HATTERSHEIM AM MAIN, Germany: In the early 1990s, Kuraray introduced CLEARFIL LINER BOND 2, the first self-etching adhesive, to the world. Among the products that this system has led to is the award-winning CLEARFIL SE Protect, which was introduced in 2004 and remains highly valued by dental professionals across the world. By combining Kuraray Noritake Dental’s famed original MDP monomer with the antibacterial 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) monomer, this self-etching adhesive is able to kill bacteria on contact. How is this possible? Let’s find out.
Pyridinium holds the key
The crucial element that provides CLEARFIL SE Protect with its antibacterial cavity cleansing ability is contained in the MDPB monomer. The pyridinium group in this monomer is positively charged, whereas the cell structures of bacteria are, generally speaking, negatively charged. This means that they are automatically attracted to the positively charged contact points of the MDPB monomer, causing these bacteria cell membranes to lose their electrical balance and be destroyed. This process—bacteriolysis—kills the bacteria.
The bactericidal mechanism of MDPB is presumed to be similar to that of the well-known antibacterial agent cetylpyridinium chloride, which is in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. (Image: Kuraray Noritake Dental)
Certified biocompatibility
The MDPB monomer is immobilised during the polymerisation of the bonding and remains latently active without affecting the dental patient’s own cells. Unlike the situation when other cavity hygiene products are used, this process—patented by Kuraray Noritake Dental—does not have a negative impact on the bond strength and even ensures that there are no long-term cytotoxic effects on the patient’s own body cells such as odontoblasts. These results have been confirmed by the official biological evaluation for medical devices known as the ISO 10993 series.
Award-winning results with CLEARFIL SE Protect
With its antibacterial effect, high bond strength to enamel and dentine and long-term fluoride release, CLEARFIL SE Protect is reliable, versatile and future-proofed. This tried-and-tested two-step self-etching bonding system is fast and easy to use for direct restorations. For bonding indirect restorations and core build-ups, simply mix it with Kuraray Noritake Dental’s CLEARFIL DC Activator according to the instructions for use.
Thanks to its combination of MDP and MDPB monomers, CLEARFIL SE Protect leads to predictable, durable restorations—and it has received plenty of accolades from dental experts as a result. In 2022, this adhesive again received a Top Product Award in the Direct Restoratives, Bonding Agent: Self-Etch category from DENTAL ADVISOR. This was the fourth year in a row that it earned such recognition, and in addition, the 13 DENTAL ADVISOR consultants and editors gave CLEARFIL SE Protect a stunning 98% overall clinical rating.
Adhesive bonding
Restorative dentistry
Self-etching