Direct Restorations
Dentsply SDR - Self assessment

Glass Ionomer releases substantially more fluoride. If one is planning a restoration where fluoride release is important (e.g. root caries in a dry mouth) a GI restoration may be more appropriate.

1 MPa equates to a force of 1kg per square millimetre. To visualise a kilogram, think of a bag of sugar and its weight...

It may be as low as 3 – 4 MPa. Lack of tubular structure seriously decreases bond strength to dentine.
With most composites, the polymerisation shrinkage stress is in the 3MPa – 5MPa region, This is a bit too close for comfort – the setting composite may tear away from the cavity margins as it shrinks, resulting in marginal leakage.

SDR claims only 1.5 MPa, which is less than the bond strength, so the probability of marginal leakage should be greatly reduced as this is well below the “worst” bond-strength.

Yes. Its chemistry is compatible with other systems and manufacturers.

Yes. Its chemistry is compatible with other systems and manufacturers.

It reduces or prevents the inclusion of air voids into the restoration, allowing a complete seal to dentine.

Limited curing depth: maximum 2mm (conventional). SDR allows curing in 4mm increments.
A tendency to flow out of the cavity when being placed. SDR has a unique self-levelling property that appears independent of the angle the tooth is at.