To meet the demands of modern dental practices, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. is continually refining existing materials and developing new ones. As part of this commitment, the company introduces CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2, the latest advancement in dental bonding technology. Designed to enhance clinical workflows, this adhesive delivers robust performance across a wide range of applications.

The use of CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 provides a variety of benefits, made possible by the combination of proprietary Advanced Rapid Bond Technology, a newly designed filler dispersion method, and seamless integration with other essential products like restoratives and self-adhesive resin cements. Advanced Rapid Bond Technology features three monomers: the original MDP Monomer, Amide Monomer, and Urethane Tetra Methacrylate (UTMA) Monomer.

The Amide Monomer facilitates rapid penetration into the tooth structure,using its hydrophilic properties . This eliminates the need for waiting after application, saving time and minimizing the risk of contamination. This feature makes the product ideal for situations where moisture control is challenging. The newly added UTMA Monomer is a key component in creating a high-strength bonding layer that resists shrinkage forces. Meanwhile, the MDP Monomer, in combination with other well-matched components, ensures a consistent and durable bond to both enamel and dentin.

The new filler dispersion method provides two significant benefits: it enhances the product’s flowability without reducing the filler content, enabling easy application while forming a thin, uniform bonding layer. This minimizes the risk of pooling and helps maintain the original morphology of the prepared tooth.

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 can be stored at room temperature (max. 25°C) and does not require shaking, making it ready to use at any time. Furthermore, it is well-suited for a variety of clinical scenarios, including direct restoration procedures, cementation of indirect restorations with self-adhesive resin cements, and core build-up procedures. A separate dual-cure activator is not required.

For clinicians seeking to maximize efficiency without compromising treatment quality, combining this adhesive with other high-quality materials from Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.’s universal portfolio is highly recommended. These products, consisting of fewer components and requiring fewer procedural steps, simplify workflows and pave the way for exceptional clinical outcomes.

More information about CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 and the universal portfolio is available online at https://www.kuraraynoritake.eu/.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF NIIGATA FACTORY

Take a tour of Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.'s state-of-the-art Niigata Plant, where high-quality dental materials come to life.

This fascinating video highlights our meticulous production process, from initial R&D to final inspections, showcasing the care and precision that go into creating bonding agents, composite resins, and cements. Learn how strict hygiene control, advanced machinery, and skilled craftsmanship ensure a consistent supply of premium dental materials to over 90 countries worldwide.

Watch the video to discover how innovation and dedication drive better oral health for people around the globe!

INTRODUCING BRAND NEW PRODUCTS FOR SUCCESS WITH STREAMLINED, SMART SOLUTIONS

Kuraray Noritake Dental is pleased to announce that at IDS 2025 it will present a number of innovations that fundamentally improve dental procedures without compromising the quality of the result. Additionally, a number of internationally recognized experts will present their lectures and hands-on demonstrations on two separate stages: one dedicated to chair-side and the other one to lab-side topics. All of this represents not one, but a whole host of reasons to visit the stand (repeatedly).

CHAIR-SIDE NOVELTIES: UNIVERSAL EXCELLENCE

Development of the new products is rooted in a deep understanding of the demands of modern dental practice. Balancing complex procedures, tight schedules and patient needs is no easy task. That is why Kuraray Noritake´s team has been on a relentless journey to streamline, enhance and refine every step of work for decades. The vision is clear: a world where materials and tools work seamlessly in the dentist´s hands, where complexity is minimized, and where professionals are given enough time to focus on what matters most: the individual desires and needs of every single patient. Discover new additions to the UNIVERSAL EXCELLENCE family: a flowable universal composite and a new iteration of a universal bond.

CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal represents a fundamental shift in the idea of what universal composites can achieve. By integrating high filler loading and achieving high flexural strength, CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal challenges the traditional view of flowable composites as merely temporary fixes. Instead, it positions itself as a permanent solution capable of delivering both aesthetic excellence and structural reliability. Its unique light diffusion technology allows working with just two shades, and, in addition to that, offers a choice of two flowability options for easy handling.

CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 is the latest evolution in dental bonding technology, offering a streamlined, efficient solution for dental practitioners. Following the success of its predecessor CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick, the new version “2” offers a redefined monomer technology that delivers exceptional bonding performance with minimal effort. Kuraray Noritake´s proprietary Advanced Rapid Bond Technology combines three key monomers – the original MDP, Amide and Urethane Tetra Methacrylate. Designed to enhance workflows, this adhesive provides robust performance across a wide variety of clinical situations.

LAB-SIDE NOVELTIES

Patient-centered prosthodontic approaches are enabled by innovative restorative materials and their correct processing in the dental laboratory. No matter whether a minimally invasive procedure or the best aesthetic outcomes are desired: Kuraray Noritake Dental has the solutions. In 2025, a new “smart” finishing material is being launched, delivering both on efficiency and aesthetics.

CERABIEN™ MiLai is a set of porcelains and internal stains specifically designed for the micro-layering technique. The name “MiLai” is derived from the term “micro-layering” and the Japanese word “mirai” (which means future). The innovative product based on synthetic feldspar enables dental technicians to add the final touch to their restorations in a simple and time-saving procedure – for outstanding aesthetics right from the start. The low firing temperature of CERABIEN™ MiLai (740°C) makes it the go-to solution for the finishing of both oxide ceramic (e.g. zirconia) and silicate ceramic (e.g. lithium disilicate) restorations. With fewer lines of porcelain needed, the porcelain inventory is reduced further and fewer decisions need to be taken.

Additional information and the full programme of lectures and hands-on courses at the IDS is available online.

Satoshi Yamaguchi, President, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.

KURARAY NORITAKE DENTAL INC. EXCELS IN DENTAL TECHNOLOGY, FOCUSING ON STRENGTH, AESTHETICS AND GLOBAL ADAPTABILITY

Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., a leader in dental materials and technology, blends innovation with a deep commitment to oral health. Established from the merger of Kuraray Medical Inc. and Noritake Dental Supply Co., Limited, the company excels in providing dental bonding agents, fillings, cements, porcelains, zirconia and CAD/CAM blocks. This synergy has allowed the company to push the boundaries of dental science.

“We aim to enhance global oral health and wellness.”

President Satoshi Yamaguchi highlights the company's approach: "We focus on strength, aesthetics and speed in our products. By developing our own zirconia powder and partnering with CAD/CAM system manufacturers, we achieve high-quality, durable and efficient dental solutions." This commitment is evident in the firm's flagship product, KATANA™ Zirconia Block, renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Kuraray Noritake Dental is also striving to develop new products for more longterm predictable dental treatment with bioactive properties. The company is not just focused on developed markets like the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Yamaguchi explains: "Understanding local treatment situations is key. In addition to the U.S. and Europe, having sales offices in places like Brazil and China helps us tailor our products to regional demands." This global presence ensures the company remains at the forefront of dental technology, adapting to diverse market needs.

Tooth crown made from KATANA™ Zirconia

Looking ahead, Mr. Yamaguchi envisions Kuraray Noritake Dental as more than just a technological innovator. "In five years, I hope we are seen not only as a tech company but as a holistic provider of oral care solutions," he says. With a commitment to reducing "invisible stress" for dental professionals and patients, the company aims to enhance global oral health and wellness.Original article published in Newsweek Magazine on September 20th, 2024 Written by The Worldfolio

Technical Specialist for Chairside, Volkan Kacmaz, Introduces Himself

Volkan Kacmaz not only worked as a dentist in Turkey, but he also managed two clinics and earned a Master of Business Administration in Berlin. His diverse experiences seem to have led him to his current role as a Technical Specialist at Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., headquartered near Frankfurt. Who is this friendly, smiley, and curious team member, and why did he specifically choose Kuraray?

While most dentists continue practicing dentistry throughout their careers, Volkan Kacmaz chose a different path. After graduating in 2011, he established his own dental clinic in Istanbul. A few years later, he served in the military for a year as a military dentist. Afterward, he founded two more franchise clinics, taking on the dual roles of manager and dentist. It was during this time that he realized dentistry wasn’t limited to clinical practice. “I’m eager to learn and have always been curious about how products work, the processes behind them, research and development, and the launch of new innovations,” he explains.

INNOVATION

In 2022, Kacmaz became the first dentist to enrol at the Berlin School of Economics and Law, where he learned about marketing, sales, negotiation, and regulations. Upon completing his Master of Business Administration, he made a deliberate decision to join Kuraray Noritake. “Kuraray Noritake's products are of very high quality, both labside and chairside. I already knew this from my experience as a dentist. The company has an excellent and trustworthy reputation among dental professionals,” he says.

Kacmaz also admires the innovative nature of the company. “Kuraray Noritake is responsible for some of the most significant innovations in dentistry. Just look at products like PANAVIA™ cement, the original MDP monomer, and multi-layered zirconia discs and blocks. It’s easy to see that Kuraray Noritake is a major force in the dental market. With their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, you could call them the Apple of the dental world,” he adds.

Another aspect Kacmaz appreciates is Kuraray Noritake's product lineup. “The catalog isn't extensive, but it’s highly specialized. The company doesn’t produce just any product, but focuses on the ones it excels at, ensuring top-notch quality.” Lastly, Kacmaz loves the company culture. “It's a very respectful environment. I’ve had some bad experiences with respect in the past,” he says with a laugh, referring to his time in the military. “But at Kuraray Noritake, you can feel the respect for employees, which is very important to me. I’m very happy to be part of the Kuraray Noritake family.”

COURAGE

When comparing dentistry in Turkey to Western Europe, Kacmaz doesn’t see significant differences. “The brands, quality, and approaches are all the same.” However, he has noticed one small distinction: German dentists aren’t as enthusiastic about digital dentistry as their Turkish counterparts.

Kacmaz draws on all his previous experiences and knowledge in his role as part of the scientific marketing team. His responsibilities include finding scientific support for marketing initiatives. He collaborates with lecturers and dentists to manage research studies using Kuraray Noritake products, works to update measurements in response to market dynamics, and evaluates new products.

His goal? “To become an authority in the dental world,” he says with a smile. It may sound like an ambitious goal, but Kacmaz has learned to dream big. “The biggest decision of my life was leaving my comfort zone and moving to a country where I didn’t speak the language. But I believe it’s a courage you have to show. If you don’t, your dreams and plans will fade, and you’ll miss out on everything.”

LEARNING NEW THINGS

Moving to Germany, which Kacmaz describes as "the epicentre of the dental market," hasn’t always been easy. Coming from a Mediterranean culture, he was used to a more communal and lively environment. In Germany, he noticed that shops close early, and people value their privacy. Another challenge has been the language. While he prefers English, he says, “ein bisschen Deutsch, nicht so gut.”  Fortunately, Kuraray Noritake provides him with German lessons, and he has the best teacher at home—his three-year-old daughter, who learns the language faster than he does and sometimes corrects him.

Despite the challenges, all the adapting and hard work have been worth it. “I’ve realized that there are no limits to learning. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, there’s always something new to discover. You just have to be open to it.”

CONTACT

Volkan Kacmaz can be reached at +49 69 305 35134 or via volkan.kacmaz@kuraray.com.

ABOUT KURARAY NORITAKE DENTAL INC.

Kuraray was founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Japan. Today, it is a leading global manufacturer of medical products, materials, textiles, chemicals, resins, and more. In 2012, Kuraray Medical and Noritake Dental Supply merged to form Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. The company continues to deliver reliable dental bonding agents, ceramics, and other products to over 90 countries worldwide. Well-known products include the KATANA™ Zirconia range, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick, and PANAVIA™ resin cements.

We are proud and delighted to announce that Kuraray Noritake Dental has been honored as the INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR by DENTAL ADVISOR.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts annual practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests. The results are published online in the January/February issue, aiding potential users in identifying high-quality new dental materials and selecting those best suited to their individual requirements.

Quoting DENTAL ADVISOR: “Kuraray Noritake was chosen as innovative company of the year because of their constant ability to adapt to market needs and change. Their products are universally accepted by dental professionals as market leaders due to their ease of use and consistently high laboratory performance, making them ideal choices for long-term clinical results.”

In addition to being recognized as an innovative company, our products underwent testing and received prestigious DENTAL ADVISOR medals:

• CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow (Low) received the Top Product Award for the 9th consecutive year in the Highly-Filled Flowable Composites category.
• CLEARFIL™ SE Protect, a Top Product Award winner in the Self Etch Bonding Agent category, has held this honor for the 10th consecutive year.
• Our very own PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal secured the Self-Adhesive Cement category win.
• CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick was honored with the Preferred Product Award in the Universal Bonding Agents category.
• Lastly, our most recent cement, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC, received the Research Award.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated practitioners worldwide who have placed their trust in Kuraray Noritake Dental products. Your unwavering commitment to excellence fuels our ongoing pursuit of innovation and quality. We are honored to stand alongside you in advancing dental care, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you for choosing Kuraray Noritake Dental – where innovation meets trust, and quality meets precision.

We are proud and delighted to announce that Kuraray Noritake Dental has been honored as the INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR by DENTAL ADVISOR.

DENTAL ADVISOR conducts annual practice-based clinical evaluations and product performance tests. The results are published online in the January/February issue, aiding potential users in identifying high-quality new dental materials and selecting those best suited to their individual requirements.

Quoting DENTAL ADVISOR: “Kuraray Noritake was chosen as innovative company of the year because of their constant ability to adapt to market needs and change. Their products are universally accepted by dental professionals as market leaders due to their ease of use and consistently high laboratory performance, making them ideal choices for long-term clinical results.”

In addition to being recognized as an innovative company, our products underwent testing and received prestigious DENTAL ADVISOR medals:

• CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow (Low) received the Top Product Award for the 9th consecutive year in the Highly-Filled Flowable Composites category.
• CLEARFIL™ SE Protect, a Top Product Award winner in the Self Etch Bonding Agent category, has held this honor for the 10th consecutive year.
• Our very own PANAVIA™ SA Cement Universal secured the Self-Adhesive Cement category win.
• CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick was honored with the Preferred Product Award in the Universal Bonding Agents category.
• Lastly, our most recent cement, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC, received the Research Award.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated practitioners worldwide who have placed their trust in Kuraray Noritake Dental products. Your unwavering commitment to excellence fuels our ongoing pursuit of innovation and quality. We are honored to stand alongside you in advancing dental care, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you for choosing Kuraray Noritake Dental – where innovation meets trust, and quality meets precision.

100 years ago, the Association of the German Dental Industry (VDDI) organized its first dental show. Now, the show that became the world’s leading dental trade fair is just about to take place for the 40^th time – and Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. is going to be part of it. At the company’s booth in Hall 11.3 (Stand E010), visitors are invited to discover new opportunities related to countless innovative products and their benefits – by chatting with the warm-hearted and knowledgeable team or by watching one of the lectures and hands-on demonstrations given by numerous internationally renowned experts.

Among the products worth a closer look are universal excellence solutions. These universally applicable, highly intuitive materials may be used to streamline clinical workflows by reducing the number of required components and work steps. Prominent examples are a universal composite with very few universal shades, a universal adhesive suitable for every etching technique and a universal resin cement working as a single-component solution even on silica-based ceramics.

Dental practitioners with a particular interest in prosthodontics should stop at the desk focusing on indirect restorative workflows. Here, they will find the PANAVIA™ family of resin cements and its three popular members, which are able to cover virtually every need. Moreover, CAD/CAM blocks for chairside processing and KATANA™ Cleaner, a cleaning solution providing for optimal bonding conditions on every surface will be presented here.

The bread and butter of many dental offices is placing direct restorations. However, the patient- and situation-specific demands may vary widely and may require very different types of materials – even within the class of composites. That is why Kuraray Noritake Dental offers various types of restoratives – all with excellent mechanical properties and innovative technologies such as Light Diffusion. They are part of the CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ series, showcased at the booth together with the well-known and researched CLEARFIL adhesives.

Minimally invasive restoration designs and excellent aesthetic despite a high degree of automation have found their way into dental technology. The materials required to realize these patient-centred concepts are found at a dedicated counter of the Kuraray Noritake booth. New in the portfolio: Esthetic Colorant that enables dental technicians to create characteristic shade effects on pre-sintered KATANA™ Zirconia!

A special highlight for dentists and dental technicians will be the lectures and hands-on demonstrations hosted by internationally renowned speakers. They will take place from Wednesday, March 15 to Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Kuraray Noritake booth. The full programme and additional information about what to expect from Kuraray Noritake Dental in Cologne is available online at www.kuraraynoritake.eu. For those who are unable to attend in person, the presentations will also be broadcasted online.

A particularly chromatic cervical area, pronounced mamelons and translucencies in the incisal area: every natural tooth has its characteristic optical features stemming from its inner structure. Unfortunately, imitating these specific effects by merely adding stains or liquid ceramics to the surface of a monolithic restoration is quite hard to achieve. For this reason, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. introduces Esthetic Colorant for “KATANA™ Zirconia” – a set of easy-to-use shading liquids diffusing into the zirconia structure and enabling imitation of variety of internal shade structures. It is an excellent choice for creating initial characteristics of the restoration before the sintering procedure, and by doing so laying groundwork for the final fast and easy individualization.

Esthetic Colorant has been specifically developed for the “KATANA™ Zirconia” Multi-Layered Series to complement the effects obtained from the materials’ multi-layered colour structure. The system consists of twelve shading liquids, which have been optimised to maintain the original flexural strength of the “KATANA™ Zirconia” restoration. After milling, the liquids are applied to the clean surface of a monolithic or anatomically reduced restoration with a metal-free brush, preferably with our Liquid Brush Pen. The Esthetic Colorant then diffuses into the zirconia, and the desired inner shade effects are fixed and revealed after the final sintering procedure. Finishing can be accomplished through a variety of techniques including polishing, glazing and micro-layering.

The compact Esthetic Colorant line-up facilitates inventory management, while the typical effects of natural teeth can be reproduced in a predictable way. Using the new Liquid Brush Pen for Esthetic Colorant, the application procedure is streamlined, as the dental technician is given full control over the amount of shading liquid applied.

Hear about Aesthetic Dentistry in Optima Forma

Do you believe in an ultimate success formula of aesthetic dentistry? We do, and the speakers of our “IN.DIRECT SYMPOSIUM: Aesthetic Dentistry in Optima Forma” are ready to share all the secrets about it. In a total of eight lectures, eleven extremely knowledgeable dental clinicians, technicians and scientists from all around Europe reveal their own strategies for success in specific clinical situations.

The event takes place on November 5, 2022 at Kristallwelten Swarovski in Wattens near Innsbruck, Austria, and will also be broadcasted online for you free of charge. The symposium will be opened by Kazumitsu Nakatsuka, Head of the Business Unit Medical at Kuraray Europe GmbH, and chaired by Prof. Nicola Scotti from the University of Turin (Italy) and Prof. Dr. Mathias Kern from the University of Kiel (Germany).

Are digital technologies, minimally invasive preparations and zirconia the key factors for success in prosthodontics?

For DT Laura Canale and Dr. Davide Cortellini from Rimini (Italy), they are. In their lecture, they will show us why, focusing on their own philosophy called F.N.P., and on how to create different types of conservative monolithic zirconia restorations with a high level of aesthetics.

Is there an alternative to single-tooth implants especially in the anterior region?

According to Prof. Dr. Mathias Kern, single-retainer resin-bonded bridges made of zirconia are in many cases the better option. He will reveal why they are not only suitable for adolescents with missing anterior teeth, but also for adults with narrow gaps in the anterior region, and why and when they may even be useful in the canine and posterior area.

When to use what type of dental zirconia?

This will be the central question to be answered by Prof. Dr. Benedikt Spies from the University of Freiburg (Germany). With a focus on implant prosthodontics, he will elaborate on the specifications of different zirconia generations and their application as well as integration into a digital workflow.

What is the role of cubic zirconia in modern aesthetic dentistry?

Prof. Nicola Scotti and MDT Daniele Rondoni from Savona (Italy) have chosen to answer this central question, revealing how to realize less invasive preparations, select and process the materials, finish the restorations and place them in the patient’s mouth to provide for aesthetic outcomes that last.

How to proceed when the aesthetic demands are really high?

There is probably nobody who could answer this question better than MDT Nondas Vlachopoulos from Athens (Greece). In his lecture titled “(Micro)veneering”, he shares some ideas on how to exploit the full potential of aesthetic zirconia and veneering porcelain.

What are the key success factors of adhesive cementation?

Prof. Lorenzo Breschi from the University of Bologna (Italy) is the expert of the day on adhesive luting. He will show how to achieve the best bonding performance in terms of bond strength, bond durability, aesthetics and clinical excellence with different restorative materials and in different clinical situations.

What are the indications for the chairside processing of zirconia and when should the laboratory technician take over?

Dr. Claudia Scholz and Dr. Andrea Schädler from Kiel (Germany) have a clear conception of this, and they cannot wait to share it with the audience of the IN.DIRECT SYMPOSIUM. Their practical tips about processing and adhesive cementation are definitely worth gold for CEREC users.

Which factors are likely to influence the accuracy of milled CAD/CAM restorations?

This is the special subject of MUDr. Josef Kunkela, Ph.D. from Jindřichův Hradec (Czech Republic). Based on his own research and clinical experience, he will shed light on production-related differences between CAD/CAM blanks and their impact on the final restoration.

By answering these questions and spreading their ground-breaking ideas, our speakers will surely help us all move several steps closer to our goal of changing dentistry for the better. All this will happen in an inspiring atmosphere, which will be perceivable for you as an online participant as well. To register for live streaming and to obtain additional information about the speakers, lectures and schedule, please visit our symposium website.

We look forward to sharing the vibes with you!