The Original MDP Monomer 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate Introduced by Kuraray in 1983 Developed by Kuraray Co., Ltd.First product: PANAVIA™ EX introduced in 1983 Innovation DemandThe ability to adhesively bond to enamel, dentin and various restorative materials has opened up new possibilities in restorative dentistry. As the long-term bonding performance of early adhesive systems was limited, Kuraray Co., Ltd. decided to focus on developing a more powerful adhesive monomer. As a result of its commitment to research and development, the company introduced the phosphate monomer Phenyl-P in 1976. In order to use its advantages and eliminate shortcomings, development continued and ultimately 1981 resulted in the introduction of the original MDP monomer by Kuraray Co., Ltd..Key benefitsThe Original MDP Monomer establishes a particularly strong and long-lasting bond to enamel, dentin, base metals and oxide ceramics like zirconia. It offers an outstanding level of purity, positively affecting its bonding performance. To tooth structure the original MDP provides a highly stable bonding by creating a virtually insoluble calcium salt. More than 40 years of scientific evidence reveals that the Original MDP Monomer has changed dental bonding for the better. Current products using the Original MDP MonomerPANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal, CLEARFIL™ SE BOND, CLEARFIL™ SE BOND 2, CLEARFIL™ SE Protect, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick, CLEARFIL™ Ceramic Primer Plus, PANAVIA™ V5 Tooth Primer used with PANAVIA™ V5 and PANAVIA™ Veneer LC and KATANA™ Cleaner.Application of the MDP monomer is versatile; for example, as a specially developed MDP salt in KATANA™ Cleaner, providing for the high cleaning effect in eliminating contamination.
MDPB Monomer* 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide Introduced by Kuraray Medical in 2006 Developed by Kuraray Medical Inc.First product: CLEARFIL™ Protect Bond introduced in 2006 Innovation DemandWith modern, minimally invasive cavity preparation techniques following the principle of “prevention of extension”, the likeliness of bacteria remaining in the cavity increases If not sealed completely, these bacteria might cause further demineralisation and cavitation. Cleaning of the cavity with an antibacterial agent can eliminate this risk, but might impair the bond strength of the subsequently applied adhesive. This is why Kuraray Medical Inc. developed the MDPB Monomer and incorporated it in CLEARFIL™ SE Protect: it is contained in the primer of the system, fixated by polymerization of the bonding layer and does not negatively affect the bond strength.Key benefitsThe MDPB Monomer has an antibacterial cavity cleansing effect while it does not compromise the bond strength of the adhesive. The monomer is latently active without affecting the patient’s own cells. Current product using the MDPB MonomerCLEARFIL™ SE Protect *Literature references: 1）Imazato S, Torii M, Tsuchitani Y, McCabe JF, Russell RRB (1994). Incorporation of bacterial inhibitor into resin composite. J Dent Res 73:1437-1443. 2）Imazato S, Kinomoto Y, Tarumi H, Torii M, Russell RRB, McCabe JF (1997). Incorporation of antibacterial monomer MDPB into dentin primer. J Dent Res 76: 768-772. 3）Imazato S, Ebi N, Tarumi H, Russell RRB, Kaneko T, Ebisu S (1999). Bactericidal activity and cytotoxicity of antibacterial monomer MDPB. Biomaterials 20: 899-903. 4）Imazato S, Torii Y, Takatsuka T, Inoue K, Ebi N, Ebisu S (2001). Bactericidal effect of dentin primer containing antibacterial monomer methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) against bacteria in human carious dentin. J Oral Rehabil 28: 314-319. 5）Imazato S, Kaneko T, Takahashi Y, Noiri Y, Ebisu S (2004). In vivo antibacterial effects of dentin primer incorporating MDPB. Oper Dent 29:369-375.
Rapid Bond Technology Combining the Original MDP Monomer with hydrophilic amide monomers Introduced by Kuraray Medical in 2016 Developed by Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.First product: CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick introduced in 2016 Innovation DemandWith traditional one-bottle adhesives using typical hydrophilic monomers, bonding to the challenging dentin substrate is a slow and technique-sensitive process. Through the integration of newly developed amide monomers, rapid bond technology provides CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick with excellent hydrophilic properties superior to HEMA, which allow for a quick and effective penetration of dentin. Hence, there is no need to wait after the application for air-drying and further steps. In addition, the technology is responsible for a great curing ability and very high curability upon connection with other monomers. This leads to a tight and long-lasting seal of the cavity after light-curing – for easy and efficient procedures resulting in predictable clinical outcomes.Key benefitsRapid Bond Technology shortens the application time as the adhesive containing it penetrates dentin quickly and effectively with its hydrophilic properties. It is also co-responsible for a strong and durable bond, as a densely cross-linked polymer network is formed and maintained due to low water sorption. Finally, adhesives equipped with Rapid Bond Technology offer low film thickness (5 to 10 μm) and resistance to marginal discolouration contributing to aesthetic outcomes. Current products using Rapid Bond TechnologyCLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick
LCSi Monomer Long Carbon-chain Silane coupling agent Introduced by Kuraray Noritake Dental in 2019 Developed by Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.First product (using it for adhesive cementation of glass ceramic restorations): PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal introduced in 2019 Innovation DemandThe development of self-adhesive resin cements is a great example for the striving towards simplified cementation procedures. Conventional self-adhesive resin cements are usually not recommended for bonding to resin-based and glass-based dental materials, while luting of the tooth structure and high-strength restorative materials like zirconia has become general practice in dentistry. In order to create a truly universal self-adhesive resin cement working well on most restorative substrates including zirconia and glass ceramics, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. invented the LCSi Monomer. The technology had originally been developed as filler treatment used in composites.Key benefitsIntegrated in PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal, the LCSi Monomer creates a strong chemical bond to resin composite, porcelain and silica-type ceramics (like lithium disilicate). It contains a stabilised combination of silane treatment material in the cement paste providing for a bonding performance comparable with similar products used with a separate primer or adhesive. This means fewer steps leading to lower risk of failure. Current product using the LCSi MonomerPANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal
MDP salt Based on 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate Introduced by Kuraray Medical in 2020 Developed by Kuraray Medical Inc.First product: KATANA™ Cleaner introduced in 2020 Innovation DemandRestorations are often pre-treated in the dental laboratory either by air abrasion or by etching with hydrofluoric acid. During try-in, both the preparation and the restoration are typically contaminated. As proteins present in oral fluids may have a negative impact on the bond strength of the subsequently applied adhesive, resin cement or primer, cleaning of the bonding surfaces is essential. For this reason, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. developed MDP salt present in KATANA™ Cleaner: It is suitable for intra-oral and extraoral use, and removes contamination.Key benefitsMDP salt is applied to the (potentially) contaminated surface, where it removes proteins with a high cleaning effect. In this way, it creates optimal bonding conditions on the tooth and the restoration. Current product using MDP saltKATANA™ Cleaner
Light Diffusion Technology Proprietary Light Diffusion Fillers Introduced by Kuraray Medical in 2007 Developed by Kuraray Medical Inc.First product: CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ Esthetic introduced in 2007 Innovation DemandDespite the use of complex layering techniques combining different shades and opacities of resin composite, the transition from composite restoration to tooth structure often remains visible in direct restorations. In order to promote a smoother optical integration, Kuraray Medical Inc. has developed its Light Diffusion Technology. Together with the right translucency, this feature makes restorations made of CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES composites blend seamlessly with the adjacent tooth structure. The technology is incorporated in special cluster fillers acting like millions of micro-prisms. Key benefitsThe proprietary light diffusion filler has been optimised in size and refractive index in relation to the matrix to offer unsurpassed natural shade blending. No matter whether a complex layering procedure involving different shades and opacities or a single-shade technique is used: Light Diffusion Technology provides for a great optical integration with undetectable restoration margins. Current products with Light Diffusion TechnologyCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 PremiumCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 ClassicCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 UniversalCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow
Submicron Filler Technology Introduced by Kuraray Medical in 2007 Developed by Kuraray Medical Inc.First product: CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow introduced in 2012 Innovation DemandA lifelike appearance of composite restorations is not only dependent on great shade blending properties, but also on a natural surface gloss and long-term polish retention. Kuraray Medical Inc. developed submicron fillers, which are so small that light reflections show a natural effect over time. Millions of submicron fillers join and stay together over time, thanks to Kuraray Medical Inc.’s exceptional silane technology. Key benefitsSubmicron fillers lead to a high level of gloss and long-term polish retention of restorations produced with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ composites. The optimal balance between these submicron fillers, filler load, resin matrix and proprietary silane technology is responsible for a balanced combination of mechanical and optical properties. Current products with Submicron Filler TechnologyCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES FlowCLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2
Multi-Layered Zirconia Technology Introduced by Kuraray Noritake Medical in 2013 Developed by Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.First product: KATANA™ Zirconia ML introduced in 2013 Innovation DemandThe first generations of dental zirconia were suitable as framework materials only mainly due to their whitish-opaque appearance. In order to simplify the finishing procedure and enable the use of the material for monolithic restorations, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. developed pre-shaded blanks with a multi-layered colour structure. Over the years, different variants were introduced and the technology was improved to incorporate flexural strength and translucency gradation as well.Key benefitsMulti-Layered Zirconia Technology supports the production of lifelike restorations using production processes with a high level of automation. By choosing a variant of KATANA™ Zirconia with the right level of translucency and flexural strength or the universal solution (KATANA™ Zirconia YML) with gradation of both - translucency and flexural strength, the finishing effort is reduced considerably. Current products featuring Multi-Layered Zirconia TechnologyKATANA™ Zirconia UTMLKATANA™ Zirconia STMLKATANA™ Zirconia Block for chair sideKATANA™ Zirconia HTML PlusKATANA™ Zirconia YML
Synthetic Feldspathic Porcelain Technology Developed by Noritake in 1987 Developed by Noritake Co., Ltd.First product: Super Porcelain AAA, known in Europe as Super Porcelain EX-3 introduced in 1987 Innovation DemandIn the 1980s, porcelain chippings and cracks appearing after firing of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations were a common phenomenon. Moreover, dental technicians had difficulties in reproducing the natural tooth colour and colour stability was limited, which was mainly caused by unpredictable material properties due to variations in the composition of natural feldspar-based materials. The solution: synthetic feldspathic technology providing for stable coefficients of thermal expansion, particle distribution and colour.Key benefitsCompared to porcelain containing natural feldspar, products with synthetic feldspathic porcelain technology offer better mechanical and optical properties, with predictable shade effects (no greyish effect), as well as better thixotropies resulting in better handling and less shrinkage. Multiple baking is possible without reducing the mechanical and optical properties. When layering the highly translucent and opalescent powder masses from Noritake (which are based on synthetic feldspathic porcelain technology) in the context of the Internal Live Stain technique, nearly lifelike results are obtained. Current products featuring Synthetic Feldspathic Porcelain TechnologySuper Porcelain EX-3CERABIEN™ ZRCERABIEN™ FC Paste Stain
