentistry is practiced.