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What is G-CAM & when should you prescribe it?

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Mar 9, 2022
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Tl;dr:

  • Huge breakthrough in crown & bridge technology.
  • Cost-effective premium biopolymer that has been nano-reinforced with Graphene.
  • Suitable for all restorations except inlays.

G-CAM is one of those rare materials that could change the dental industry. The ease of use for professionals is paired with an incredibly comfortable patient experience making this a real gamechanger for crown & bridge.

G-CAM is a unique PMMA-based material that’s nano-reinforced with graphene to make it suitable for permanent restorations. It’s manufactured by the dental division of Graphenano, a Spanish company specialising in graphene application across various industries.

Originally launched in 2019, the precise “graphene doping” process has resulted in a material which ticks almost all the boxes we look for in dentistry:

  • High flexural strength
  • Non-abrasive to opposing dentition
  • Stable, consistent aesthetics
  • Easy to adjust without specialist tools
  • Able to be added to and directly repaired

What does G-CAM look like?

As a monolithic material G-CAM is milled from pucks with final appearance like a more natural-looking BruxZir. Pucks are available in shades A1, A2, A3, B2, C2 & BL2. We can also surface stain the material where needed. This makes G-CAM perfect for use in permanent posterior restorations.

How strong is G-CAM?

While zirconia has a higher hardness rating, G-CAM has a high flexural strength which allows it to absorb impacts more easily. This means G-CAM is excellent at resisting deformation through chewing/grinding without breaking. In the unlikely event the restoration does break, it can be easily repaired with light-cure composite.

When can you prescribe G-CAM?

Unlike traditional PMMA, G-CAM is indicated for almost all permanent restorations, the fact it can be added to with pink composite makes it a particularly good choice for implant solutions. It can be milled very thin and any adjustments can be made easily without the need for specialist tools.

G-Cam comparison chart

How to prep G-CAM

G-Cam preparation guide

What’s the patient experience like?

One of G-CAM’s biggest draws is the experience for the patient. The click-clack sounds that patients hear with porcelain or zirconia restorations are completely absent and the G-CAM equivalent to a 70g zirconia restoration could weigh as little as 12g. This lightness means patients will feel very little difference between the restoration and their natural dentition.

Considerations & contraindication

For cases with a dark/discoloured prep, we would strongly recommend the use of block-out cement to avoid distortion of the final shade. Due to the method of milling used in G-CAM’s manufacture, we would not recommend the material for inlays.

How much does G-CAM cost?

G-CAM is priced fairly for such an exceptional material and the simplicity of manufacture in the lab means we can bring it to you for just £70/unit. As there’s no sintering process, we can also drastically reduce turnaround times for urgent cases.

For more information on this product or our other services, email us on [email protected] or call on 01474 320 076. Our phone line is open from 9am – 12noon Monday to Friday.

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