If you have any doubts about the choice between universal composites and posterior/anterior composites, in this post we're sharing with you the main characteristics and particularities that you must take into account when choosing composites for your restoration.
In addition, we will indicate the brands that are most highly rated by our customers. This makes it easier for you to simplify your procedures and inventory management!
Anterior Composites:
So-called "anterior" composites are those used in class III, IV and V restorations. In such cases, where the result is very visible, aesthetics will always be the priority, which is why the choice of the right shade is very important
According to our customers' evaluations, the best are:
Previous GC composites G-ænial GC
Excellent light dispersion for invisible restorations. This is the main reason why highly aesthetic results can be achieved with a single shade or in layers of G-ænial multi-tone. To do this, the brand has defined three groups of tones:
- Standard shades: for monochrome restorations. They present a very delicate balance between value, translucency, hue and chroma. They are grouped into shades A (reddish brown), B (reddish yellow), C (grey), Whitening and Cervical. Each tone in the same group has the same tone and conforms to the layout of the classic Vita colour scale.
- Exterior shades: placed above standard shades in aesthetic cases, to copy the look (light/dark) of a tooth, imitate enamel changes with age and give more "depth" to a final restoration. These shades are used to refer to the tonality and translucency of the enamel, which deteriorates over time.
- Interior shades: these are opaque shades that are placed under a standard shade to add warmth to the final colour and eradicate the characteristic "dark glow" in the mouth.
To work with interior and exterior colours, use the Gaenial colour guide.
Multi-tone Gaenian catering:
See Gaenial Composites' previous line
Gradia Direct GC anterior composite:
This line of direct CG composites has 22 shades to offer the best possible aesthetic result. These tones are divided into :
- Standard: For front or rear cavities, choose the Standard Shade in the same way as for the monochrome technique,
- Interior Special: They have a higher opacity (i.e. less translucency) than standard shades and are used to prevent "dark shine" in the mouth or to mask dentine discoloration.
- Exterior Special : provide more vitality to the appearance of the final restoration and follow the evolution of the enamel over the years, adapting to different age groups.
We have provided this quick example of KM on how to select shades according to the restoration required.
- Green: Interior Special
- Pink: Standard
- Blue: Exterior Special
Explore all of the products related to Anterior Composites that we offer.
Posterior Composites:
Another type of composite is Posterior. As its name suggests, it is used for restorations in the back of the mouth, where the priorities to be taken into account are: high physical strength, low wear rate and, unlike previous composites, aesthetics is not the priority, however, many brands nowadays are improving their formula to get even more natural results.
The best composites evaluated by our customers are:
Clearfil Composite Posterior Majesty™ by Kuraray:
Kuraray has an excellent range of posterior composites including Clearfil Majesty, which is one of the best rated by our customers. Its main characteristics are:
- Superior physical characteristics have high mechanical strength and fatigue resistance.
- Clearfil Majesty offers a high degree of adaptation thanks to its minimal polymerization shrinkage (1.5% by volume).
- This composite has a remarkably low rate of thermal expansion. In this way, only minimal deformation - caused by thermal changes - will occur.
Before: Defective restoration of the metal inlay / After: MAJESTÉ CLEARFIL MAJESTY Subsequent restoration class 1
Kulzer Venus Bulk Posterior composite
Another composite that is highly rated by our customers is Kulzer's Venus Bulk Fill, which is a low-shrinkage fluid composite for creating later restorations with bulk filling technique. The advantage of this composite is its practicality, as it does not require complex and time-consuming techniques using 2 mm layers.
Venus Bulk Fill is also easy and quick to apply to baby teeth. A second layer of a composite is not necessary, which saves time and makes it ideal for pediatric treatment.
This composite also offers optimal and safe curing of layers up to 4 mm thick.
Here is a practical case study of a Class I restoration facilitated by Kulzer
Explore the latest composites on our website!
Universal Composites:
This type of composite must combine the resistance and strength of posterior composites with the aesthetics and tone range of anterior composites. By choosing universal composites, the dentist is able to simplify its stock, perform a faster job, since he does not need to switch from one composite to another, and all this without reducing the quality of your restorations.
The best universal composites evaluated by our customers are:
3M Espe Universal Filtek Supreme XTE Composites
If the dentist needs to perform restorations that require excellent aesthetics, he or she can choose between the two:
- Restoration in a single shade, where you will have 17 extremely natural shades
- A multi-tone restoration with 36 extremely natural tones and 4 opacity
In addition, Filtek Supreme XTE's authentic nano technology wears at a similar rate to the surrounding resin matrix, maintaining a smooth and shiny surface.
The composite also has high physical properties and high wear resistance, making it ideal for later restorations.
Restoration created using three tones (A3D, A3.5B, A1E) from Filtek™ Supreme XTE Universal Restorative (Simplified by 3M Espe).
Amalgam filling replaced by Filtek™ Supreme XTE Universal Restorative on a later restoration. (Made possible by 3M Espe).
Universal Tetric EvoCeram Composites by Ivoclar Vivadent
This universal, fluid and sculptable composite is used for anterior and posterior restorations.
To ensure maximum aesthetics in class II, IV and V restorations, the line includes 22 shades between the shade groups
- Enamel: This tone is used for small defects when working with Tetric EvoCeram composites. A universal shade is enough to obtain an aesthetic and realistic result in most clinical practices.
- Dentin: Several shades of dentin with low translucency to restore large defects or caries with heavily stained dental surfaces.
Tetric EvoCeram can be used alone or with a fluid composite, such as Tetric EvoFlow, as shown in this example facilitated by Ivoclar Vivadent.
Discover Universal Composites on our website!
And you, how do you prefer to do your restorations? In a more traditional way with posterior and anterior composites or in a more practical way with universal composites? Tell us which criteria you use and what type of composites you choose!
