Top 5 Core Buildup Materials in Dentistry

Selecting The Best Core Build-up Materials For Crown Replacement

Crown build-ups with older restorations tend to cause leakage and secondary caries, making the removable process for old amalgams and composites a severe issue many dentists face. The sub-amalgam gunk that’s impossible to see through imaging scans causes issues with crown placement and, thus, needs extra time to clean. To help resolve this issue, removing the gunk from the tooth corer will then require a crown build-up material, a composite that’s consistent, smooth, and acts as the bonding agent for the conventional crown prep.

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Material Type

Dentin is a highly variable material and thus needs a compatible core build-up material that simulates the dentin’s hardness, strength, and supportive function. For clinicians, they have several choices for core materials, including:

Amalgam

Amalgams remain quite useful as a core material, especially when metal and meta-based crowns are employed. However, securing the amalgam can lead to crack propagation and penetration into the pulp of the space. Also, when used as a resin bonding material, the silver color can affect the appearance of the ceramic materials, and the setting reaction can take up to 24 hours, depending on the formulation.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer core composites have been used for generations as a highly recommended bonding material for core build-up because of their ability to release fluoride and bond to the tooth structure. They have less risk of post-operative sensitivity. Glass ionomers are difficult to manipulate, can’t be prepared until the curing reaction is complete, and possess inferior physical properties.

Composite Filling

Composite resins remain a fairly new concept for core build-up. Recent advances in dentin and enamel bond strength give it significant shear bond strength greater than ionomers or amalgams. Because these resins don’t need pins or slots to prep, composite resins offer a more conservative restoration and offer the greatest range of shades for ceramic restorations.

Top 10 Dental Core Build Up Materials

Activation Mechanism

Composite resins for core materials can produce the most viable build-up for the most optimal results. With different varieties of composite resins, some of the main materials dentists can choose from include:

Self-Cure Composite Resin

Self-cure resins exhibit high tensile strength and compressibility, that can match the color of the tooth and has a dentin-like feel. The composite resin can be placed in a syringe if needed and initiates the process without the need for an external light source.

Light-Cure Composite Resin

Light-cure resins also exhibit ideal mechanical properties with high compressible and tensile strength yet maintaining a dentin-like feel when cutting, but also have a highly radiopaque composition of a 5 mm average depth of cure. Light curing requires the polymerization of light to bond the material to the tooth.

Dual-Cure Composite Resin

Dual-cure resins are designed for the cementation of posts and pins and are great for core build-ups. It maintains an ideal dentin feel and has high tensile strength, and can be placed in a syringe. It can come in multiple shades to match the color of the tooth. Dual-core is excellent for resin materials that need extra curing that light cure can’t provide alone.

The bottom line is certain core resins aren’t always compatible with bonding agents, and to ensure the most accurate core build-up, testing the compatibility of the core with the bonding agent is the most optimal choice.

Table 1: Comparison of Numbers

Top 10 Dental Core Build-Up

1. Ketac Silver Aplicap Capsules

Self-Cure Glass Ionomer Composite

Product Description

Ketac™ Silver Aplicap™ Capsules are self-curing glass ionomer restorative materials designed for core build-ups and other structural restorations. They offer strong adhesion and long-term fluoride release while maintaining excellent biocompatibility and ease of use.

Product Overview

This silver-reinforced glass ionomer combines the benefits of traditional GICs with added strength and durability. Delivered in a convenient capsule system, Ketac Silver is ideal for moisture-tolerant environments and provides excellent thermal and electrical insulation, reducing post-operative sensitivity. It eliminates the need for undercuts, preserving natural tooth structure.

Key Features

• Long-term fluoride release for enhanced protection
• Strong chemical adhesion to enamel and dentin
• Moisture-tolerant for optimal placement conditions
• Self-cure, no need for light curing
• Provides thermal and electrical insulation to reduce sensitivity

Common Applications

• Core build-ups in posterior teeth
• Temporary or semi-permanent restorations
• Situations requiring biocompatible, non-light-cure solutions

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Ketac™ Silver Aplicap™ Capsules
Brand: 3M
Tip Type: Capsule delivery system
Design Number: Not applicable
Handle Type: Not applicable
Number of Ends: Not applicable
Manufacturer Name: 3M
Package Quantity: Varies by configuration (typically 50 capsules)
Product Type: Self-cure glass ionomer restorative material

Customer Ratings

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Based on 17 verified reviews)

Customer Feedback

• Praised for its excellent seal and strong adhesion
• Clinicians appreciate its moisture tolerance and ease of placement
• Recognized for biocompatibility and minimal shrinkage
• Awarded 4.5 stars by The Dental Advisor for performance and reliability

2. Beautiful Flow Plus

Light Cure Composite Resin

Product Description

Beautifil Flow Plus is a light-cured, syringe-delivered composite resin designed for precision restorative applications. It combines the ease of flowable delivery with enhanced strength and adaptability, making it ideal for a range of anterior and posterior restorations.

Product Overview

Engineered to reduce postoperative sensitivity and chair time, Beautifil Flow Plus offers strong marginal seal and excellent adaptation to tooth surfaces. Its high flexural strength supports placement in stress-bearing areas such as occlusal surfaces and marginal ridges. The formulation reduces voids and simplifies handling and cleanup, streamlining clinical procedures while maintaining optimal performance.

Key Features

• Light-cured composite for controlled working time
• Syringe delivery system for easy application
• High flexural strength for stress-bearing restorations
• Excellent marginal adaptation to reduce voids
• Simplifies procedures and cleanup with fewer steps

Common Applications

• Class I, II, III, and V restorations
• Occlusal surface repairs and marginal ridge build-ups
• Cavity lining under direct restorations

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Beautifil Flow Plus
Brand: Shofu Dental
Tip Type: Syringe delivery
Design Number: Not applicable
Handle Type: Not applicable
Number of Ends: Not applicable
Manufacturer Name: Shofu Dental Corporation
Package Quantity: 1 syringe (typically 2.2 g)
Product Type: Light-cured composite resin

Customer Ratings

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Based on 28 verified reviews)

Customer Feedback

• Clinicians appreciate its smooth handling and precise delivery
• Valued for strong marginal sealing and reduced voids
• Durable enough for occlusal areas with excellent strength
• Reduces sensitivity and simplifies post-op clean-up

3. Denfil

Light Cure Restorative Composite Resin

Product Description

Denfil is a light-cured restorative composite resin designed for both anterior and posterior restorations. It features high strength, excellent workability, and enhanced marginal sealing, making it ideal for long-lasting and esthetic restorations.

Product Overview

Formulated with inorganic fillers, Denfil minimizes polymerization shrinkage and improves surface texture. Its radio-opaque composition ensures diagnostic clarity through X-rays. This composite provides superior abrasion resistance and adapts well to cavity walls, promoting a tight seal and natural finish. Denfil is known for its reliable handling and polishability in clinical practice.

Key Features

• Light-cured composite activated by external curing light
• Inorganic fillers for reduced shrinkage and excellent marginal seal
• High strength and abrasion resistance for durability
• Radiopaque for easy X-ray diagnostics
• Superior workability and surface texture for esthetic results

Common Applications

• Anterior and posterior restorations
• Class I, II, III, IV, and V cavities
• Areas requiring high polish and strength

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Denfil
Brand: Vericom
Tip Type: Syringe
Design Number: Not applicable
Handle Type: Not applicable
Number of Ends: Not applicable
Manufacturer Name: Vericom Co., Ltd.
Package Quantity: 1 syringe (typically 4 g)
Product Type: Light-cure restorative composite resin

Customer Ratings

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Based on 13 verified reviews)

Customer Feedback

• Praised for excellent handling and polishability
• Provides strong, long-lasting restorations
• Radiopacity supports clear diagnostics
• Clinicians report tight marginal seals with minimal shrinkage

4. Luxacore Automix Dual

Dual Core Composite Resin

Product Description

Luxacore® Automix Dual is a high-performance dual-cure composite resin formulated for reliable core buildups and post cementation. With its superior flexural and compressive strength, it provides the precision and adaptability needed for advanced restorative procedures.

Product Overview

Awarded as a Preferred Product by The Dental Advisor, Luxacore® delivers exceptional results through its dentin-like cutting capability and fluoride-releasing formulation. The material flows smoothly and adapts precisely to cavity walls and root posts. Its thin film thickness of 20 µm ensures optimal fit, particularly in post cementation. Available in multiple shades, it allows for esthetic flexibility and procedural confidence.

Key Features

• Dual-cure system with both light and self-curing capability
• Cuts like natural dentin for precise margin preparation
• Releases fluoride for long-term tooth health
• Excellent flow properties and cavity wall adaptation
• Thin 20 µm film thickness ideal for post cementation

Common Applications

• Core buildup for crown and bridge restorations
• Cementation of root posts
• Cases requiring strong mechanical support and esthetic blending

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Luxacore® Automix Dual
Brand: DMG America
Tip Type: Automix syringe
Design Number: Not applicable
Handle Type: Not applicable
Number of Ends: Not applicable
Manufacturer Name: DMG America
Package Quantity: 1 automix syringe (typically 48 g)
Product Type: Dual-cure composite resin for core buildup and post cementation

Customer Ratings

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Based on 4 verified reviews)

Customer Feedback

• Praised for its ease of cutting and natural dentin feel
• Trusted for reliable core buildups with strong marginal integrity
• Excellent flow and shade selection support esthetic demands
• Recognized by The Dental Advisor for consistent clinical performance

5. Clearfil DC Core Plus

Dual Core Composite Resin

Product Description

Clearfil® DC Core Plus is a dual-cure, two-component composite resin designed for core buildup procedures. Developed by Kuraray America, this material offers high strength, smooth handling, and long-term durability with a dentin-like feel.

Product Overview

Formulated with a 74% weight filler load, Clearfil DC Core Plus provides excellent compressive and flexural strength, ideal for supporting crown restorations. It delivers via an automix system for convenient and consistent application. The material is fluoride-releasing to support post-operative comfort and is radiopaque for easy radiographic identification during diagnosis and follow-up.

Key Features

• Dual-cure capability for flexible clinical workflow
• High filler content (74% wt) for superior strength
• Fluoride-releasing to reduce post-op sensitivity
• Cuts like dentin for precision margin preparation
• Radiopaque for enhanced diagnostic visibility

Common Applications

• Core buildup in preparation for crowns or bridges
• Cementation of posts in restorative procedures
• Cases requiring high strength and radiopacity

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Clearfil® DC Core Plus
Brand: Kuraray America Inc.
Tip Type: Automix syringe
Design Number: Not applicable
Handle Type: Not applicable
Number of Ends: Not applicable
Manufacturer Name: Kuraray America Inc.
Package Quantity: 1 automix syringe (varies by configuration)
Product Type: Dual-cure core composite resin

Customer Ratings

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Based on 2 verified reviews)

Customer Feedback

• Trusted for its strength and ease of handling
• Praised for reliable performance and excellent adaptation
• Clinicians note its dentin-like cut and post-op comfort
• Radiopacity aids in clear follow-up diagnostics

Table 2: Comparison of Features