For dental professionals, keeping up with the latest composite innovations isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity. 

If you want patients to leave your practice smiling brightly (and spreading the word about your amazing work!), pay close attention to the composites you choose. 

In today’s competitive dental market, choosing the right composites goes beyond providing long-lasting functionality; it’s also about creating natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing restorations. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the latest composite innovations available and when to use them to produce both durable and visually stunning results.

Composite fillings vs amalgam

When comparing composite fillings to traditional amalgam fillings, composite materials offer several advantages. Here’s why:

• Composite fillings can perfectly match the colour of natural teeth. This is particularly important for visible areas such as the front teeth, resulting in a natural, confident smile

• Composite fillings are built to last! They can handle the daily stresses of chewing and biting for many years

• They bond exceptionally well with existing teeth 

• Procedures are minimally invasive. Amalgam fillings require more extensive removal of the tooth structure, whereas composite fillings preserve most of the tooth. Composite materials are layered directly to natural teeth, resulting in a pain-free procedure

• There is less chance of tooth sensitivity compared to amalgam fillings. This means that patients can enjoy their favourite hot and cold foods without any discomfort

• Procedures are quick and efficient, allowing patients to walk out of your dental practice with immediate results.

Anterior composite restorations

With patients increasingly demanding those perfect, Instagram-worthy smiles, choosing the right composites has never been more important. 

Anterior restorations target the visible front teeth, so getting these right is key to a patient’s confidence and overall appearance. 

A study conducted by the DDU (Dental Defence Union) in 2022 found that a whopping 67% of patient dissatisfaction cases were due to unsatisfactory composite bonding outcomes. Issues such as discolouration and uneven appearance were the main culprits. 

To nail that natural look, you need materials that can do more than just fill gaps. You need composites that can mimic the translucency, colour, and texture of real teeth.

Posterior composite restorations

On the flip side, posterior composite restorations require a different approach. You need a composite that can stand up to the daily grind (quite literally!) of chewing and biting, so strength and durability take top priority. 

The level of expectation has also risen for posterior restorations. Any hiccups – like frequent recalls – can massively reduce patient satisfaction and trust. Now, patients anticipate back teeth restorations to last for many years. 

In fact, Elaine Mo, associate dentist at Square Mile Dental Centre, recently highlighted that one of the most important aspects of a functional composite includes durability, with long-lasting restorations being a top priority on her wish list. 

But here’s the kicker: aesthetics still matter.  

Yes, even for those hidden back teeth.  

It’s no longer just about longevity with posterior restorations, it’s about delivering restorations that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, hence the rise in popularity of universal composites.

What are the different types of restorative composites?

With a wide array of restorative composites on the market, understanding the optimal use cases for each is essential. To help you make an informed decision about which composites best suit the needs of your dental practice, here is an overview of the various types you can expect to find:

Traditional composities

Macro-fill composites – the first composites to be introduced to the market. Known for their large particles, these early materials provided excellent strength, but left much to be desired in the aesthetics department.

While you don’t see macro-fill composites being used much today, they offer a glimpse into the challenges dentists once faced and the subsequent innovations that transformed dental restoration. You may even come across old macro-fill restorations in some of your patients today! 

Micro-filled composites – contain very small particles, offering high polishability but less strength. Ideal for anterior restorations where a smooth, shiny finish is desired, but not recommended for high-stress areas due to their low durability. 

Nano-filled composites – contain nano-sized particles that form together to create nano clusters, which function as larger particles providing excellent polishability and aesthetics.

Compared to micro-filled composites, they provide better overall performance as they are suitable for both anterior and posterior restorations and ensure a natural-looking finish with great wear resistance.

Hybrid composites

Hybrid composites contain a blend of smaller and larger particles and were created to combine the strength of macro-fill composites with the polishability of micro-fill composites. This winning combination makes hybrid composites a top choice for a variety of clinical situations.  

In recent years, the use of hybrid composites has surged, and it’s easy to see why. As universal composites, they offer an outstanding balance of aesthetics, durability, and ease of use for both anterior and posterior restorations, making them a go-to choice for dental professionals. 

Micro-hybrid composites – versatile and can be used for both anterior and posterior restorations. Combine a mixture of fine and larger particles for good strength and polishability. 

Nano-hybrid composites – provide superior polishing and a smoother surface compared to micro-hybrids, making them ideal for anterior restorations where aesthetics are a priority. Combine nano particles with larger filler particles offering a balance of strength, aesthetics, and polishability.

Flowable composites

A flowable composite has a thinner consistency compared to traditional composites. They flow easily into small or more difficult-to-reach areas within the tooth. 

Their lower viscosity makes them ideal for applications requiring precise adaptation to cavity walls, such as small class III and class V cavities, fissure sealing, and serving as liners for deeper restorations.

Bulk fill composites

Bulk fill composites are designed for speed and efficiency by cutting down on the layering process. They are ideal for deeper cavities, as thicker increments of up to 4-5mm can be placed, saving time during procedures.

Specialty composites

Ormocer composites – made from organically modified ceramics, providing good biocompatability and reduced polymerisation shrinkage. 

Nano-ceramic composites – contain nano-ceramic particles for better strength and wear resistance. 

Giomer composites – ideal for restorations in patients prone to caries or those with challenging oral hygiene areas, as they release fluoride and possess antibacterial properties. 

Bioactive composites – release ions such as calcium phosphate and fluoride, providing minerals to help protect against secondary caries. 

CAD/CAM composites – designed for use with computer systems and ensure a precise fit in restorations such as inlays, onlays, and crowns.

Factors to consider when choosing composite material

When it comes to choosing dental composites, the choices can seem endless and overwhelming. 

With an array of options available, each with its own unique properties and benefits, it’s essential to know what to look for. 

Whether you’re a fan of softer, moldable materials or you prefer the precision of harder, sculptable options, finding the right fit is crucial. 

Here is a breakdown of what you need to consider when choosing the right composite material:

Use case

With various types of composites available, each ideal for different procedures, the key is choosing the right composite for the job. 

You’ll need to assess the procedures your practice typically carries out and which types of composites you will need to best fulfil your offering.

Aesthetics

Achieving patient satisfaction hinges on the aesthetic appeal of your restorations. Opt for composites that offer precise colour matching, translucency, and polishability to ensure your patients’ smiles are as natural as possible.

Durability

Assess the composite’s ability to withstand wear and tear and its performance under everyday pressures. 

According to Dr Mo, dentists are starting to see their composite restorations lasting more than 20 years. Thanks to the innovations in composite materials, this is now the industry target when it comes to recalls.

Handling

Personal preference  

Each product will have its own unique properties and consistency. Choose the composite that you find easiest to work with and that yields the best results for you.  

For example, some composites are stickier and require a different technique, while others are smoother and easier to manipulate. Knowing how each material behaves will help you choose the composite that best fits your style and needs. 

Ease of use 

Assess how straightforward the composite is to apply and handle during procedures. This can significantly affect how efficient you are during procedures. 

Curing time  

Consider the required curing time and depth of your chosen composite. Faster curing composites can speed up the process, which is a huge benefit in a busy practice. However, longer curing times might offer more working time for more delicate restorations.

Other considerations

Cost 

Balance cost with quality. While high-quality materials may come with a more hefty price tag, they often offer better results and patient satisfaction.  

Brand reputation  

Always select composites from reputable, trusted brands within the dental industry to ensure high product quality and reliability.  

On this note, we have curated a list of some of our favourite composite materials, highlighting key features, innovations, and indications.

Conventional composites

BRILLIANT EverGlow

Manufacturer: Coltene 

Type: Universal submicron hybrid composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations

As a universal submicron hybrid, Brilliant EverGlow stands out for its easy sculptability and form stability, excellent polishability, and long-lasting high lustre. Its advanced filler solution exhibits a smooth surface with a satin shine immediately after the filling is placed. It also features an advanced shade system, providing three levels of translucency and enhanced duo shades, allowing for versatile applications in both single-shade and multi-shade restorations. 

Key features: 

• Contains a sophisticated blend of submicron barium glass fillers, pre-polymerised reinforcing fillers, and optimised surface treatment for enhanced bonding strength
• Excellent polishability and gloss retention
• Smooth consistency makes it easy to apply in cavities
• Good wetting properties provide excellent adhesion to tooth surface
• Versatile shade system with three translucency levels.

R&S Nanofil+ Composite

Manufacturer: Dental Sky 

Type: Light-curing nanohybrid resin composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V restorations; blocking out undercuts; splinting.  

R&S Nanofil+ Composite is a light-curing nanohybrid resin composite that is ideal for anterior and posterior restorations. The aesthetic finish and excellent radiopacity coupled with its high compressive strength makes it the perfect choice for any class I to V restoration or splinting mobile teeth.  

Key features:  

• Super smooth finish, making it highly polishable

• Good depth, low polymerisation, and high resistance to abrasion

• Wear resistant composite, meaning your restorations last for longer

• High compressive strength. 

Ceram.x Spectra ST

Manufacturer: Dentsply Sirona 

Type: Nano-ceramic universal composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities; direct and indirect restorations. 

Ceram.x Spectra ST is a nano-ceramic, light cured, radiopaque universal composite offering tailored handling options in high and low viscosities to suit your placement preferences and techniques. Featuring SphereTEC filler technology, it simplifies shade matching with its chameleon blending ability. 

Key features: 

• Can be easily manipulated, allowing you to sculpt with ease

• High slump resistance with a firm consistency

• Can be adapted to cavity surfaces without sticking to hand instruments

• High polishability and stain resistance

• Available in five universal CLOUD shades.

G-ænial A’CHORD

Manufacturer: GC 

Type: Universal light-cured radiopaque composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities; direct restorations; aesthetically demanding restorations. 

G-ænial A’CHORD is a universal composite that combines simplicity, aesthetics, and advanced technology. Its simplified unishade system achieves the aesthetic quality of 16 VITA shades with just five core shades. Natural fluorescence and GC’s proprietary technologies make for invisible restorations with high strength, low wear, excellent gloss retention, stain resistance, and superior radiopacity. 

Key features: 

• Achieves the aesthetics of 16 VITA shades using only five core shades 

• Full-Coverage Silane Coating (FSC) and High-Performance Pulverized CERASMART (HPC) fillers ensure excellent physical and aesthetic properties 

• Universally applicable for both anterior and posterior restorations, making it suitable for large or small applications without slumping 

• Offers natural fluorescence and aesthetics under all lighting conditions.

GC Gradia Direct

Manufacturer: GC 

Type: Light-cured composite.  

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations.  

This light-cured Gradia Direct composite from GC, designed to create long-lasting and natural-looking anterior and posterior restorations. It’s chameleon effect shade system with translucent and opaque options enables you to deliver highly aesthetic results.  

Key features: 

• Excellent handling thanks to its well-balanced viscosity  

• Wide range of shades available to create invisible restorations 

• Low sensitivity to operating lights, allowing for longer working time

• High resistance to occlusal stress due to its excellent mechanical properties and fracture toughness.

Tetric EvoCeram

Manufacturer: Ivoclar 

Type: Sculptable nano-hybrid universal composite 

Indications: Class III and IV anterior restorations; class I and II posterior restorations; class V restorations; veneers; splinting of teeth; extended fissure sealing in molars and pre molars. 

Ivoclar’s Tetric EvoCeram is a light-curing, radiopaque universal composite, offering a universal application and the ability to be layered up to 2mm thick, making it ideal for long-lasting anterior and posterior restorations. 

Key features 

• Can be applied in layers of up to 2mm 

• Lifelike shade matching with a chameleon effect for highly aesthetic results 

• Extended working time for precise sculpting 

• Fast curing in just five seconds 

• Minimal shrinkage to improve marginal tightness 

• High radiopacity for easy filling recognition on X-rays.

IPS Empress Direct

Manufacturer: Ivoclar 

Type: Light-curing nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Class III and V anterior restorations; class I and II posterior restorations; cervical restorations; direct veneers. 

IPS Empress Direct is a light-curing nano-hybrid composite designed with aesthetics in mind. It excellently mimics the appearance of natural teeth and is ideal for direct restorations in the anterior and posterior regions. 

Key features: 

• Available in five different translucency levels with life-like shades including dentin and enamel replacement shades for natural-looking restorations 

• Easy application of shade nuances with Trans Opal 

• High surface gloss ensures long-lasting aesthetic results 

• Efficient and intuitive layering in up to five steps.

Herculite XRV Ultra

Manufacturer: Kerr 

Type: Universal nanohybrid composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations. 

Kerr’s Herculite XRV Ultra utilises nanofiller technology for restorations that are wear resistant and highly polishable. The composites improved handling allows you to deliver aesthetic, lifelike restorations that replicates the natural tooth.  

Key features: 

• Aesthetic appearance with a natural looking opalescence and fluorescence to create natural-looking restorations 

• Non-sticking, non-slumping composite which is highly sculptable and adaptable to the natural tooth  

• A high mechanical resistance with proven technology.

SimpliShade

Manufacturer: Kerr 

Type: Simplified universal composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities. 

SimpliShade universal composite is designed to simplify shade selection with only three universal shades. This added simplicity creates life-like aesthetics and long-lasting performance making beautifully strong restorations easier than ever. 

Key features: 

• Powered by Adaptive Response Technology (ART), which ensures lifelike restorations with great strength and aesthetics 

• 50nm particle size for long-lasting gloss retention 

• Requires just three shades to match all 16 VITA shades making shade selection fast and efficient 

• Excellent radiopacity 

• Save time and money by reducing inventory requirements 

• Works with all cavity classes without the need for a blocker.

Harmonize

Manufacturer: Kerr 

Type: Universal composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities. 

Harmonize features Adaptive Response Technology (ART), a nanofiller network designed to simplify the creation of natural-looking restorations.  

ART enhances blending capabilities and improves structural integrity, resulting in restorations that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing. 

Key features: 

• Features adaptive reflection to light for an enhanced chameleon effect

• High gloss retention and polishability

• High filler load of 81% ensures strong and durable restorations

• Adaptive viscosity allows for easy shaping of the composite and prevents slumping

• Minimal stickiness and simplified carving

• Better curing efficacy ensures long-lasting performance.

Visalys Fill

Manufactuer: Kettenbach 

Type: Nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Class I to VI cavities; core build-up under crowns; composite inlays, aesthetic shape correction.  

Kettenbach’s Visalys Fill is a radiopaque nano-hybrid composite which can be easily modelled for all class I to VI cavities. The composite’s stability, polishability, and specially developed flex shade system enables you to create restorations that blend perfectly with the original tooth.  

Key features: 

• Simple handling and non-stickiness can be easily modelled 

• Excellent stability thanks to its high filler content and flexural strength 

• Low wear to create durable restorations

• Low water absorption resulting in minimal discolouration.

Venus Diamond

Manufacturer: Kulzer 

Type: Universal nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Class I to V cavities; restorations of primary teeth; shape shade corrections; splinting of teeth; repairs of porcelain and composite; direct composite veneers; core build-up. 

Venus Diamond is a nano-hybrid universal composite that combines low shrinkage with high strength. It offers a firm consistency for easy modelling and a comfortable user experience, making direct restorations simpler and more efficient. 

Key features: 

• Easy to handle thanks to its firm, low stick consistency, offering an extended working time 

• Combines exceptional flexural strength with minimal shrinkage stress, resulting in long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing restorations 

•  Wide range of shades and can be applied in single or multi-shade layering techniques. Adapts perfectly to the colour of surrounding teeth to create a natural look.

Venus Pearl

Manufacturer: Kulzer 

Type: Universal nano-hybrid composite  

Indications: Class I to V cavities; restorations of primary teeth; shape shade corrections; splinting of teeth; repairs of porcelain and composite; direct composite veneers; core build-up. 

Venus Pearl is a nano-hybrid composite known for its creamy consistency and ease of use while maintaining the excellent physical properties of Venus Diamond. It delivers a soft consistency during modelling and has an adapted filler system for greater malleability. 

Key features 

• Combines a smooth, creamy consistency with minimal stickiness, providing exceptional sculpability and polishability while offering an extended working time

• Combines exceptional flexural strength with minimal shrinkage stress, resulting in long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing restorations

• Wide range of shades and can be applied in single or multi-shade layering techniques. Adapts perfectly to the colour of surrounding teeth to create a natural look.

Luna 2

Manufacturer: SDI 

Type: Universal composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations. 

Luna 2 is the latest addition to SDI’s universal composite series. It features an advanced blend of fillers for improved handling, high radiopacity and dependable mechanical properties. 

Key features: 

• High compressive and flexural strength 

• Natural tooth-like properties under all lighting conditions 

• Creamy consistency ensures easy packing and sculpting of restorations without sticking or slumping 

• High radiopacity allows for clear differentiation and precise visualisation for diagnosis assistance 

• BPA free for health-conscious patients.

Filtek Supreme XTE Universal Restorative

Manufacturer: Solventum 

Type: Universal nanocomposite 

Indications: Direct anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities; Indirect restorations including inlays, onlays, and veneers; minimally invasive procedures. 

Using innovative TRUE nano technology, Filtek Supreme XTE is a versatile nanocomposite known for its high performance. It provides excellent aesthetics for anterior restorations while being strong enough for posterior restorations. 

Key features: 

• True nanotechnology containing nano clusters for high polish retention 

• Wide range of shades and opacities. Single-shade, dual-shade, or multi-shade techniques are available

• High flexural strengt 

• Wear resistance equivalent to enamel according to vivo studies.

Filtek Z500

Manufacturer: Solventum 

Type: Universal nanocomposite 

Indications: Direct anterior and posterior restorations; indirect anterior and posterior restorations; core build-up. 

Filtek Z500 from Solventum utilises nanotechnology to meet all of your restorative needs. Using this composite, you’ll create high gloss restorations with low levels of wear and tear.  

Key features: 

• Excellent moldability and low tackiness makes it easy to sculpt  

• Available in eight universal shades and one opaque shade  

• High flexural strength and polishability for long-lasting polish retention.

Admira Fusion 5

Manufacturer: VOCO 

Type: Universal nano-hybrid ormocer-based composite 

Indications: Class I to V restorations; base in class I and II cavities; reconstruction of traumatically damaged anteriors; faceting of discoloured anteriors; correction of shape and shade for improved aesthetic appearance; locking, splinting of loose teeth; repairing veneers, small enamel defects; extended fissure sealing; restoration of deciduous teeth; core build-ups; composite inlays. 

Admira Fusion 5 is the world’s first purely ormocer-based restorative. It offers outstanding bio-compatibility and a natural, tooth-like aesthetic. 

Key features: 

• Ormocer technology provides a filling material that is purely-ceramic based, as the filler and resin matrix are composed of purely silicon oxide 

• Biocompatible formulation without classic monomers

• Demonstrates the lowest polymerisation shrinkage (1.25% by volume) and low shrinkage stress when compared to conventional restoratives 

• It is a completely universal composite and can be used for even the most demanding anterior and posterior restorations 

• Features fast and easy handling, excellent sculptability, minimal sticking, compatibility with all conventional bondings, and a curing time of just 10 seconds for all shades

• Simplified shade system requiring no multiple layering. All VITA shades can be covered with just five cluster shades.

Flowable composites

BRILLIANT EverGlow Flow

Manufacturer: Coltene 

Type: Flowable submicron hybrid composite 

Indications: Filling of small cavities; class III to V restorations; extended fissure sealings; cavity linings. 

BRILLIANT Everglow Flow uses the same filler technology as BRILLIANT Everglow, making it the ideal complement. Its finely tuned thixotropy gives it a low viscosity with excellent stability. 

Key features: 

• Highly stable while maintaining excellent flowability 

• Good wettability ensures extensive coverage and minimal stickiness to the instrument 

• Convenient shade selection, including an opaque option

• Perfect to use alongside Coltene’s universal composite BRILLIANT Everglow

• Comes with two needle sizes to accommodate various indications.

G-ænial Universal Injectable

Manufacturer: GC 

Type: Universal light-cured radiopaque injectable composite 

Indications: Anterior and posterior restorations; class I to V cavities. 

G-ænial Universal Injectable boasts a finely dispersed particle formula for strong, long-lasting restorations that stay glossy over time. It’s easy to shape and ensures minimal porosity and air bubbles for precise cavity adaptation.  

Key features: 

• Achieve shaping and contouring in one step during injection 

• Offers excellent polishability, delivering beautiful aesthetics 

• Universally applicable across all cavity classes

• Saves time with quick placement and no wastage

• Non-stick material, allowing you to work seamlessly for class I to V cavities.

Visalys Flow

Manufacturer: Kettenbach 

Type: Flowable nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Filling minimally invasive cavities in all classes; repairing defective fillings; luting translucent prosthetic pieces; aesthetic shape correction. 

Visalys Flow is a flowable nano-hybrid filling composite which can be used for all small class I to VI fillings. The composite blends flow behaviour and stability, as well as showing very good wettability and adaptation to cavity walls. 

Key features: 

• The five-shade Flex Shade system blends seamlessly with the cavity due to the chameleon effect for all 16 VITA shades. Two additional colours are available for special situations 

• Impressive balance between flowability and wear resistance

• Minimal discolouration thanks to its low water absorption

• High filler content and flexural strength.

Venus Diamond Flow

Manufacturer: Kulzer 

Type: Flowable nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Minimally invasive restorations; class V restorations. 

Venus Diamond Flow makes the placement of minimally invasive restorations easier with its flowable, thixotropic consistency that adapts to the surrounding hard tooth structure. Its excellent polishability and enduring lustre ensure long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing restorations. 

Key features: 

• Flow properties and thixotropic consistency make it a highly versatile composite 

• Perfect for class V restorations thanks to its ability to retain its shape and position 

• High flexural strength with low shrinkage stress

• Outstanding radiopacity ensures reliable diagnosis

• Available in 12 shades with three translucency levels.

Wave

Manufacturer: SDI 

Type: Versatile nano-filled composite system 

Indications: Class V restorations; minimally invasive class I to IV restorations. 

SDI Wave is a versatile universal nano-filled composite renowned for its exceptional handling and aesthetic outcomes. Available in multiple viscosities – Wave, Wave MV, and Wave HV, it caters to various clinical needs, from precise detailing to bulk filling. With its innovative filler technology, it ensures optimal strength and wear resistance, while delivering excellent polishability for natural-looking restorations. 

Key features: 

• Three variations available (Wave, Wave MV, and Wave HV) 

• Contains specially treated nano-fillers to achieve maximum polishability

• Strong, wear resistant composite to create long-lasting results

• Fluoride ions diffuse from the resin to enhance remineralisation and protect against enamel demineralisation

• Contains a fluorescent agent to ensure naturally looking restorations.

Admira Fusion Flow

Manufacturer: VOCO 

Type: Flowable nano-hybrid ormocer-based composite 

Indications: Filling of small cavities and extended fissure sealing; blocking out undercuts; lining or coating cavities; fillings of class III to V cavities; repairing fillings, veneers, and temporary restorations; luting translucent prosthetic pieces; locking and splinting of loose teeth. 

Admira Fusion Flow is a flowable ormocer-based composite ideal for minimally invasive restorations and as a liner or base material. It combines excellent flow properties with the same high biocompatibility and aesthetics as Admira Fusion. 

Key features: 

• The world’s first purely ceramic-based flowable restorative material

• Resin and filler matrix formulated exclusively with silicon oxide

• Free from classic monomers

• Demonstrates low polymerisation volume (2.75% by volume) and low shrinkage stress when compared to conventional flowable restorative materials

• Features a ‘flow on demand’ characteristic, where the material only becomes flowable under pressure or motion. Stabilises after application to prevent outflow from the cavity 

• Exhibits excellent surface affinity, ensuring complete wetting of the cavity walls

• Offers a range of 12 shades for aesthetic restorations.

Bulk fill composites

Ecosite Bulk Fill

Manufacturer: DMG 

Type: Bulk fill nano-hybrid composite 

Indications: Posterior fillings class I and II; class V restorations; core build-ups; fillings in deciduous teeth; extended fissure sealing of molars and pre molars. 

Ecosite’s innovative filling technology enables an exceptional homogenous distribution of the finest fillers. As a nano-hybrid bulk fill composite, it provides many of the benefits of a traditional composite, while allowing for up to 5mm depth of cure. It also has excellent polishability for a high gloss finish. 

Key features: 

• Fast curing time, allowing you to cure up to 5mm in 20 seconds 

• Low shrinkage stress values 

• Functional shade system with two aesthetically pleasing all-purpose shades 

• Can be applied in one coat without additional top coating

• Outstanding mechanical properties thanks to special filler technology.

SDR Flow+

Manufacturer: Dentsply Sirona 

Type: Bulk fill flowable composite 

Indications: Class I to V posterior restorations; post-endodontic treatment; primary posterior dentition; pit and fissure sealing; core build-ups. 

SDR Flow+ is a bulk fill flowable composite designed to allow placement in 4mm increments with minimal polymerisation stress. It offers excellent self-levelling properties and high radiopacity, making it ideal for efficient and reliable posterior restorations. 

Key features: 

• Achieve gap-free restorations with low viscosity material that seamlessly adapts to cavity walls, even in bulk fills of up to 4mm 

• Self-levelling material provides easy application, without agitation, ensuring excellent marginal integrity and up to 40% reduced procedure time 

• Low stress material facilitates the formation of a more relaxed network to create a stress-resistant composite for long-term durability.

SimpliShade Bulk Fill

Manufacturer: Kerr 

Type: Simplified bulk fill composite 

Indications: Class I to V restorations; direct placement of anterior and posterior restorations; core build-ups; restoration repair. 

SimpliShade Bulk Fill saves time and streamlines your restoration workflow by using a single shade to match all 16 VITA shades and eliminating the need for a capping layer. Its enhanced curing system enables polymerisation depths of up to 5mm. 

Key features: 

• Requires just one shade to match all 16 VITA shades making shade selection fast and efficient 

• Ternary adaptive response technology (ART3) for ease of handling, blending, and lower shrinkage stress 

• Adaptive rheological response technology reduces viscosity during handling for easier sculpting 

• Adaptive colour-blending response technology mimics enamel structures and naturally interacts with light, improving the blend between restoration and tooth

• Adaptive shrinkage stress response technology alleviates stress between the filling and resin matrix during curing, enhancing marginal adaptation.

Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative

Manufacturer: Solventum 

Type: Bulk fill composite 

Indications: Posterior restorations (class I to V). 

Solventum’s Filtek One Bulk Fill has been designed to help you create posterior restorations that are faster and easier to complete. This bulk fill restorative composite has innovative optical properties and improved opacity, allowing you to benefit from the simplicity of one-step placement without impacting the aesthetic outcome.  

Key features: 

• Fast and easy one step placement with no need for layering 

• Easy to access deep cavities with specialised tip design 

• True nanotechnology provides excellent wear resistance, polishability, and increased opacity 

• Innovative AUDMA and AFM monomers reduce shrinkage stress to allow bulk fill placement of up to 5mm 

• Natural-looking aesthetics which are typically sacrificed in bulk fill restoratives 

• Available in five shades.

VisCalor Bulk

Manufacturer: VOCO 

Type: Thermo-viscous bulk fill composite 

Indications: Class I and II posterior restorations; base in class I and II cavities; class V restorations; locking and splinting loose teeth; repairing veneers, enamel defects, and temporary C&B materials; extended fissure sealing; restoration of deciduous teeth; core build-up. 

VisCalor Bulk combines the viscosities of a flowable and packable composite with innovative thermo-viscous technology that allows the material to be heated before application. This process makes it initially flowable for easy placement and excellent cavity adaptation, then it quickly cools to become sculptable for precise contouring. 

Key features: 

• The world’s first composite featuring thermo-viscous technology 

• Integrates two viscosities in one material, merging the benefits of both flowable and sculptable composites 

• Pre-warming allows the material to be flowable during application, ensuring optimal cavity adaptation, and then cools to become sculptable immediately afterwards

• Bulk fill placement of up to 4mm

• The long and narrow cannula ensures bubble-free application

• No overlaying necessary.

Conclusion

Investing in quality composites is an investment in your practice. It means happier patients, fewer follow-up visits, and longer-lasting results. 

Nanotechnology and other innovative formulations have revolutionised our options, giving us composites that are stronger, more beautiful, and easier to work with than ever before. 

For those stunning anterior restorations, go for composites with top-notch polishability and aesthetics. For those demanding posterior restorations, prioritise high compressive strength and wear resistance. 

But remember, modern dentistry demands a more holistic approach. 

When it comes to dental restorations, considering aesthetics and durability is now non-negotiable for all types of restorations.  

Luckily, universal composites cover most bases in this aspect, but it’s always wise to have other options in your back pocket for more specialist cases – think bulk fill and flowable composites. 

Patients deserve the best of both worlds, and any compromise in either area can lead to costly recalls and reduced patient satisfaction. 

After all, happy patients are your best advocates!