Solving Problems, One ‘Best’ Product at a Time

For a procedure that's deemed the bread and butter of dentistry, direct restorations certainly present their fair share of challenges. Exhibit A? Shade matching. Between the dreaded eye fatigue, questionable operatory lighting, and faded shade guides that have seen better days, it's a wonder dentists ever get a perfect match.

 Shade Matching, Truly Simplified

3M Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative proposes a simpler solution: just 3 shades designed with a keen understanding of hue, chroma, and value. Could this be the answer to dentists’ shade-matching prayers? It was for Alan Pressman, DMD, who took part in the DPS product review of Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative last year.

“I find that monoshade composites do not always cover the entire spectrum of the VITA shade guide,” Dr. Pressman noted. “The use of 3 shades—Bright, Natural, and Warm—tends to make the esthetic blend much easier. Although you need 3 shades as opposed to one, the shade matching is much improved.”

Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative is a simplified shading system designed to streamline single-shade restorations—all while providing the flexibility dentists need to find a match for most patients. While the Natural shade matches most cases, complementary Bright and Warm shades cover the rest. Plus, Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative offers similar performance, handling, and esthetics as other 3M Filtek Dental Restoratives.

“I used it on posterior restorations initially and was happy with the results, so I restored some anteriors as well—great!” said Dr. Pressman. “A patient fractured off a 5-year-old composite done on tooth No. 8, and I was able to use the Natural shade of Filtek Easy Match to complete a Class IV restoration.”

With naturally adaptive opacity, Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative takes on enamel-like translucency where it’s needed most—on the bevel and incisal edge. Trusted 3M TRUE nanotechnology provides superior wear resistance and gloss retention, ensuring restorations will last and look beautiful.

For the countless dentists who have relied on Filtek composites for years, Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative is a welcome addition to the fold. That includes DPS evaluator Irene Renieris, DDS. “I can continue to use a trusted and loved composite, but now with simplified shade options,” she said. “With Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative, it’s hard to tell the difference between tooth and filling."

Compliance Made Clear

Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative joins the tried-and-true Scotchbond, Filtek, and RelyX products that dentists have relied on for years. But there’s always something new to explore from Solventum. That includes 3M Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment. With a ready-release formula, Clinpro Clear has a minimum contact time of 15 minutes compared to the typical 4 hours for traditional, rosin-based varnishes.

Compliance can play a key role in the effectiveness of fluoride varnish treatments, and for some patients, the contact period required by traditional products may pose challenges. 

Joy D. Void-Holmes, DHSc, BSDH, RDH, a dental educator, author, researcher, and founder of Dr. Joy, RDH, explained, “The 15-minute contact time of Clinpro Clear offers a practical alternative for populations where compliance may be an issue. By requiring only a brief contact period to achieve high fluoride uptake, it allows patients more flexibility and reduces the likelihood of any post-treatment barriers.” This shorter application time provides a convenient option for both clinicians and patients, ensuring effective results in situations where compliance might otherwise be a concern.

A Step Forward for Fluoride

Void-Holmes appreciates that Clinpro Clear is water-based and rosin-free, which she said significantly enhances patient comfort by eliminating the “medicinal” flavor often found in other products, while also minimizing any noticeable odor.

“The water-based formula also ensures a smoother application, avoiding the tacky or sticky sensation that some varnishes leave behind," she added. "It's a powerful tool to leave the mouth in its best state. By combining high efficacy with patient-friendly features, Clinpro Clear represents a significant step forward in improving the success of fluoride varnish treatments.”