Invisible transition from tooth to composite

Article by Peter Schouten.

We've seen them all: composite fillings that function present clinically, but are too ‘visible’ to be called aesthetic. The much-used term 'white filling' is probably quite appropriate here. In comparison to the tooth structure, these restorations are too opaque, or sometimes too transparent.

How much better would it be if the composite helped to create a seamless transition between tooth structure and composite? The so-called 'blending'.

But what enables this 'blending’ of composite and tooth structure to occur? The secret lies in utilizing the right mix of different filler particles and resins which give CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 its light-diffusing properties. By varying the proportion of light-diffusing particles and the amount of pigment, it's possible to create composites with differing light-scattering properties and opacities. The most opaque variants contain more light-diffusing particles and more pigment. The more translucent ones contain obviously less.

All CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 variants have the same filler content. This is important, as it means that the mechanical properties of all the CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 variants are the same. The more translucent variants contain more barium glass than the more opaque variants. A higher barium glass content can lead to a less workable composite. With CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2, this is not the case. Kuraray has mastered the silanization process to such an extent that all variants, whether translucent or opaque, have the same filler amount, without compromising on workability.

Light diffusion test

Light diffusion properties are easy to see if the thin composite slices are placed on a black and white paper background and then held a few millimeters above the paper. Composites with high diffusion properties make the black strip virtually invisible. They blend in more readily with their surroundings.

• Oct 28, 2021

About the Author

Peter Schouten

CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal View Product