What is injection overmolding?

The art of injection overmolding involves the intentional placement of a multi-viscosity composite resin matrix cured and shaped to create an intimately adapted, highly polished monolithic restoration. Injection overmolding is an additive direct alternative to reductive indirect techniques such as veneers or crowns. It is a powerful and highly demanded treatment option to treat perio-related open gingival embrasures or finish orthodontic cases resulting in unwanted diastemata or black triangles.

How is injection overmolding different from the Bioclear™ Method?

Injection overmolding is a general, non-commercial term for the intentional placement of a multi-viscosity composite resin matrix cured and shaped to create an intimately adapted, highly polished monolithic restoration. Injection overmolding has existed in the literature for decades as the “sandwich” and “snow plow” technique. More current uses of injection molding involve a lab fabricated or 3D printed stent to facilitate the efficient formation and application of direct composite veneers.

The Bioclear™ Method is a marketing term used to describe the process of injection overmolding utilizing only the proprietary products of Bioclear™ Matrix paired with 3M™ Oral Care Scotchbond™ Universal adhesive and Filtek™ family composites. For the purpose of training and to provide neutral educational value to our clients, Black Triangle Solutions views Bioclear™ Matrix solely as a matrix company. Injection overmolding can be employed with any suite of matrices, adhesives, and composites despite aggressive marketing to the contrary.

Is it expensive to start doing injection overmolding?

The dental materials industry has profited greatly on excessive markups to commonly used dental materials such as metal and mylar matrices, dental adhesives, flowable and paste composites, and numerous other products that are necessary to successfully implement injection overmolding into your practice. To make matters worse, in recent years numerous companies have brokered partnerships to expand and increase this profit scheme beyond the reach of the average practitioner.

Black Triangle Solutions believes in equipping dentists with all the resources and techniques available to provide patients with the most affordable, minimally invasive, and high-quality care. This is why we have spent years acquiring, testing, and curating the most affordable materials on the market that, when paired with proper training, enable clinicians to create high-quality injection overmolded restorations that can rival leading brands.

How long do injection overmolded restorations last?

Due to the harsh nature of the oral environment, the longevity of dental restorations is highly variable. According to the most recent dental research, composite restorations have an average lifespan of 2-4 years. It is also well understood that the technical skill level of the clinician is the greatest contributing factor to the long-term clinical success of any dental restoration. Even then, clinical “success” is a highly subjective and broadly defined term.

Injection overmolding is a protocol-based technique that demands the highest standards in restorative and adhesive dentistry. This includes the use of a dental dam for absolute isolation, air-particle abrasion to clean all tooth surfaces, a comprehensive understanding of enamel/dentin bonding and composite polymerization for predictable strength and color stability, and an intentional composite polishing protocol for a high-gloss finish that resists biofilm accumulation and wear.

When the highest standards are employed, injection overmolded restorations can last decades, however results may vary based on patient hygiene practices and compliance with routine follow-ups. To ensure the greatest success for both the patient and the clinician, Black Triangle Solutions has developed a comprehensive program with an emphasis not just on the injection overmolding technique, but on case selection, clinical judgement, and critical thinking.