Though dentists are becoming increasingly specialised, there’s a growing demand for products that can be used for all indications. How does CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal fit this model?
First, we need to explain the meaning of the term ‘universal’ in this context. Previously, there have been two types of composites that differ according to the area of application: anterior composites, used in Class III, IV and V restorations where the aesthetic outcome is the priority, and posterior composites, in which the mechanical properties like strength and wear rate are more important. Universal composites, then, are those that can be used for all types of restorations in the anterior as well as the posterior region.

Another way in which ‘universal’ can be considered is in relation to shade. In this case, the term is used to describe a restorative composite system that exists in fewer shades, one that can adapt to the tooth structure independent of the colour of the tooth. A major benefit of this type of composites is that it offers a simplified workflow.

CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal is essentially universal in both meanings: it is one system that can be used for posterior and anterior restorations, and it is also provided in only three shades—one for posterior, and two for anterior.

Universal products, whether they are luting cements, bonding agents or composites, are attractive to dentists as long as they offer simplification of the treatment procedure without compromising quality and durability.

How does CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal build upon the success of the CLEARFIL MAJESTY range?
The CLEARFIL MAJESTY family is very well established at this stage. It includes such products as CLEARFIL MAJESTY Posterior, one of the most popular posterior composites owing to its superior mechanical properties and minimal polymerisation shrinkage. CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 is an extensive system that is highly beneficial thanks to its outstanding optical properties and ability to produce high-end aesthetics in the anterior region using Kuraray Noritake Dental’s multilayering technique. The three flowable alternatives of CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow, with different consistencies, are also other successful members of the family.

Kuraray Noritake Dental now continues the success story of CLEARFIL MAJESTY with the latest innovative product that can change the definition of the universal composite. CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal incorporates several attributes from the well-established ES-2 and ES Flow, including Kuraray Noritake Dental’s light diffusion technology (LDT).

Speaking of LDT—how does this technology benefit the composite?
LDT allows the material to scatter and reflect light rays at many different angles, which, in turn, allows the composite restoration to diffuse light in a similar way to the surrounding tooth structure. Hence, it eliminates aesthetic problems like the visibility of restoration and preparation borders. Thanks to innovative LDT, optimal particle fillers and opacity, CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal blends seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure and emulates natural teeth, eliminating the need for shade selection.

As you mentioned, CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal comes with one shade for posterior restorations and two for anterior restorations. Can such a reduced shade range still truly deliver aesthetic restorations?
CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal is not the first composite on the market with a reduced shade system. However, we can safely say that it is the first to focus on aesthetics and not just on reducing the number of shades.

We know from experience that using one-shade composite systems in the anterior region mostly leads to unsatisfying aesthetic results, even with the use of an opaquer composite to reduce shade-matching interference. This is due to the fact that trying to provide one shade for all posterior and anterior restorations, and for all tooth shades, compromises the aesthetic to a high extent. In other words, using a highly translucent material to try to match all restorations and shades will result in the interference of other objects in the mouth, such as the tongue, gingivae and so on.

Kuraray Noritake understood this fact well and solved the problem by introducing three shades with translucencies designed to match specific indications. It is important to note the simplicity of the workflow, since only one syringe per restoration is required. This makes CLEARFIL Majesty ES-2 Universal a true game-changer, as it provides the perfect match between simplicity and aesthetics.

What other advantages does this new composite deliver?
Other advantages include the superior mechanical properties for which the CLEARFIL MAJESTY family is already known, such as favourable wear properties, low shrinkage stress and high strength. It can be polished easily and retains its gloss. Moreover, the handling of the material is a huge advantage: this includes a long working time of about 270 seconds under ambient light. It is non-sticky and can be sculpted easily.

Which dental professionals would benefit most from this product?
The perfect match between simplicity and aesthetics offers the clinician several benefits. It delivers a very straightforward time-saving procedure without compromising aesthetic results. There is no need for exact shade selection, thereby excluding visible errors of non-matching shades, and there is also a reduced amount of material stock needed. Therefore, in my opinion, this should be the product of choice for most cases in everyday practice.

Advances and developments in dental materials are rapidly accelerating, and clinicians should integrate these innovations and make their daily practice more efficient with simplified workflows, time-saving procedures, fewer material selections and, accordingly, less technique sensitivity and less need for dental practice personnel to become acquainted with an abundance of materials.

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