Product Evaluation

Having multiple viscosities of the same material allows so many treatment modalities to be performed with little trimming and polishing.

It has the best polish of any composite I have ever used.

We found the product to have a great consistency with no voids after placement and curing.

As Michigan dentist Eric Bellis points out, flowable composites are too often prone to air bubbles or voids when used at the gingival margins of a Class II restoration—or there is a compromise with the material in terms of esthetics, strength, or handling. For that reason, Dr. Bellis and other Dental Product Shopper evaluators were eager to try Tokuyama’s Estelite Universal Flow in their practices to see if it would overcome such challenges.

Available in 3 viscosities, this supra-nano filled flowable delivers the benefits of a flowable composite without compromising strength, according to Tokuyama. The result is consistently strong restorations, lower wear and abrasion, and enhanced patient satisfaction thanks to exceptional esthetics and durability. “I didn’t have to worry about adaptation of the flowable to the cervical region of the prep, didn’t have to worry about voids, and could rely on it for strength and esthetics in all restorative scenarios,” Dr. Bellis told DPS after the evaluation. “It’s a high-quality, premium product in terms of esthetics, strength, and handling. Outstanding results!”

Handling and Placement
Tokuyama’s revolutionary spherical filler technology utilizes supra-nano, 100% spherical fillers. The higher filler content offers benefits expected from less viscous composites, such as excellent cavity adaptation and easy handling without compromising strength. The easily extruded, nonsticky material with minimal stringiness is easy to handle.

“I loved the large plunger so the user doesn’t hurt his/her hand when dispensing into the prep,” shared Dr. James Yang. “It handles well out of the syringe, and stickiness to instruments is minimal,” noted Craig Smith, DDS, adding “Adaptation to class II preparations was excellent with no visible voids or bubbles.” J.D. Cooper, DMD found the product to have a great consistency with no voids after placement and curing.

“It’s great in the posterior area from conservative flowables to interproximal preps,” described Elaine Gantz, DDS, and Dr. Yang said Estelite Universal Flow was “definitely helpful when restoring anterior Invisalign edges.” Calling the handling excellent, Dr. Charles Kattuah suggested that “bulk fill versions would be nice,” while Dr. John Sullivan pointed out that “the syringes are designed with a hex shape on the handle to prevent them from rolling when set down on a counter or cart.”

Multiple Viscosities / Flowability
Three viscosities—high (syringe), medium (syringe and PLT), and super low (syringe)—provide ideal flow for a wide range of indications. Dr. Dalton Brooks said he “loved the different consistencies,” and Bruce Barr, DMD, said, “Three viscosities make for interesting choices [and] good flexibility.” After previously using only high-viscosity composites, Dr. Francis Jacobyansky discovered that Estelite Universal Flow does a much better job in many applications. Noting that this is one of the better flowables he has used, Dr. Kattuah said, “The low-flow works great on Class V restorations.” Dr. Yang agreed, saying, “Super low is my favorite with handling and stackability, and it’s very nice in adapting to preparations.” Having multiple viscosities of the same material allowed Dr. Sullivan “so many treatment modalities to be performed with little trimming and polishing.”