GC EUROPE GRADIA User Manual

Technical Manual

GC GRADIA

Total Aesthetic Harmony

New concept

Light curable micro-ceramic-composite

for Crown & Bridge, Inlays and Veneers

with unsurpassed durability, natural

opalescence and excellent lifelike aesthetics.

INDEX

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1. GC GRADIA Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2. Shade Combination Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. GC GRADIA Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4. Clinical Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5. Composite Build-up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

1) Anterior veneer crown (incisal free metal backing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2) Anterior jacket crown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

3) Posterior inlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4) Posterior jacket crown / total-coverage composite crown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5) Anterior veneer crown (incisal metal backing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6. Physicals / Cure Times / Cure depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

7. Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

8. Contents of Kits and Refill Packages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

9. Questions and Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

10. Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

INTRODUCTION

Light-cured composites for dental restorations have become popular thanks to their excellent
physical properties and ease of use. With growing demands for higher aesthetics in dental
treatments, also superior quality has become a crucial requirement. This implies a higher
availability of composites of superior aesthetics and quality, next to ceramics.
Dentists and Dental Technicians likewise were seeking a durable dental composite that rivaled the
aesthetics of porcelain: however so far, composite fillers affected the translucency and opalescence
of C&B composite systems. With this as background, GC GRADIA has been developed with all
these requirements in mind.
New GC GRADIA resulted in a high-strength micro-hybrid composite system with the brightness,
translucency and warmth in the oral environment likewise porcelain, useful for inlays, veneers
and crowns.
The aesthetic potential of this composite has been thoroughly reviewed. Instead of the pale
colour that is typical for traditional C&B composites, GC GRADIA features a bright and warm
colour that makes it similar to the best ceramic now available. Once in the mouth, GC GRADIA
has an appearance that closely resembles the natural tooth, which was not feasible with traditional
composites.
GC GRADIA features a high mechanical strength, thanks to its hybrid MFR formulation of polymer
that has reinforced bonding between the organic-inorganic filler and the lightly filled matrix resin.
GC GRADIA shows excellent physical properties such as surface smoothness (typical of MFR
composites) and wear-resistance. It is bio-compatible and kind to opposing dentition. In addition
to the lifelike tooth shades GC GRADIA offers easy to apply opaque materials with excellent flow
and cure properties. The tin, even layers of FOUNDATION OPAQUE and OPAQUE shades mask
color effectively and are easily and quickly light cured. All shades of GC GRADIA polymerize
completely with short irradiation times using the GC STEPLIGHT SL-I during layering and
characterization followed by the GC LABOLIGHT LV-III for final curing. Polymerization results in no
change to GC GRADIA’s colour allowing technicians to see subtle colours of the final restoration
throughout all phases of fabrication.
GC GRADIA introduces a new standard for dental composites with better aesthetics and a wider
range of clinical applications. We believe GC GRADIA will meet the needs of dentists and laboratory
technicians as a restorative material for both anterior and posterior applications in the mouths of
the most aesthetically demanding patients.

GRADIA

1

1. GC GRADIA COMPONENTS

■ FOUNDATION OPAQUE (FO): 1 shade

A paste-type opaque with exceptional light-curing characteristics. Flows readily into small areas.
Polymerizes even in undercut areas of framework and has a bright light yellow color, as an ideal
base for additional opaque applications.

■ OPAQUE (O): 16 shades

A paste-type opaque that applies readily, flows easily yet will not drip or run. Exceptional
masking properties. The 16 shades express all of the basic tooth shades.

■ MARGIN OPAQUE (MO): 1 shade

Usually applied after the FOUNDATION OPAQUE in widths of 1 mm around the cervical margin.
Effective in masking unwanted alloy show through around the margin. Can also be used on molar
occlusal and lingual surfaces of jacket crowns. Easy to apply and fluid without running. It can be
used in combination with OPAQUE to modify the standard colour.

■ OPAQUS DENTIN (OD): 22 shades: 16 based on Vita ® shades and
6 shades of OPAQUS DENTIN INTENSIVE

When thick layers of composite can not be applied, OPAQUS DENTIN (opaque dentin) can be
used instead of the regular DENTIN to reduce the white shade of OPAQUE and express a deeper
colour. OPAQUS DENTIN can also be used as a cervical colour (choosing one shade darker than
the crown’s, for instance ODA3.5 for an A3) in order to achieve deeper shades in the cervical and
root areas.

■ SHOULDER DENTIN (SD): 6 shades

Used, among other things, to make custom shades. SHOULDER DENTIN creates deeper, richer
cervical and root colours and reproduces the reflective brightness of natural teeth. In addition,
can be used to mask the underlying alloy.

EI1

E3

DA3

CT2

ODA3.5

MO

(incisal-free metal casting)

OA3

Metal

FO

Veneer

■ DENTIN (D): 16 shades

Has exceptional elongation properties and strength. These features permit forming it into
delicate, long, finger-like strands or other like shapes. Masking ability is superb and exhibits a
brighter colour which can reflect through a larger amount of Enamel. Superior to conventional
dentin materials.

■ INTENSIVE COLOR (IC): 15 shades

This group consists of 14 colours, frequently used in porcelain, and one Clear (IC0), which can also
be used to subdue the colour intensity of the 14 shades. The stains can be used after applying
OPAQUE, DENTIN and ENAMEL. Where incisal is backed by alloy and lacking clarity, applying
(IC7) Lavender creates an appearance of translucency.

■ ENAMEL (E): 4 basic shades

T0, CT o EI1

EI1 and EI3

DA2

OA2

ODI4

CT4

SD4

MS

HE1

MO

ODI3

SD4

Enamel shades eliminate a too strong opalescence and the pale, whitish look of conventional
materials. These exhibit warmth and true translucency.

Jacket crown

2

E2

DA2
OA2
CT2
ODA3

Jacket crown /

Full coverage resin crown

CT2

DA2

MO

■ HALO ENAMEL (HE): 1 shade

Frames and contours the tooth when applied at the incisal edge, the proximal surfaces or the
occlusal of posterior teeth. Comes in easy-to-apply, delicate yellow colored paste.

■ PEARL ENAMEL (PE): 2 shades

White pastes used at cusp tips to create decalcification spots and other white blemishes found
in natural teeth.

■ ENAMEL INTENSIVE (EI): 3 shades

Highly translucent. In a multi layering application, deep colour and depth can be obtained by
using in the same manner as a conventional Enamel. In particular, it can be used for the occlusal
surfaces of posterior teeth.

■ TRANSLUCENT (T): 5 shades

Five different degrees of translucent matching subtleties found in natural teeth.

■ CERVICAL TRANSLUCENT (CT): 3 shades

Highly translucent with a light amber colour. Can be applied cervically or in the incisal area to
obtain deeper translucency. It is also used as dentin for inlays and posterior crowns, providing
the resin with an aesthetic finish while maintaining the tooth colour.

■ MAMELON STAIN (MS): 3 shades

Used to create mamelon striations and other effects found in natural teeth.

■ GC GRADIA DIE HARDNER

Die Hardner, when coated on dies, hardens and preserves the surface during fabrication of
inlays, jacket crowns, etc.

■ GC GRADIA SEPARATOR

A composite resin separator that is applied to working stone models when making inlays and
onlays. It functions optimal on a Die Hardner treated stone surface.

EI 1•3 (or E)

CT2•3•4

■ GC GRADIA DIAPOLISHER

Developed specifically for the GC GRADIA System, this fine diamond-containing material is used
on a felt wheel to apply a lustrous finish to restorations.

■ GC GRADIA AIR BARRIER

This agent creates an air barrier to guarantee a complete polymerization of the composite surface
and avoid the inhibition layer.

■ GC COMPOSITE PRIMER

It is a light-curing bonding agent used for the additional application of composite layers and for
repair works. GC COMPOSITE PRIMER can also be used as a modeling liquid to lubricate the
spatula when applying the resin pastes.

Inlay

■ GC METALPRIMER II

A tenacious bonding agent between the first composite layer e.g. FOUNDATION OPAQUE and
the metal framework.

3

2. SHADE COMBINATION CHART

Translucency

Opacity

Masking capacity of each paste

4

3. GC GRADIA CHARACTERISTICS

1. NATURAL AESTHETICS

1) GC GRADIA colour tones and translucency similar to those of natural teeth

Its level of brightness and light transmission is similar or closer to porcelain than conventional
composites. Where required, the underlying tooth preparation can be masked while maintaining
a natural, life-like appearing anterior jacket crown. Thus the GC GRADIA’s build-up technique
mirrows those used for ceramics.

2) Reduction of pale opalescence typical for composites

The opalescence and fluorescence features typical for composites could not be avoided so
far, especially with translucent colours. When a crown was seated under the light conditions
found in the mouth, the excessively opalescent colour would make it impossible to reproduce
the natural colour. These features have been changed in GC GRADIA by optimizing the filler
particle size, thereby controlling and adjusting the diffusion of light through the material. This
allows to maintain the desired colour, created at dentin level, also when the restoration is seated
in the mouth.

3) GC GRADIA’s complete spectrum of colours

GC GRADIA has a complete spectrum of colours comparable to natural dentition offering wider
range than other composite systems.

1. OPAQUS DENTIN (OD) is used to express the deep cervical colours. SHOULDER DENTIN (SD)
follows the same concept as shoulder ceramic bodies.

2. MAMELON STAIN (MS) allows to easily reproduce the dentin structure in the mamelon area.
INTENSIVE COLOR (IC) is available in 15 shades and is effective in characterizing crowns with
cracks, decalcification areas, etc.

3. ENAMEL INTENSIVE (EI) shades create the appearance of depth. CERVICAL TRANSLUCENT
(CT) has a translucent amber color that is particularly suitable for the cervical area.

4. HALO ENAMEL (HE) is used to clearly express the contour of the tooth. PEARL ENAMEL (PE)
is applied to express white lines/zones and cusp tips.

Comparison of translucency

Product A

Dentin

0.5mm

1.0mm

1.5mm

Comparison of opalescence

GC GRADIA Product A Product B Product C GC GRADIA Product A Product B Product C

A comparison of GC GRADIA’s translucent colour tones with its competitors demonstrates that colours and translucency are
similar. However, a comparison of fluorescence on a black background – as in the mouth – shows that GC GRADIA features a
more natural fluorescence compared with other products.

GC GRADIA

Dentin A

GC GRADIA

Opaque Dentin A

11: Jacket crown made with conventional composite
21: GC GRADIA Jacket crown

Comparison of fluorescence

GC GRADIA’s wide range of colours enables restorations to appear more like porcelain than
other composites.

5

2. HIGH MECHANICAL STRENGTH FOR USE IN A WIDE RANGE OF CASES

Stress

Strain

GC GRADIA

Product

A

Product

B

Product

C

GC GRADIA

Product A

Product B

Product C

GC GRADIA

Product A

Product B

Product C

GC GRADIA

Product A

Product B

Product C

GC GRADIA

Product B

Product C

GC GRADIA provides superior physical properties and beautiful, natural aesthetics. The unique
chemistry of GC GRADIA couples its micro-fine ceramic/pre-polymer filler with urethane
dimethacrylate matrix to produce a unique ceramic composite with exceptionally high strength
and wear resistance.
As a consequence, GC GRADIA can be safely used also in those cases in posterior areas where
often chipping and cracking problems occur.

■ Stress-strain curve (fracture resistance) ■ Flexural strength ■ Occlusal wear – Horizontal slide with a load of

1.7 MPa on bovine enamel (200,000 times)

Wear depth (vs. bovine tooth enamel): 200,000 times

Product A = MFR conventional composite
Product B = Last-generation composite for restorations
Product C = Hybrid ceramic

■ Flexural energy

■ Wear depth of bovine tooth enamel (surface roughness)

6

3. EXCELLENT HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

1) Ease of application

FOUNDATION OPAQUE flows readily into undercut areas made from 100 µm RETENTION BEADS
II SSS. The thixotropic properties of OPAQUE allow a uniform application without pooling. The
texture of DENTIN ENAMEL pastes permits easily controlled spreading on all surfaces, also on
complex surfaces such as occlusals of inlays and posterior crowns.

2) Simple Light pre-curing

By using the new GC STEPLIGHT SL-I pre-curing light unit, the precuring time of GC GRADIA
pastes (excluding opaque materials) is reduced to 10 sec.

3) Easy polishing

GC GRADIA’s durable micro-ceramic composite surface is easily brought to a lustrous gloss with
the GC GRADIA DIAPOLISHER.

4) Easy Intra-Oral Repairs

Using GC COMPOSITE PRIMER and a conventional operatory curing light makes intra-oral
repairs quick and easy.

7

4. NEW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SYRINGE

The screw section of the syringe can be re-used by simply replacing the barrel that contains
paste, thus eliminating waste.

1) Remove the used syringe barrel.

2) Rotate hub to unlock.

3) Remove plunger.

4) Attach new syringe barrel to hub,

insert plunger and lock hub.

8

4. CLINICAL PROCEDURE

Determine whether GC GRADIA is suitable for the patient.

ORAL EXAMINATION

ABUTMENT TOOTH AND

CAVITY PREPARATIONS

Indications: 1. Anterior and posterior jacket crowns. Full coverage crowns.

2. Anterior veneer metal-backed crowns, with or without incisal support.

3. Inlays, onlays, laminate veneers.

4. Implant superstructures.

Contra indications: Malocclusions, bruxism or clenching.

Tooth preparation and design of restorations vary according to circumstances.
The instructions for a correct preparation are illustrated below.

■ Anterior veneer crown
(With Incisal Support)

The preparation is similar to a PFM crown. The
margins should have a deep chamfer or shoulder
with minimum depth of 0.8mm. Thickness of
metal framework on the labial side should be

0.3mm.

2mm

0.5mm

0.3mm

0.8mm

■ Inlay

Contour the cavity with rounded internal line
angles. Avoid contact of opposing occlusion
with the margins of restoration. The pit & fissure
minimum depth should be 1.0mm, the width of
occlusal surface at least 2.0mm with only shoulder
margins occlusally. Interproximally, it should
be box shaped.

■ Anterior jacket crown

Prepare abutment tooth similar to a PFM crown
(minimum of 1.3mm labial). Margin-design can
be a deeper chamfer or shoulder (0.8mm).

1.3m m

0.8 1.2mm

(0.5m m)

1.5 2mm

1.3m m)

0.8

(0.8m m)

1.0m m

0.8 1.0mm

(0.5m m)

■ Onlay

Contour the cavity with rounded internal line
angles. Avoid contact of opposing occlusion with
the margins of the restoration. Pit & fissure depth
minimum should be 1.0mm and cusp at least

1.3mm.

1.3 mm

2.0 mm

1mm

1.3 1.8mm

1mm

■ Posterior jacket crown

The occlusal reduction should be at least

1.3mm. Margins should have 1.3mm depth with
a deep chamfer or shoulder.

1.3 1.8 mm

1.3 mm

1mm

1.3 1.8 mm

0.8 1mm

■ Margin preparations

Prepare deep chamfers (1)
or shoulders (2).

0.8mm
min.

YES

0.8mm
min.

YES NO NO

9