Two-component adhesive

Two-component adhesive most people know from everyday life. With this, a wide variety of things can be glued together very quickly and very firmly. But two-component adhesives are also used in dentistry.

What is a two-part adhesive?

Two-component adhesive, also as Two-component adhesive or as 2K adhesive is one of the so-called chemically setting adhesives (also called reaction adhesives). In dentistry, too, two-component adhesive is basically similar to adhesive as we know it from other areas - at least when it comes to the pure adhesive function.

Here, too, two components are used, each of which is placed separately on the different parts that are to be glued together. When these parts are finally put together and the two different components come together, they bond in a flash - often within seconds.

However, in this case it is an adhesive that is specially made for use in the mouth area. Because the two-component adhesive for dentistry is required differently than adhesive that is used in the household, for example.

Shapes, types & types

As with ordinary two-component adhesives, there are also different types of adhesives in the field of dental adhesives. These differ less in their basic composition than in their mode of action. Experts speak of polymerization adhesives in the general area of ​​two-component adhesives, for example, when the polymerization (the synthesis that joins the substances together) is triggered by a reaction with a catalyst.

Polyaddition adhesives, on the other hand, describe compositions that mix two chemically different, but stoichiometric and reactive substances with one another. These combine with each other when they come into contact.

Polycondensation adhesives, on the other hand, are mixtures that react and bond with one another when they are pressed on (e.g. by releasing condensates such as gas molecules).

Due to the different compositions and also the different advantages and disadvantages, in case of doubt, dentistry must also assess which type of adhesive and which composition is correct in each individual case. But although there are also different types of two-component adhesives in the dental field, one type is mainly used today, as this has often proven itself.

In dentistry, the cyanoacrylate adhesive system is mostly used for two-component adhesives. This also makes use of the polymerization reaction that occurs when the ingredient cyanoacrylate reacts with the adhesive polymer used.

Adhesives for dental medicine are also available in different viscosities and setting times. This means that they are available in thin, medium and thick flowing and they harden more or less quickly depending on the version.

Structure & functionality

Two-component adhesive is one of the so-called chemically setting adhesives, which are also known as reaction adhesives. These adhesives are made up of two components that bond together when they come into contact. How quickly you establish the connection depends on the individual components. Usually, however, the gluing process is completely completed within a few seconds.

As a rule, 2K glue consists of a resin that acts as the binder. Mostly epoxy resins or acrylate resins are used for this. In addition, there is now a catalyst, also known as a hardener. In addition, substances can also be added that accelerate the hardening process or stabilize the result. Here it depends on the composition of the adhesive.

Basically, two-component adhesives for dentistry may not differ significantly from other two-component adhesives. For this reason, the compositions of most adhesives are very similar to those of adhesives that are used in other areas.

The cyanoacrylate adhesive system is not only in demand in the field of dentistry. However, the adhesives used here have to meet some special requirements. For example, they have to be as harmless as possible to the human body.After all, the dental prosthesis, partial denture or similar, on which the adhesive was used, should be able to be reinserted in the mouth as quickly as possible (sometimes even directly after bonding) without hesitation.

However, not all adhesives meet this requirement. Some pollutants have to be neutralized beforehand with special substances. Depending on the type of pollutant, this can take a few minutes or several hours.

You can find your medication here

Medical & health benefits

With a suitable two-component adhesive, materials such as plaster of paris, ceramic, plastic or metal can be joined together in dentistry. So far, so good, because other adhesives can also do this, such as ordinary superglues that were developed for dental medicine or, due to their nature, can also be used for this.

The biggest advantages of the two-component adhesive for dentistry, however, is the comparably lower material consumption. This is supported, for example, by special applicators with which the two components of the adhesive can be applied very precisely.

Since the hardening process with the 2K adhesive does not begin until the two components come together, the treating dentist or the responsible dental technician can - unlike normal superglue - exercise the necessary care when applying. In this way, for example, it can be avoided that the adhesive gets to places where it shouldn't get.

As a result, it is now possible very specifically to prevent holes from being glued or the adhesive being distributed in bulges. In the case of dentures, for example, this would have a negative impact on the patient's comfort. And: Some connections deliver a stronger and more stable bond than ordinary superglues, which are also used in dentistry.