InstaTemp vs Protemp™ Plus: Choosing the Right Temporary Crown & Bridge Material

Picking the right temp crown material matters more than most dentists realize. Sure, it's just a placeholder until the permanent crown arrives. But that "placeholder" needs to hold up under chewing forces, look good enough that patients aren't embarrassed, and stay put without causing problems.

Two bis-acrylic materials dominate the market: Sterngold's InstaTemp® MAX and 3M's Protemp™ Plus. Both work. Both have loyal users. But they work differently, and knowing those differences helps you pick the right one for your practice.

InstaTemp® MAX: Built for Simplicity

Sterngold designed InstaTemp® MAX as a self-cure bis-acryl composite resin for direct provisional applications. The material can be safely placed in the mouth using a matrix, offering predictable results without the unpleasant odor or taste associated with traditional acrylics.

The automix cartridge features a unique safety design that separates base and catalyst outlets, preventing cross-contamination and blockages that can waste material and disrupt workflow. Each 76g cartridge provides approximately 50 units -- 20% more than previous InstaTemp formulations.

Setting occurs in distinct phases. The material reaches a rubbery phase at 2-3 minutes for removal from the mouth, with full cure at 7 minutes. InstaTemp® MAX includes barium glass fillers, making it radio-opaque for radiographic verification. Available shades include A1, A2, A3.5, and Bleach.

After curing, a thin oxygen-inhibited layer will be present. For a streamlined finishing process, simply wipe with alcohol to remove the oxygen-inhibited layer, then apply SternVantage® Varnish and UV light cure. This creates a high-shine, natural-looking restoration without the need for traditional polishing – fast and easy. For final cementation, TempoLok™ temporary cement provides reliable bonding.

Protemp™ Plus: The Polish-Free Option

3M developed Protemp™ Plus with proprietary nanofillers and polymers designed to deliver exceptional fracture resistance. The material's key distinguishing feature is its ability to achieve a smooth, glossy surface immediately after setting – eliminating the polishing step entirely.

After the material sets, wipe the surface with alcohol and you're done. This time savings can be significant in busy practices. Protemp™ Plus sets faster than InstaTemp® MAX, with a total setting time of 5 minutes. However, working time is more limited at 40 seconds with an intraoral setting time of 1 minute 40 seconds.

The material is available in six shades designed to match 3M's Filtek™ Supreme Ultra system. Color stability is particularly strong, making Protemp™ Plus well-suited for extended temporization periods. 3M's testing demonstrates compressive strength that exceeds several competing materials.

Comparing Clinical Performance

InstaTemp® MAX provides a longer working time during its 2-3 minute rubbery phase, valuable for complex multi-unit cases requiring precise margin adaptation. Protemp™ Plus offers faster overall completion but requires efficient execution due to its 40-second working time.

The finishing process represents a clear distinction. Protemp™ Plus requires only an alcohol wipe to achieve its final glossy surface. InstaTemp® MAX requires removal of the oxygen-inhibited layer with alcohol, followed by finishing and polishing.

Both materials demonstrate adequate strength for typical temporization periods. Protemp™ Plus shows higher compressive strength in laboratory testing, which may provide added confidence for longer temporization or patients with heavier occlusal forces. InstaTemp® MAX has a track record of reliable performance across diverse applications.

Comparison Chart

Selecting the Right Material for Your Practice

Consider InstaTemp® MAX when extended working time is valuable for your technique, you want the option to customize surface finish with varnish, cost efficiency and material yield are priorities, or cartridge safety features help prevent material waste.

Consider Protemp™ Plus when minimizing chair time is a priority, eliminating the polishing step streamlines workflow, higher compressive strength provides added confidence, or extended temporization periods are common in your practice.

From a patient perspective, both materials provide comfortable, functional temporary restorations. Neither generates significant heat during setting, and both resist staining when patients follow proper care instructions. Patients should be advised to avoid sticky foods, chew on the opposite side when possible, and floss carefully.

Making the Choice for Your Practice

Both InstaTemp® MAX and Protemp™ Plus represent sound choices for temporary crown and bridge fabrication. Your decision ultimately comes down to your specific workflow preferences, case requirements, and practice priorities. Consider mastering one system thoroughly before introducing additional materials to your practice. This approach helps develop efficient workflows and reduces the learning curve for your team.

Order InstaTemp® MAX from Sterngold

Sterngold's InstaTemp® MAX system continues to provide reliable, predictable results for temporary crown and bridge fabrication. Visit Sterngold to order InstaTemp® MAX refills in all available shades, 76g cartridges with 15 mixing tips included, compatible dispensing guns, replacement mixing tips, SternVantage® Varnish for fast, high-shine finishing, and TempoLok™ temporary cement for reliable bonding.

With its safety cartridge design, radio-opacity, and proven clinical performance, InstaTemp® MAX delivers consistent results for your temporary crown and bridge cases. Our technical support team is available to answer questions about material selection and application techniques.

Shop InstaTemp® MAX at Sterngold - because reliable temporary restorations are an essential component of successful crown and bridge treatment.