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Biomimetic Dentistry Glossary

Decoupling With Time (DWT)

A key term of biomimetic restorative dentistry, clearly defined. Part of The Hybrid Layer's free reference glossary.

Glossary term Free to read

Summary – What is Decoupling With Time (DWT)?

When Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS) is carried out, the bond to dentin begins to develop and the hybrid layer starts to mature. The bond strength does not reach its maximum potential immediately – it takes time to develop. The time taken for the bond to develop depends on the Hierarchy of Bondability (HOB). The process by which the dentin bond is allowed time to develop and the hybrid layer is allowed to mature in a stress-free environment with less influence from polymerisation forces, is referred to as Decoupling With Time (DWT).

The dentin bond reaches 90% of its potential strength after 5 minutes. By allowing the dentin bond to Decouple With Time (DWT), the bond is allowed to reach its full potential without being pulled towards the faster-forming enamel or superficial dentin bond.

Learn More…

To learn more about Decoupling With Time (DWT) in relation to the Hierarchy of Bondability (HOB), Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS), Resin Coating (RC), and C-Factor, see Lesson 3 and Lesson 4 of the Six Lessons Approach to Biomimetic Dentistry below.

Lesson 3 – Immediate Dentin Sealing and Resin Coating
Lesson 4 – Stress Reduction By Controlling C-Factor & Deep Margin Elevation (DME)
Keep going

See DWT in practice

Three lectures on letting the bond mature: the Six Lessons framework, deep margin isolation and elevation on a case, and caries detector dye through to a finished biobase.

The Six Lessons Approach to Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry — Dr Davey Alleman & Dr David Alleman Deep Margin Isolation and Deep Margin Elevation — Dr Davey Alleman & Dr David Alleman How to Use Caries Detector Dye and Create a Biobase — Dr Nowais Awan

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