Oratemp C & B (crown & bridge) is a composite material for the fabrication of temporary restorations by Prevest Denpro company.
- Comes as 67 gm, 1:1 base : catalyst cartridge.
- Requires 1:1 dispensing gun.
- Package includes 16 applicator tips.
Pros:
- Resin based, self curing, composite temporary material used to fabricate temporary crowns and bridges.
- When used with a template (either lab fabricated or on a pre-preparation impression with alginate etc), the temporary crown or bridge shows good surface detail and esthetics.
- Can be easily repaired with flowable composite.
- Requires minimum adjustment and finish & polish.
- Long shelf life of 2 years. This shelf life is NOT reduced even after opening and using the material, if stored in a cool place (Between 10 – 24 °C/ 50-75 °F)
Cons:
- Comes in a single shade (A2) which can result in esthetic failure.
- Can be used as a short term (maximum 3 weeks) temporary only.
- Though it’s strength is good, it is not easy to retrieve from undercuts, which is a desirable feature for such materials in order to finish and polish the temporary crown or bridge outside the mouth.
- It can bond to composite core build up material or resin modified GIC. A separating media like petroleum jelly should be applied before use of the temporary material.
- Requires a template and free-hand fabrication of a temporary crown is not possible, unlike Revotek LC from GC Dental.
- Needs to be stored below 24°C, which means use of a refrigerator at most of times of the year.
Instructions for use:
- A template is fabricated, either using a impression of the desired area or by fabrication a lab template (vacuum-formed).
- The cartridge is mounted on a 1:1 dispensing gun. The lid is removed and discarded. The lid should not be used to close the cartridge again as it causes bubbles to get trapped, also the base and catalyst can get mixed, causing blockage.
- Squeeze the trigger to express material from both tubes of the cartridge. This removes any blockage or trapped air.
- Now place a new mixing tip. Squeeze the mixed material into a dry template or impression. Remember to always keep the tip of the mixing tip inside the material, as it prevents bubbles from forming. Once loaded, the template is seated in the mouth.
| Working time | 1 to 1 minute 20 seconds |
| Setting time | 2 to 2 minute 30 seconds |
- Remove the template once it completely cures. Finish the temporary crown & bridge using composite finishing burs/kits/discs.
- Cold sterilize the used mixing tip and leave it on the cartridge till the next use. Never try to reuse a mixing tip.
- Template formed temporaries are snap fitting and usually doesn’t require a temporary cementation material. If cementation is required, an non-eugenol temporary cement should be used.
Review of Oratemp C & B
Oratemp C & B, is a temporary crown and bridge resin based material that is self curing. It seeks to provide an economical (cost is 20-30% of popular brands like 3M ESPE protemp 4 or Cooltemp from Coltene) alternative.
Though it beats the popular brands in cost, the material itself leaves a lot to be happy with.
There are 3 basic problems:
- Esthetics – It comes in only an A2 shade, which sadly closer to A1 in reality.
- It is not easily retrieved from undercut regions like inter-dental areas without breaking.
- The snap-fit is lost at times and requires use of temporary cements. With the material being transluscent, the cement can make this look very unesthetic.
I would recommend to choose between Protemp from 3M ESPE or Cooltemp from Coltene for use as a temporisation material for your crowns or bridges. If you are on a budget, Oratemp C & B can be a compromise option.
Let me know if your have any question about it or your feedback of using it.
