In the session, “Next-gen adhesives for direct and indirect restorations”, presenters Prof. Bart Van Meerbeek, Prof. Roland Frankenberger and Dr Toshiki Takamizawa will address one of the most familiar but critical aspects of restorative practice: bonding. Prof. Frankenberger told Dental Tribune International that the next generation of dental adhesives should be understood against the backdrop of three decades of major progress. Having studied adhesives and resin composites preclinically and clinically for 32 years, he noted that the long-standing assumption that multistep adhesives represent the gold standard no longer reflects current clinical reality.

“Universal adhesives are superior to previous generations, especially for indirect restorations,” Prof. Frankenberger said. This development has practical implications for daily dentistry: shorter application times can reduce contamination windows, and simplified protocols may help make adhesive procedures more efficient.

However, Prof. Frankenberger suggested that the most important future improvements may lie less in peak performance and more in technical tolerance. He explained: “Everyone knows how difficult clinical adhesive work usually is, so both moisture tolerance and robustness against varying application stringency are always important. If it no longer matters how practitioners air-thin or air-dry the adhesive, that is really a significant step forward.”

Prof. Frankenberger emphasised that long-term clinical outcomes remain the real test of adhesive systems. This long-term perspective has shaped his research focus, particularly in relation to adhesive fatigue and the clinical evolution of bonding systems. “The internet is full of breathtakingly aesthetic initial results, but I’ve also focused on long-term observation,” he pointed out.

He also noted that today’s adhesive systems benefit from parallel improvements in resin composites. Modern composites generate substantially lower shrinkage forces than those used decades ago, reducing the burden placed on adhesives. “Compared to when I was a student, composite shrinks 50% less today. That’s a huge improvement,” he said. For clinicians, the equation of lower shrinkage and reliable bonding helps explain the strong long-term outcomes now being observed.

Prof. Vallittu explained to Dental Tribune International that fibre-reinforced restorative treatments rely on the reinforcing properties of glass fibres rather than on particulate fillers alone. This becomes especially relevant in large direct composite restorations and in direct restoration of endodontically treated teeth. By filling the root canal opening with a fibre-reinforced composite, he said, clinicians can create “a highly durable endocore for the composite crown”, effectively forming what he described as “a direct endocrown system”.

For clinicians, this approach may expand the range of cases that can be managed directly and conservatively. Teeth that might previously have been considered candidates for indirect restorations may, in selected situations, be restored with durable direct techniques; however, the implications extend beyond single-tooth restorations. Long-fibre systems can be used in direct bridges and splints, and short-fibre composites can enhance the attachment of these longer fibres to tooth structure. “This integration is blurring the line between restorative and prosthetic dentistry,” Prof. Vallittu said.

Clinical success, however, depends on respecting key principles. According to Prof. Vallittu, the amount and placement of fibre composite should roughly correspond to the volume and location of the dentine that existed before the tooth was damaged. “Additionally, high-quality adhesives, selective enamel etching and proper light curing are crucial factors that contribute to the success of all composite restorations,” he said.

Further insights on innovative materials and workflows will feature in sessions focused on the evolution of bone augmentation materials and validation of digital diagnosis and prosthetic workflows. “An innovative bone augmentation material: Carbonate apatite in clinical practice powered by science, proven in reality” will feature Dr Paul S. Rosen, alongside Profs. Shinya Murakami, Anton Sculean and Hom-Lay Wang.

The digital dimension of material use will be explored over two sessions examining the connection between digital diagnostics, prosthetic design and material selection. For dental teams, this interface is increasingly important: digital workflows are no longer separate from material decisions but are becoming central to how restorations are planned, produced and delivered. Under the title “The digital–material interface: Validated workflows from diagnosis to prosthetics”, one session focusing on veneers will feature Prof. Reinhilde Jacobs, Dr Anthony Mak and Dr Mahmoud Ezzat Ghazi, and the second focusing on dentures will feature Prof. Jacobs, Prof. Manabu Kanazawa and Dr Elisabetta Bellia.

One Week of Excellence

Through the sixth GC International Dental Symposium, GC is inviting dental professionals from around the world to Tokyo to participate in its One Week of Excellence. In addition to the two-day scientific programme featuring 72 lectures, the week’s offering will involve hands-on courses, social events and organised cultural activities, including tours of Tokyo and the mountain town of Nikkō.

Participants can earn up to 54 continuing education credits, consisting of 12 credits from symposium lectures and 42 from workshops. The symposium will offer simultaneous interpretation into Japanese and English. Further information about the programme and registration is available on the event website.