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“Adding new value to dental care”

Few manufacturers can claim one century of innovation. However, as Kuraray celebrates its 100^th anniversary, its subsidiary, Kuraray Noritake Dental—shaped by this legacy—remains humble and focused on its holistic vision for improving the delivery of oral care.

Reflecting on this centenary, Satoshi Yamaguchi, president of Kuraray Noritake Dental, shares his perspective on how the company’s long-standing ethos continues to shape its direction. In this exclusive interview, he discusses Kuraray Noritake Dental’s latest solutions and the way the company combines scientific expertise with consistent quality, clear and evidence-based information, support grounded in everyday clinical needs, and a stable supply chain. The ultimate aim, Yamaguchi says, is to bring new value to dental care and contribute to more reliable and efficient clinical practice.

Mr Yamaguchi, could you tell us about your professional background and how you first joined Kuraray?

My Kuraray journey began with a strong aspiration to contribute to public health. I was drawn to the company’s extensive expertise in chemical manufacturing and the potential to apply its technologies in the medical field. I started in the medical development division, where I was involved in research and development activities. Later, I transitioned to a marketing role at Kuraray America and, upon returning to Japan, resumed my position in development. This allowed me to engage with the dental healthcare business from both a technical and a commercial perspective. Subsequently, I served as head of the dental business at Kuraray Europe in Germany, where I oversaw sales operations across the European region. These international experiences have profoundly shaped my professional approach, enabling me to lead with a global mindset and remain attuned to the specific needs of local markets.

How has this international experience shaped your approach as president of Kuraray Noritake Dental?

Through my international assignments, I came to recognise the importance of addressing the diverse values held across different countries and regions. In the field of dental materials, preferences often differ. In many parts of Europe and Asia, natural aesthetics are widely valued; in the US, treatment efficiency is often prioritised; and in South America, there is often an emphasis on balancing aesthetics with cost-effectiveness. Although these are general tendencies and can vary, they provide a useful guide in meeting the specific needs of each market.

Satoshi Yamaguchi, president of Kuraray Noritake Dental, previously served as head of Kuraray Europe’s dental business, based in Germany.

My goal is to establish a robust framework for delivering reliable, evidence-based information to dental professionals. We are striving to strengthen the foundation of trust by facilitating the collection of credible data and case studies from both internal and external sources, ensuring that the information we provide contributes to greater confidence in clinical practice. In addition, we place strong emphasis on how this information is communicated. By leveraging multiple channels—presentations at academic conferences and seminars, contributions to journals and communication through digital platforms, for example—we are creating an integrated system that ensures our messages reach dental professionals effectively.

How does Japan’s role as a dental innovation hub influence the company’s global operations?

In Japan, there is a focus on creating scientifically proven technologies and transforming them into trusted dental solutions. At Kuraray, a prime example is our original adhesive monomer, MDP. This solution exhibits exceptional bond strength, even when using traditionally difficult substrates such as metals and zirconia. Today, MDP is recognised as a proven global standard in adhesive monomers and is widely used by dental material manufacturers around the world.

Scientifically valid technologies developed in Japan are being utilised in clinical settings worldwide, supported by reliable, evidence-based information. This tradition is a driving force behind Kuraray Noritake Dental. We honour it by prioritising materials that can function like natural tooth substances over the long term in the oral environment—ensuring clinical reliability through durability, defined as the preservation of strength and aesthetics. Building on this foundation, we continuously enhance the value of our products by expanding indications and improving usability.

How important is the European market in your overall strategy?

The European market plays a vital role in advancing our efforts in quality assurance and information dissemination. Given the strictly enforced medical device regulations and environmental laws, we proactively work to enhance quality and reliability in our operations in the region, including in the areas of product design, packaging and product information. In turn, these initiatives help to improve the accuracy of product development and information dissemination for all markets.

At the same time, we are strategically expanding our global business operations, focusing on the US, Asia and South America. To ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality products and services, we are working in close collaboration with local dental professionals, educational institutions and partner companies. By leveraging the expertise gained through our operations in Europe and adapting this to the unique needs and cultures of other regions, we continue to provide reliable solutions for dental professionals worldwide.

Kuraray Noritake Dental introduced several new materials last year. What can you tell us about these materials and the clinical needs they were designed to meet?

At the 2025 International Dental Show, we introduced CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal, CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 and CERABIEN MiLai. These products are based on our concept of Universal Excellence, a philosophy that emphasises scientifically grounded performance and outcomes.

Dental practitioners in clinical settings seek materials that they can use with confidence. To meet these needs, we ensured that these materials embody the principles of Universal Excellence. This means versatile, high-performance solutions that streamline clinical workflows by minimising the number of required components and procedural steps. In this way, the products support decision-making in daily dental practice and laboratory work.

KATANA Zirconia is recognised for aesthetics and strength. What sets your proprietary zirconia powder and multilayer technology apart in today’s competitive CAD/CAM market?

We consistently develop and manage raw material powders in-house. By focusing on proprietary material development, we have created high-quality dental zirconia that combines aesthetics and mechanical strength. In addition, our advanced manufacturing technologies and strict quality control standards ensure stable and reliable product quality. Furthermore, by utilising our proprietary zirconia powder and working closely with manufacturers of milling machines and sintering furnaces, we have significantly reduced both processing and sintering times in the fabrication of zirconia restorations.

One notable example is KATANA Zirconia ONE SPEED CROWN, which supports a streamlined chairside workflow. We have developed a new zirconia powder that can reach a highly activated state with little energy. This accelerates the sintering process, thereby achieving an ultra-short sintering time of just 9 minutes. Furthermore, our zirconia and multilayer technology enable natural gradation by varying both shade and translucency across the layers of the zirconia disc—closely replicating the appearance of natural teeth. In KATANA Zirconia YML, each layer contains a different concentration of yttria: the upper layers offer natural colouration and high translucency, and the lower layers deliver superior strength. Owing to this advanced material design and multilayer technology, the KATANA Zirconia series combines outstanding aesthetics and mechanical performance and contributes to greater efficiency in clinical workflows.

Kuraray has regional offices in China and Brazil. How do you adapt product development and clinical education to the diverse needs of these fast-growing markets?

China and Brazil are two of the world’s fastest-growing dental care markets, characterised not only by their large populations but also by a growing interest in quality dental care, rapidly advancing adoption of CAD/CAM technologies and ongoing development of clinical dental education. We address these evolving needs by delivering products and clinical support tailored to the specific dental requirements and educational styles of each country.

For example, we continue to meet the demand for our adhesive dental materials—such as the CLEARFIL and PANAVIA series—by offering hands-on seminars and webinars in local languages. By sharing clinically relevant information backed by scientific evidence, we contribute to improving the quality of local dental care.

In addition, user feedback gathered through our local offices serves as a valuable source of insight for product development. By incorporating market-specific trends, preferences in product handling and differences in clinical education styles into the development of new products, we can deliver locally optimised quality solutions.

Kuraray Noritake Dental is expanding production at its new plant in Miyoshi in Japan. How will this affect supply chain resilience and product innovation?

Leading up to this year, we significantly strengthened our global supply system for dental materials. At the heart of this initiative was the strategic expansion of production capacity at our Miyoshi plant, where we ultimately aim to roughly double production capacity. This facility specialises in the manufacturing of inorganic dental materials such as zirconia and porcelain and plays a critical role in our business strategy through technological expertise, rigorous quality control and product development capabilities.

Additionally, by strengthening collaboration between our manufacturing site and our research and development, we are working to establish a system that enables rapid incorporation of feedback from clinical settings into product improvements. These efforts also contribute to enhancing our product development capabilities, allowing us to deliver dental material products that meet market needs in a timely manner. We view this as a vital step towards better meeting the expectations of dental professionals worldwide and elevating our market presence.

As the Kuraray Group marks its 100^th anniversary, what vision is Kuraray Noritake Dental pursuing for the future of dental care?

Our anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the spirit that has shaped the company over the last 100 years. At the heart of our company lies a philosophy of embracing challenges: “For people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can”. Long before the term “corporate social responsibility” became widespread, we were addressing social issues through the power of technology and developing materials that improve lives. That ethos continues to underpin our business today.

Since entering the dental industry as a chemical products manufacturer, we have remained committed to craftsmanship and quality. As noted earlier, because dental materials are used inside patients’ mouths over extended periods, we consider durability to be a particularly critical factor. This durability encompasses strength and aesthetics, which together form the foundation of reliable clinical performance.

However, even products backed by advanced technology may not fully convey their intrinsic value to users. That is why we strive to provide reliable, evidence-based information and deliver trusted products to clinical settings.

What can you tell us about future initiatives at the company?

Through collaborative product development with dental clinicians, we aim to incorporate more insights from the front lines of dental care. By actively listening to dental professionals and technicians, we aim to further address the real-world challenges that they face and deliver products that more effectively meet daily clinical demands. We also aim to build greater trust with dental clinicians by sharing reliable, evidence-based information and clearly communicating the scientific evidence and development background behind our products. Additionally, in support of our commitment to sustainability, we aim to offer responsible choices to users through designing products with environmental considerations in mind and reducing our overall environmental impact.

Through these initiatives, we will continue adding new value to dental care by leveraging our material design expertise, which is rooted in the founding spirit of our company. We aspire to remain a trusted partner for dental professionals around the world—one that they can rely on with confidence.

Originally published on Dental Tribune website on March 4^th, 2026.

Case by Dr. Julien Molia

KYLLÄ, SE TOIMII!

Monilla hammaslääkäreillä on syvään juurtunut käsitys siitä, että juoksevat yhdistelmämuovit soveltuvat ensisijaisesti pohjaksi tai eristysaineeksi sekä lujempien, perinteisten yhdistelmämuovien ja epäsuorien täytteiden alle tai väliaikaisiin paikkoihin. Monet olettavatkin, että huonot mekaaniset ominaisuudet rajoittavat niiden käyttömahdollisuuksia.

UUDEN SUKUPOLVEN JUOKSEVAT YHDISTELMÄMUOVIT

Onneksi näin ei kuitenkaan enää ole: Monen viimeisimmän sukupolven juoksevan yhdistelmämuovin, kuten CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow ja CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (molemmat Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. -yhtiön tuotteita), mekaaniset ominaisuudet vetävät vertoja monille perinteisille yhdistelmämuoveille. Tämä on laajentanut juoksevien yhdistelmämuovien käyttömahdollisuuksia. Esimerkiksi CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal -yhdistelmämuovilla on korkea täyteainepitoisuus (75–78 paino-%), yli 150 MPa:n taivutuslujuus ja yli 370 MPa:n puristuslujuus valmistajan ilmoittamien tietojen mukaan. Erinomaisen lujuutensa ansiosta materiaali on luotettava valinta myös pysyviin restauraatioihin: sitä voidaan käyttää jopa kuormituksenalaisilla alueilla, kuten takahampaiden purupinnoilla

Juoksevan yhdistelmämuovin hyödyt eivät lopu tähän: Se on saatavana kahdessa eri juoksevuustasossa (LOW ja SUPER LOW), joista voidaan valita sopiva käyttömieltymysten ja käyttöaiheen mukaisesti. Tuote on saatavilla vain kahdessa eri sävyssä: universal ja universal dark. Tiivistetyn sävyvalikoiman ansiosta sävy voidaan valita intuitiivisesti jopa etualueen hampaille. Tämä on mahdollista optimoidun valon diffuusiotekniikan, kiilteenomaisen läpikuultavuuden ja tuotteen muiden sävynsovitusteknologioiden ansiosta.

Seuraava tapausesimerkki osoittaa, miten CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal on helpottanut elämääni taka-alueen restauraatioiden suhteen.

TAPAUSESIMERKKI

Potilas saapui klinikalle kahden alaleuan oikean poskihampaan amalgaamipaikan vaihtoa varten (hampaat 46 ja 47 FDImerkintätavan mukaan) (kuva 1). CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal LOW -yhdistelmämuovia päätettiin käyttää ainoana paikkausmateriaalina, koska materiaali mukautuu hyvin kaviteetin seinämiin ja helpottaa sen täyttöä. Korjattavien hampaiden sijainnin ansiosta sävyn valinta oli helppoa: U-sävy (universal) toimii loistavasti kaikissa taka-alueen restauraatioissa.

Amalgaamipaikat ja karies poistettiin niin, että tervettä hammaskudosta jäi mahdollisimman paljon jäljelle (kuvat 2 ja 3). Tapauksessa käytettiin selektiivistä kiilteen etsausta, jonka jälkeen alueelle levitettiin yleiskäyttöistä sidosainetta (CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.). Tämän jälkeen kaviteetteihin lisättiin U-sävyistä, matalajuoksuista CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal -yhdistelmämuovia (kuva 4). Innovatiivisen ruiskumallin ansiosta kaviteettiin lisätty juokseva yhdistelmämuovi on käytännössä kuplaton. Tuotteen käyttöohjeiden mukaisesti yksittäisen materiaalikerroksen paksuus ei ylittänyt 2 millimetriä täydellisen polymeraation varmistamiseksi (kuvat 5 ja 6). Kovetuksen onnistuminen on ratkaisevan tärkeää lopullisten restauraatioiden pitkän aikavälin suorituskyvyn kannalta. Jokainen kerros vaatii perusteellisen, 10–20 sekunnin kovetuksen (kovetusvalon mukaan), ennen kuin seuraava kerros voidaan lisätä. Kuten kuvasta 7 käy ilmi, valitun materiaalin alhaisen juoksevuuden ansiosta purupinnan morfologiaa voitiin muotoilla. Vakaampaa SUPER LOW -versiota voidaan käyttää tilanteissa, jolloin restauroitavia anatomisia yksityiskohtia on enemmän. Korkeakiiltoisen lopputuloksen saavuttamiseen kului vain muutama sekunti (kuva 8).

Kuva 1: Kaksi vaihdettavaa amalgaamipaikkaa.

Kuva 2: Tilanne olemassa olevien amalgaamipaikkojen poistamisen jälkeen.

Kuva 3: Suuremman kaviteetin pohjassa näkyy tyypillistä amalgaamin aiheuttamaa värjäymää.

Kuva 4: Paikkaustoimenpide: Kaviteettiin lisätään ensimmäinen kerros juoksevaa yhdistelmämuovia.

Kuva 5: Toisen poskihampaan kaviteetti on jo täytetty, ensimmäiseen poskihampaaseen pitää vielä lisätä toinen kerros juoksevaa yhdistelmämuovia.

Kuva 6: Paikkaus on valmis.

Kuva 7: Luonnollinen purupinnan morfologia ja paikkauksen sävy sulautuu hyvin ympäröivään hammasrakenteeseen.

Kuva 8: Hoitotulos kofferdamkumin poiston jälkeen. Restauraatiot sulautuvat hyvin ympäröiviin hampaisiin sävyn ja pintakiillon osalta.

HELPPOKÄYTTÖINEN VAIHTOEHTO PERINTEISILLE YHDISTELMÄMUOVEILLE

Juokseva yhdistelmämuovi, jolla on hyvät mekaaniset ominaisuudet, voi olla oiva vaihtoehto perinteisille yhdistelmämuoveille etenkin hankalilla alueilla. Vaivaton sävyn valinta, lähes kuplaton annostelu, materiaalin erinomainen mukautuvuus ja käsiteltävyys sekä nopea kiillotus helpottavat huomattavasti hammaslääkärin työtä.

Hammaslääkärit:

JULIEN MOLIA

Julien Molia valmistui vuonna 2008. Opinnäytetyössään Molia käsitteli tietokoneavusteista implantologiaa. Hän perusti yleishammaslääkärin vastaanoton Saint-Jean-de-Luziin, jossa hän on keskittynyt implanttikirurgiaan ja leukaluun rekonstruktioihin. Vuonna 2017 hän suoritti toisen, implantologiaan liittyvän yliopistotutkinnon päivittääkseen ja syventääkseen asiantuntemustaan. Hän on myös osallistunut digitaalista hammashoitoa, ortodonttisia miniruuveja ja mukogingivaalikirurgiaa käsitteleviin lisäkoulutuksiin. Molia pyrkii työssään konservatiiviseen hoitotapaan, ja hän onkin ollut Gil Tirletin ja Jean-Pierre Attalin yksityiskoulutuksessa Pariisissa. Molia on yksi Lounais-Ranskan BioTeamin perustajajäsenistä. BioTeam on kliiniseen tutkimukseen ja innovointiin keskittynyt yhteistyöryhmä.

Case by Dt. Koray Kendir, DDS, Turkey (İzmir)

TIIVISTELMÄ

Tässä kliinisessä tapausraportissa esitellään suoralla tekniikalla toteutettuja takahampaiden yhdistelmämuovirestauraatioita, joissa on hyödynnetty Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. -yhtiön yleiskäyttöisiä “Universal Excellence” -tuotteita. Yleiskäyttöinen sidosaine (CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2)  ja runsaasti täyteainetta sisältävä, yleiskäyttöistä sävyä oleva juokseva yhdistelmämuovi (CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal)  valittiin niiden helppokäyttöisyyden ja lopputuloksen ennakoitavuuden vuoksi. Artikkelissa kuvataan vaiheittainen kliininen prosessi, joka kattaa hampaiden eristyksen, kaviteetin preparoinnin, syvän marginaalisen reunan korotuksen, sidostusprotokollan sekä viimeistellyn restauraation.

TAPAUKSEN KUVAUS

38-vuotias naispotilas hakeutui vastaanotolle hampaidenvälisen ienverenvuodon sekä vasemman yläkulmahampaan ja ensimmäisen premolaarin (hampaat 23 ja 24) kylmänherkkyyden vuoksi. Kliinisessä tutkimuksessa todettiin hampaassa 23 sijaitsevan restauraation avoin marginaalisauma ja sekundaarikaries ienrajassa. Kofferdameristyksen jälkeen hoitotoimenpiteet toteutettiin vaiheittain seuraavasti:

KLIININEN TOIMENPIDE

Vaihe 1. Hampaassa 23 oli avoin marginaalisauma ja kariesvaurio (kuva 1).

Vaihe 2. Kariesleesiot poistettiin ienrajaan saakka kiilteen poistamisen jälkeen. Hampaan 24 leesion todettiin ulottuvan subgingivaalisesti eli ienrajan alapuolelle (kuva 2).

Vaihe 3. Karieksen täydellisen poiston ja kaviteetin viimeistelyn jälkeen varmistui, että hampaalle 24 oli suoritettava syvän marginaalireunan korotus (DME, deep margin elevation) (kuva 3).

Vaihe 4. Hampaalle 24 tehtiin syvän marginaalisen rajan korotus tapausta varten tehdyn sektorikiilan avulla. Ensin pintaa etsattiin selektiivisesti, minkä jälkeen siihen levitettiin CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 -sidosainetta ja sitten CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Super Low)  -yhdistelmämuovia (kuvat 4–6).

Vaihe 5. Marginaalireunan korotuksen jälkeen hampaisiin asetettiin asianmukaiset matriisit, minkä jälkeen hampaiden 23 ja 24 suorat restauraatiot toteutettiin CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Super Low) -materiaalilla (kuvat 7–9). Materiaalin erinomaisen käsiteltävyyden, hampaaseen mukautuvan sävyn ja hyvän kiillotettavuuden ansiosta haastava syvän marginaalireunan korotus ja restauraation viimeistely oli helppo toteuttaa.

Hoitotulos näytetään kuvissa 10–11.

Kuva 1: Kuva toimenpidettä edeltävästä tilanteesta kofferdamkumieristyksen jälkeen

Kuva 2: Kliininen tilanne karieksen poiston jälkeen

Kuva 3: Viimeistellyt kaviteetit ja syvä marginaali välihampaassa

Kuva 4: Tapausta varten tehty kiila, joka valmistettiin marginaalireunan korottamista varten

Kuva 5: Bukkaalipuolelta kuvatut hampaat yleiskäyttöisillä tuotteilla tehdyn syvän marginaalireunan korotuksen jälkeen

Kuva 6: Hampaiden purupintanäkymä yleiskäyttöisillä tuotteilla tehdyn syvän marginaalireunan korotuksen jälkeen

Kuva 7: Sektorimatriisin asettaminen

Kuva 8: Bukkaalipuolelta kuvatut hampaat, joiden restauraatioissa on käytetty yleiskäyttöistä sävyä olevaa juoksevaa yhdistelmämuovia (erittäin alhainen juoksevuus)

Kuva 9: Purupintanäkymä hampaista, joiden restauraatioissa on käytetty yleiskäyttöistä sävyä olevaa juoksevaa yhdistelmämuovia

Kuva 10: Purupintanäkymä hampaiden 23 ja 24 valmiista restauraatioista, joista käy ilmi sävyn mukautuvuus, hampaiden anatomiset piirteet ja pintakiilto

Kuva 11: Bukkaalipuolen näkymä hampaiden 23 ja 24 valmiista restauraatioista, joista käy ilmi sävyn mukautuvuus, hampaiden anatomiset piirteet ja pintakiilto

POHDINTA

Universaalit sidosaineet ja nykyaikaiset juoksevat yhdistelmämuovit ovat vähemmän tekniikkaherkkiä, mikä sujuvoittaa taka-alueen suorien restauraatioiden toteuttamista kestävyydestä tinkimättä. Tässä tapauksessa CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 mahdollisti vahvan sidoslujuuden saavuttamisen erittäin lyhyellä applikointiajalla. Universaali yhdistelmämuovi osoittautui erinomaisesti mukautuvaksi ja kestäväksi materiaaliksi, jolla on poikkeuksellisen hyvät kiillotusominaisuudet. Huolimatta subgingivaalisesta marginaalista ja DME-toimenpiteen asettamista haasteista, kliininen prosessi oli suoraviivainen ja lopputulos laadukas.

JOHTOPÄÄTÖS

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 yhdessä CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal -materiaalin kanssa auttaa hammaslääkäreitä tekemään ennakoitavampia taka-alueen restauraatioita entistä tehokkaammin. Universaalit ja helposti käsiteltävät materiaalit ovat ”Universal Excellence” -konseptin mukaisia, jonka tarkoituksena on auttaa hammaslääkäreitä luomaan laadukkaita restauraatioita helpommin.

Etiikka ja eturistiriidat

Kaikki toimenpiteet suoritettiin yleisten hammaslääketieteen käytäntöjen mukaisesti. Potilas on antanut tietoon perustuvan suostumuksensa hoitoa ja anonymisoitujen kliinisten kuvien julkaisua varten. Kirjoittaja tekee yhteistyötä Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. -yhtiön kanssa neuvonantajan ominaisuudessa. Sisältö perustuu kliiniseen kokemukseen.

Dentist:

KORAY KENDIR

Koray Kendir on valmistunut Hacettepen yliopiston hammaslääketieteen tiedekunnasta. Kendir on yksi İzmirissä sijaitsevan yksityisen hammasklinikan perustajajäsenistä. Hän on erikoistunut digitaaliseen hammashoitoon, hymyn suunnitteluun ja tietokoneavusteisiin restauraatiohoitoihin. Innovatiivisesta lähestymistavastaan tunnettu Kendir eluennoi säännöllisesti kansallisissa hammaslääketieteen kongresseissa ja toimii useiden hammasalan yritysten neuvonantajana.

Cases by MDT Leonidas Dimitriou

INTRODUCTION

Patient demands and expectations have never been as concrete as in this day and age: Influenced by role models on social media and new aesthetic standards, our patients ask for brighter smiles or for restorations with specific tooth forms rather than demanding a perfect copy of nature. For us dental technicians, the challenge lies in finding a perfect balance between fulfilling these demands and respecting established biomimetics-inspired principles of aesthetics and function.

To accomplish this task, we need to know which principles need to be respected and where there is room for creativity. At the same time, it is essential to be well-informed about the latest technological advancements and developments in dental materials to be able to select the most appropriate restorative approaches. Only by understanding the selected materials and technological tools very well, will we be able to exploit their potential and deliver the best possible restorative solution. To sum up, we need to keep one foot in the boat of science and the other in the boat of art. Only by balancing both can we navigate the rapid advancements in the field effectively - ensuring they serve patients’ best interests while avoiding practices that lack purpose or meaning.

The challenge lies in finding a perfect balance between fulfilling the patient‘s demands and respecting established biomimetics-inspired principles of aesthetics and function.

MATERIAL CHOICES

Our favored framework materials for the production of aesthetic anterior restorations include KATANA™ Zirconia UTML, KATANA™ Zirconia STML discs (both Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) and lithium disilicate-based press ingots Amber® Press (HASS). These high-strength ceramics are ideal for fulfilling the aesthetic and functional demands of anterior restorations. Their balanced optical properties allow for the creation of lifelike restorations. Their physical and mechanical properties, on the other hand, are responsible for stability during all clinical steps from try-in to permanent placement, proven bonding ability and a certain error tolerance: Minor adjustments or modifications are possible without the risk of inducing cracks or dimensional changes when firing repeatedly. Finally, both materials are digital workflow compatible, which means that procedures are quick, mock-up, temporary restoration and definitive restoration easily aligned, and remakes facilitated.

The restorations are usually designed in full contour; a labial cutback of 0.3 to 0.5 mm creates sufficient space for the veneering porcelain. The preferred layering approach is micro-layering combined with the internal live stain technique, which offers the benefits of a controlled procedure and predictable, highly aesthetic outcomes with brilliant depth effects in short time. A layering material that precisely meets our needs regarding the preferred approach and is perfectly compatible with both, lithium disilicate and zirconia, is CERABIEN™ MiLai (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.).

The following two case reports are used to illustrate how this material combines with the different framework materials, revealing further benefits of the selected ceramics and techniques.

CASE #01

LITHIUM DISILICATE VENEERS

This 36-year-old female patient wanted to replace her bonded composite veneers. She expressed the demand for a brighter smile with a bleached color (NW 0.5) selected for her six maxillary anterior teeth and first premolars. However, she wanted the tooth preparation for this treatment to be as minimally invasive as possible.

In addition, she specifically requested that the teeth be square in form, with the lateral incisors the same length as the central incisors and the incisal edges straight, without rounded corners – clearly influenced by modern aesthetic standards. We explained our concerns regarding potential aesthetic and functional issues that might necessitate further intervention or adjustments, but she remained firm in her choices.

FROM DESIGN TO PRESSED FRAMEWORK

In line with the patient’s demands, it was planned to restore her maxillary teeth from first premolar to first premolar with lithium disilicate veneers (Amber® Press HT in the shade W2), which would allow for the desired minimally invasive preparations and bright appearance. Following tooth preparation, an analog impression was taken and sent to our laboratory. After the production of the model, the case was digitalized for the virtual designing of the veneers. In order to create space for the porcelain, the labial surfaces of the full-contour restorations were reduced by 0.3 mm with the software (exocad® DentalCAD, Figs. 1 and 2).

The frameworks were then milled in wax and pressed in Amber® Press HT W2 (Figs. 3 and 4). Sprues were cut and the surfaces of the veneer frameworks processed with a Diagen-Turbo-Grinder Ø 3,5 x 11 mm Cone and Wheel.

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INTRODUCTION

Adhesive dentistry has seen significant advancements over the past decades. Initially, dental adhesives evolved from no-etch systems to etch-and-rinse systems, which consisted of multiple components. From then on, manufacturers shifted focus toward simplifying the procedure. Different generations of self-etch adhesives and, finally multi-mode or universal adhesives were the result. The latter category, introduced in the early 2010s, nowadays comprises numerous products offered by many different manufacturers.

In general, universal adhesives offer more procedural freedom and simplicity than multi-step, multi-bottle systems as well as good adhesion. According to a recent review¹, adhesive properties have improved and manufacturers have also succeeded in reducing the technique sensitivity of the adhesive systems. However, hybrid layer degradation still seems to be a relevant issue for many modern products available on the market. Moreover, feedback from clinicians reveals that there are several areas of concern where bonding systems in general can be improved. These include the risk of contamination due to a lengthy procedure or the need for rubbing, pooling of the adhesive in corners and accumulation along margins. Moreover, some adhesives are challenging to introduce into narrow cavities, while their curability may be limited.

That is why Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. decided to develop a new-generation universal adhesive that addresses these areas of concern: CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2. This latest evolution in dental bonding technology is based on decades of knowledge in the development of clinically successful dental adhesives at Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. It retains all the benefits of its predecessor – the current extensively tested and clinically proven CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick – adding higher strength and improved handling.^2-5

THE ESSENTIAL BENEFITS OF CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2

CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 offers the following essential benefits:

• Quick and straightforward application procedure
• High-strength bonding layer
• Consistently durable bond
• Ease of application
• Minimised risk of pooling
• Procedural freedom
• Immediate availability for clinical use

For all those who wonder how the improvements were implemented, which technologies are responsible for them and whether there is scientific proof, the following paragraphs are worth reading. They summarize essential general knowledge about adhesive formulations, explain potential issues and their causes, and address every benefit featured by CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2, explaining all the important details around it.

KEY COMPONENTS OF UNIVERSAL ADHESIVES

Universal adhesives are based on highly complex formulations with many different constituents and technologies combined in a single bottle. The most essential parts found in virtually every universal adhesive are:

RESIN COMPONENTS

Just like composite restorative materials, dental adhesives are resin-based materials. This means that different kinds of cross-linking and functional monomers are the beating heart of the formulation. Functional monomers are initially hydrophilic and form linear polymers upon curing, while cross linking polymers are hydrophobic and form stronger, highly cross-linked polymer networks.⁶ They are added to adhesive formulations to fulfil different tasks: some monomers are used to promote adhesion to tooth structure or composite resin, while others are used as etching or demineralizing agents, wetting enablers, and agents promoting penetration into the tooth structure. Hence, they have an impact on application properties, bond strength to various substrates including enamel and dentin, strength, hydrolytic stability and overall durability of the bonding layer, and more.

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References

1. Breschi L, Maravic T, Mazzitelli C, Josic U, Mancuso E, Cadenaro M, Pfeifer CS, Mazzoni A. The evolution of adhesive dentistry: From etch-and-rinse to universal bonding systems. Dent Mater. 2025 Feb;41(2):141-158.
2. Jaggi M, Karlin S, Zitzmann NU, Rohr N. Shear bond strength of universal adhesives to human enamel and dentin. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2024 May;36(5):804-812.
3. Peumans M, Vandormael S, De Coster I, De Munck J, Van Meerbeek B. Three-year Clinical Performance of a Universal Adhesive in Non Carious Cervical Lesions. J Adhes Dent. 2023 Jun 8;25(1):133-146. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b4186751. PMID: 37387551.
4. de Almeida RAM, Lima SNL, Nassif MV, Mattos NHR, de Matos TP, de Jesus Tavarez RR, Cardenas AFM, Bandeca MC, Loguercio AD. Eighteen-month clinical evaluation of a new universal adhesive applied in the “no-waiting” technique: a randomized clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2023 Jan;27(1):151-163. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04703-7. Epub 2022 Sep 6. PMID: 36068369; PMCID: PMC9447982.
5. De Almeida R, Siqueira F, Verde T, Naupari-Villasante R, Reis A, Loguercio AD, Cardenas A. Prolonged application time effects on universal adhesives in non-carious cervical lesions: An 18-month split mouth randomized clinical trial. J Dent. 2024 Jan;140:104800. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104800. Epub 2023 Dec 4. PMID: 38056759.
6. Van Landuyt KL, Snauwaert J, De Munck J, Peumans M, Yoshida Y, Poitevin A, Coutinho E, Suzuki K, Lambrechts P, Van Meerbeek B. Systematic review of the chemical composition of contemporary dental adhesives. Biomaterials 2007; 28(26):3757-85.

Case by DT Andreas Chatzimpatzakis and Dr Evi Lianou

Selecting the right materials for a successful rehabilitation of edentulous jaws with fixed implant-based prostheses can be quite challenging. High strength and stability are needed to securely connect the implants, biocompatibility is a must and the functional, aesthetic and financial expectations of the patient need to be respected. Experience shows that – in many situations – the combination of a titanium bar with a zirconia framework finished using the micro-layering technique is a great option. This material combination and approach meets the demands mentioned, while supporting efficient procedures and aesthetic outcomes.

In the present case, a 53-year-old male patient with a history of periodontal disease presented in the dental office of Dr Evi Lianou (Dental Clinic, Lamia, Greece). Due to a poor prognosis of the remaining teeth, it was planned to extract them. As a removable full denture was not an option for the patient, the treatment plan included the insertion of four implants in the mandible and six in the maxilla, followed by a healing phase and subsequent definitive rehabilitation with screw-retained, titanium bar-based zirconia superstructures finished by micro-layering. The following figures and captions describe the technical procedure.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical situation showing several remaining teeth with a poor prognosis.

Fig. 2. Screw-retained titanium bar for the mandible.

Fig. 3. Screw-retained titanium bar for the maxilla.

Fig. 4. Mandibular restoration: Milled framework made of KATANA™ Zirconia HTML PLUS (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) with a minimal (0.3 mm) vestibular cutback placed only on the six anterior teeth.

Fig. 5. Maxillary restoration: Milled framework made of KATANA™ Zirconia HTML PLUS with a minimal vestibular cutback (0.3 mm) placed only on the six anterior teeth.

Fig. 6. Mandibular restoration, 33-43 internal staining with CERABIEN™ MiLai Internal Stains (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.). 34-37 & 44-47 External characterization with CERABIEN™ ZR FC Paste Stain.

Fig. 7. Maxillary restoration 13-23 internal staining with CERABIEN™ MiLai Internal Stains. 14-17, 24-27 External characterization with CERABIEN™ ZR FC Paste Stain.

Fig. 8. Mandibular and maxillary restorations on the model: Additional internal staining to the anterior. Posterior teeth were completed with CERABIEN™ ZR FC Paste Stain.

Fig. 9. Mandibular restoration after the application of CERABIEN™ MiLai Porcelains LT1 mixed with CCV2 (ratio 50:50) for the cervical and Tx for the incisal.

Fig. 10. Maxillary restoration after the application of CERABIEN™ MiLai Porcelains LT1 mixed with CCV2 (ratio 50:50) for the cervical and Tx for the incisal third.

Fig. 11. Mandibular restoration after the bake, showing some typical characteristics of aged teeth.

Fig. 12. Maxillary restoration after the bake, showing some typical characteristics of aged teeth.

Fig. 13. Mandibular restoration with applied tissue porcelains and corrections in the tooth area.

Fig. 14. Maxillary restoration with applied tissue porcelains and corrections in the tooth area.

Fig. 15. Mandibular restoration after finishing glazing and polishing.

Fig. 16. Maxillary restoration after finishing glazing and polishing.

Fig. 17. Final restorations on the model.

Fig. 18. Final restorations in the patient’s mouth.

Fig. 19. New smile of the patient.

Fig. 20. Patient with new fixed dental prostheses.

CONCLUSION

The described material combination and technique allows for efficient workflows, while supporting aesthetic, durable treatment outcomes. With functional surfaces designed in plain, polished zirconia and just a tiny layer of porcelain in the vestibular region, the restorations are made to last. Moreover, the selected framework material and porcelain system are a perfect match.

The chosen porcelain system works well with other zirconia brands and even with lithium disilicate. It can be used with or without internal stains, making it a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications, patient needs, and aesthetic demands.

Case report by Dr Mediha Isikver

Tooth fractures and secondary caries are frequently observed in posterior teeth, often resulting from occlusal stress, restoration failure, or secondary bacterial infiltration. These conditions compromise tooth integrity, function, and aesthetics. With advancements in adhesive dentistry, minimally invasive and durable restorative solutions have become achievable. Material selection plays a critical role in the success of composite restorations, influencing marginal adaptation, wear resistance, and patient satisfaction. This case report describes the step-by-step clinical management of a fractured and secondary carious permanent molar restored using materials from Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 32-year-old female patient presented to the clinic with sensitivity and discomfort in the upper left posterior region. Clinical examination revealed a distal wall fracture on tooth #26 (maxillary left first molar) with a secondary carious lesion extending subgingivally. Radiographic evaluation confirmed the absence of periapical pathology. Adjacent teeth (#25 and #27) showed early carious activity, but the patient opted for the restoration of tooth #26 only. The tooth was asymptomatic to percussion and showed normal vitality on pulp testing.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical view of tooth #26 under rubber dam isolation.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

1. Isolation and caries removal: The tooth was isolated with rubber dam. The existing defective restoration and carious tissue were carefully removed using tungsten carbide burs and a slow-speed handpiece.
2. Surface cleaning: After preparation, KATANA™ Cleaner was applied to remove contaminants and optimize bonding surface quality.
3. Bonding procedure: A single-step, self-etch adhesive, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2, was applied to both enamel and dentin following the protocol recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Restorative phase: The deep and undercut areas were resin coated with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal Low (U shade), ensuring adaptation and stress relief in undercut regions. The remaining cavity was restored incrementally using CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal (U shade) paste-type composite, with each 2 mm layer light-cured for 20 seconds.

Fig. 2. Clinical view of tooth #26 after removal of the defective restoration and carious tissue.

Fig. 3. Application of KATANA™ Cleaner to remove contaminants and optimize bonding surface quality after preparation.

Fig. 4. Selective enamel etching performed on tooth #26.

Fig. 5. CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 applied to both enamel and dentin following the manufacturer’s recommended protocol.

Fig. 6. Resin coating with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal Low (U shade).

Fig. 7. Reconstruction of the mesial and distal walls with CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal (U shade) composite.

Fig. 8. Incremental build-up of cusps and occlusal anatomy using CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal composite, refined with a brush for contour adjustment.

Fig. 9. Initial finishing of the composite restoration performed with darkcoloured TWIST™ DIA for Composite (medium) rubber points to refine surface texture and anatomy.

Fig. 10. Final polishing performed with light-coloured TWIST™ DIA for Composite (fine) rubber points to achieve a highgloss, smooth surface.

FINAL SITUATION

Fig. 11. Final view of the restoration after occlusal adjustment and polishing.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that adhesive and restorative systems from Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. offer a reliable, efficient and effective approach for treating fractured and secondary carious posterior teeth. The integration of self-etch adhesives and high performance composites contributes to durable and aesthetically pleasing restorations. Continuous follow-up is essential to evaluate the long-term clinical behaviour of these materials.

Dentist:

MEDIHA ISIKVER

Dr Mediha Isikver is a graduate of the Ege University Faculty of Dentistry and the co-founder of Klinik M in Istanbul, Turkey. She focuses her professional practice on aesthetic and restorative dentistry, with particular expertise in composite laminate layering, porcelain laminates, and smile design. Believing that every smile tells its own story, she aims to create personalized aesthetic transformations that blend natural harmony with artistic detail.

Case report by Vasilis Vasiliou

AESTHETIC RESTORATION OF MAXILLARY INCISORS

Falling in love, applying for a first job, attending a best friend’s wedding: There are so many occasions for young people when looking gorgeous is important. That is why restoring a young patient’s smile to its natural beauty is a special task that demands a lot from us. We need to listen to their touching stories, understand their specific needs and desires – and finally find a way to exceed their expectations. Whenever our plan works and is performed correctly, the outcome will be rewarded with extreme gratitude by those affected. After all, it is not only the smile we restore, but also the patients’ self-confidence and quality of life.

SINGLE BAKE, NATURAL RESULT

The good news: Even highly aesthetic all-ceramic restorations can be produced with a minimal number of bakes. Modern framework materials and porcelain systems allow us to imitate a natural play of colours and translucencies, a virtually unlimited number of individual effects and a vivid surface texture in a predictable way. A possible procedure is illustrated below. The materials utilized in this case were KATANA™ Zirconia STML and CERABIEN™ ZR (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) and the restoration was completed using the One-Bake technique developed by MDT Nondas Vlachopoulos.

Fig. 1. Frameworks made of KATANA Zirconia STML in the shade A1.

Fig. 2. Single-bake layering procedure: Application of CERABIEN ZR Opacious Body in the cervical …

Fig. 3. … and mamelon areas.

Fig. 4. CERABIEN ZR Body porcelain applied in the body area.

Fig. 5. CERABIEN ZR Transitional Dentine used to increase the translucency in the incisal part.

Fig. 6. CERABIEN ZR Opacious Body added in specific areas to create more reflaction.

Fig. 7. Incisal cut-back and creation of the mamelon structure as well as adding of T Blue to give depth.

Fig. 8. … in the body and distal incisal areas.

Fig. 9. Application of Aqua Blue 1 and T Blue on the incisal edges to produce a youthful translucency.

Fig. 10. Creation … effect

Fig. 11. … of mamelons.

Fig. 12. Application of Luster porcelains: LTx, …

Fig. 13. … ELT1 …

Fig. 14. … and LT1.

Fig. 15. Cutback of the dentin for the creation of a halo effect.

Fig. 16. Final shape: Halo effect created with Body.

Fig. 17. Treatment outcome after a first bake followed by minor adjustments, surface texturing and glazing with CERABIEN™ ZR FC Paste Stain Clear Glaze.

Fig. 18. Restorations adhesively cemented in the patient’s mouth.

CONCLUSION

Restoring a young patient’s smile is a particularly challenging task, as the quality of the outcome has a huge effect on the self-confidence and quality of life of the affected person. By listening closely to our patients’ stories, understanding their needs and knowing our materials well, we are able to deliver exactly what they need. It is their positive feedback and happiness that drives me to never stop learning and practicing with my ceramics and porcelains for continued improvement and even better outcomes.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Loukia Pedoulou for the professional partnership and clinical support in achieving this result.

Dental Technician:

VASILIS VASILIOU

Vasilis Vasiliou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, and graduated from the Technical School for Dental Technicians in Athens in 2004. He has furthered his education by attending several advanced seminars led by mentors and experts in the field, such as Ilias Psarris and Nondas Vlachopoulos.

Throughout his career, Vasilis has made significant contributions to the dental community, including presenting at various conferences in Greece and publishing articles in Greek dental magazines. Since 2020, he has been a key opinion leader for MPF Brush Company and, since 2022, a HASS Ambassador. Vasilis has been an active member of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) since 2019.

Together with his father, Vasilis runs a successful dental laboratory in Nicosia, specializing in all-ceramic and implant restorations. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence have established him as a respected professional in his field.

REDEFINING WHAT “UNIVERSAL”  MEANS

When discussing the universal properties of a dental adhesive, most of us probably think of its compatibility with various etching techniques (from self-etch to total-etch) and a wide indication range. After all, universal adhesives are typically used as bonding agents for direct restorations made of light-curing composite, for immediate dentin sealing, for repair procedures and also in the context of indirect restoration placement.

However, in our opinion, there is more to it:

This means it should be compatible with any resin-based composite and self-adhesive resin cement, regardless of the manufacturer.

BREAKING FREE FROM SYSTEM BOUNDARIES

This is not self-evident: For a long time, “staying within the manufacturer’s own system ” has been a key prerequisite for the successful use of dual-cure core build-up materials and self-adhesive resin cements. Manufacturers worldwide have strongly recommended combining components from the same manufacturer and system to provide for chemical compatibility, optimal alignment, and the best possible outcomes. 

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2: FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY

With the new CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2, this is no longer necessary: The R&D team of Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. in Japan has developed an adhesive that works well not only with the company’s self-adhesive resin cement PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal, but also with other manufacturers’ products. The same applies to core build-up materials: Compatibility is no longer limited to CLEARFIL™ DC CORE PLUS, but extends to solutions offered by other companies. Thorough testing has confirmed that it works well – provided each product’s official instructions for use are followed.

ONE ADHESIVE FOR EVERY CHALLENGE

This makes CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 a truly universal adhesive and, in fact, the only one needed in your dental practice. Interested? Learn more about the product and its innovative features, including its effortless application with no waiting time. 

SMART. STREAMLINED. UNIVERSAL.

At Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., we understand the demands of modern dental practices. Balancing complex procedures, tight schedules, and patient needs is no easy task. That is why we have been on a relentless journey to streamline, enhance, and refine every step of your work for decades. Our vision is clear: a world where your materials and tools work seamlessly in your hands, where complexity is minimized, and where you are given enough time to focus on what matters most: the individual desires and needs of every single patient. This is the future of dentistry, and together, we’re making it happen.

We invite you to explore our comprehensive Universal Excellence portfolio —  from bonding agent to composites and resin cement. For Smart Streamlined Solutions in your practice.

DENTAL ADVISOR 2026 AWARDS RECOGNISING KURARAY NORITAKE PRODUCTS FOR EXCELLENCE AND RELIABILITY

As clinical demands continue to rise and chairside time becomes increasingly precious, dental professionals are nowadays looking for materials and devices that truly deliver in daily practice – while demanding less of themselves. In this context, efficiency, ease of use and long-term performance have become decisive factors in product selection.

In a market characterized by frequent product introductions and bold claims, however, identifying the most suitable solutions can be challenging. A useful guide to well-founded decisions: Independent evaluations that combine rigorous laboratory testing with real-practice clinical assessments. One of the most trusted institutions offering this kind of evaluations in the Dental Advisor. Once per year, this respected authority in dental product testing publishes its Top & Preferred Product and Research Awards – highlighting those products that stand out not only for innovation, but for proven, consistent performance.

In 2026, several solutions from Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. were recognized – ranging from a new universal flowable composite to long-established materials that continue to define modern restorative and adhesive dentistry.

A PROMISING BLEND OF CHARACTERISTICS: RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS

According to Dental Advisor, “Companies that receive Research Awards demonstrate a commitment to advancing dental technology and enhancing patient care.” Product properties are tested in the Dental Advisor Biomaterials Research Center to evaluate the scientific performance and identify those materials with the most promising blend of characteristics.

1. CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 (Research Award and Preferred Product)

Launched in 2025, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 is an enhanced version of the popular multi-mode adhesive CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick. Both stand out due to their minimal application time. Research conducted at the Dental Advisor Biomaterials Research Center demonstrated excellent bond strength to enamel and dentin, even after artificial aging and saliva contamination. The latter indicates a consistent performance even in wet environments like the oral cavity. The in-vitro tests also confirmed a thin film thickness (3-5μm), supporting accurate seating of indirect restorations.

2. CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Research and Top Product Award)

CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal is a highly filled flowable composite launched in 2025. It features submicron fillers (78% by weight) and a simplified universal shade system enabled by light diffusion technology. Independent testing in the Biomaterials Research Center of the Dental Advisor confirmed that it delivers some of the highest strength values in its class, along with excellent radiopacity and great shade matching compared with other universal-shade composites. Designed for efficient placement, its syringes and application tips help minimize voids, a benefit confirmed by radiographic analysis of filled syringes and attached tips after dispensing of material. Viscosity testing reveals that the material offers a low-flow, no-slump consistency that allows precise cusp build-up and detailed anatomical sculpting. While the material is available in two flowabilities (Low and Super Low) in Europe, Super Low  is the variant offered in the United States and tested in the Dental Advisor Biomaterials Research Center.

3. KATANA™ Cleaner

KATANA™ Cleaner became a 2026 Research Award winner without prior clinical evaluation. The universal cleaning agent contains MDP salt, designed to effectively remove contaminants from both restorative materials and tooth structure. Laboratory testing by the Dental Advisor demonstrated that it restores bond strength on saliva-contaminated zirconia and lithium disilicate to optimal levels, with SEM analysis confirming nearly complete surface cleanliness. In its summary of research highlights, the Dental Advisor team stressed that KATANA™ Cleaner is one of the few commercially available cleaners approved for intraoral use.

4. PANAVIA™ Veneer LC (Research Award and Preferred Product)

PANAVIA™ Veneer LC is widely recognised for delivering strong, durable bonding and highly aesthetic outcomes in veneer procedures. Laboratory testing revealed that, when used with the US-recommended components – PANAVIA Veneer LC Paste, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick and CLEARFIL™ Ceramic Primer Plus – the system maintains a high bond strength even after artificial aging. This performance was consistent across multiple substrates, including enamel, dentin, silica-based ceramics (lithium disilicate) and zirconia. Furthermore, the system outperformed two other leading veneer cements in gloss retention and wear resistance.

TOP PRODUCT AWARD WINNERS

Top Products are “exceptional products [that] have consistently demonstrated their excellence and reliability, earning a lasting place in our publication“. The winners are selected based on laboratory testing and clinical evaluations conducted under real-life conditions: “Our dedicated volunteer evaluators provide unbiased insights from their real-world experiences, ensuring that only the very best receive this prestigious accolade”, as stated on www.dentaladvisor.com.

1. CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow

A proven favourite, CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow earned a Top Award for the 10^th time(!), reaffirming its position as a leading product in the direct restoratives category (Composite: Highly Filled Flowable). Recognized for its excellent handling, ease of use, and true-to-life aesthetics, it remains a trusted choice for clinicians seeking versatility and consistently high-quality results. Aesthetic properties were highlighted by one of the evaluators as follows: "The material blended so well with the tooth structure that you had to look hard to find the interface." 

2. CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Research and Top Product Award)

This product not only excels in the laboratory setting, but also in the practice environment. Among the top features highlighted clinically are its ideal, non-slumping consistency, optimised translucency and great blend-in ability supported by light-diffusion technology. The blend-in ability, along with the benefits resulting form the delivery system, are reflected in a comment: “Excellent shade matching and no air bubbles.”

3. CLEARFIL™ SE Protect

CLEARFIL™ SE Protect continues to set the standard among self-etch adhesives, combining antibacterial properties with fluoride release. Backed by a strong history of clinical success, it received a Top Award this year for its outstanding bonding performance and long-term reliability, making it a key component in modern restorative dentistry. An evaluator commented: "The gold standard in bonding to reduce post operative sensitivity."

4. PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal

Designed for straightforward and dependable self-adhesive cementation, PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal earned a Top Award for its high-quality bonding to a wide variety of substrates – without the need for additional primers. Its user-friendly handling and predictable outcomes make it a popular choice for clinicians who value both efficiency and performance. Evaluators highlighted its moisture tolerance as well as its "Amazing viscosity, tack cure-ability and very easy cleanup."

5. TEETHMATE™ DESENSITIZER

Awarded a Top Award for the nineth consecutive year, TEETHMATE™ DESENSITIZER continues to stand out for its exceptional effectiveness in managing hypersensitivity. This non-invasive solution remains highly regarded for delivering durable, long-lasting relief from sensitivity. Its long-lasting effect was confirmed in a comment: “At six months, the majority of patients continue to experience marked improvement from their pre-operative sensitivity or no sensitivity at all."

PREFERRED PRODUCT AWARD WINNERS

According to www.dentaladvisor.com, “The Preferred Product Awards highlight those items that not only excel in performance but also resonate with the needs of dental practitioners.“ Products are selected for this award based on clinical evaluations and in-vitro test results, and a preferred feature is always highlighted.

1. CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 (Research Award and Preferred Product)

Apart from winning a Research Award, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 became a Preferred Product mainly for its rapid working time, enabled by a formulation with a unique blend of proven and new monomers. It allows clinicians to apply the adhesive and begin working instantly – a feature that is very well received by the consultants: "Extremely quick application time that allowed me to get right to work. Every time saving ability is ideal." Film thickness is low and application extraordinarily easy.

2. CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS

The fact that it is a versatile, one-step solution made CLEARFIL™ CERAMIC PRIMER PLUS become a Preferred Product in the category Indirect Restoratives – Universal Primer once again. An evaluator was particularly happy that it is “Easy to use on a variety of materials”.  While highly versatile in application, the product also stands out for delivering exceptional bond strength – especially when applied to silica-based ceramics, zirconia, and composites. Its proven performance has made it a trusted choice among clinicians around the world.

3. PANAVIA™ Veneer LC (Research Award and Preferred Product)

PANAVIA™ Veneer LC’s preferred feature is its excellent handling, as stated by the evaluators. They liked to apply and model it, as it offered the desired combination of flowability, stability, viscosity and non-stickiness. While matching try-in pastes were well-received, one evaluator particularly highlighted the opacity of the white shade: "The white shade of the cement was opaque enough for efficient masking of discolored
tooth structure."

A SHARED FOCUS ON IMPROVING PATIENT CARE

At Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., innovation is guided by a clear understanding of clinical realities. The awards received in 2026 reflect an ongoing commitment to developing materials that balance scientific excellence with practical usability – supporting predictable outcomes, efficient workflows and improved patient care. As dentistry continues to evolve, the recognition from the Dental Advisor underscores the importance of solutions that stand the test of time. By listening closely to clinicians and investing continuously in research and development, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. remains focused on advancing dental science in ways that matter most – supporting dental professionals in their striving for success and for enhancing their patients’ quality of life, every day.