Top 10 New Materials of 2022

Beautifil Kids SA is a bisphenol A-free, self-adhesive, nanohybrid flowable restorative with bioactive Giomer technology. Notable features include high bond strength, precision placement, and well-blended light transmission and diffusion properties. These provide certain benefits for pediatric composite cases, such as antibacterial effects, acid neutralization, and fluoride release and recharge. Beautifil Kids SA is indicated for preventive resin restoration, small Class I, and other non–load-bearing restorations. It is available in 2 shades, Primary (B1) and Permanent (A2), and comes in 2.2-g syringes.

Bulk EZ Plus is an easy-to-place dual-cure composite that combines unlimited cure depth with flowable cavity adaptation, high strength, and enhanced durability. Bulk EZ PLUS is now said to be suitable for a wider range of clinical situations through its thixotropic properties. It reaches a higher degree of conversion, offers better polish retention, and is stackable. Utilizing the same IntelliTek Technology for unlimited cure depth and microleakage prevention as the original, Bulk EZ PLUS now incorporates 80-nm spherical zirconia fillers. This is said to enhance the esthetics with better shade matching and polishability, ensuring greater wear resistance.

Combined with Desktop Health’s new Einstein™ series of 3D printers, Flexcera Smile Ultra+ is said to be suitable for permanent, printable dental restorations. It uses long-chain chemistry and ceramic-like strength for the printing of same-day crowns, bridges, and veneers, as well as full and partial dentures. It touts a 3× fracture resistance, moisture resistance, and a natural esthetic. Flexcera Smile Ultra+ also uses NanoFit 385 technology for a better marginal fit.

NightGuard Flex is indicated for the fabrication of orthodontic and dental appliances, such as mouth guards, night guards, and splints, and now becomes part of the company’s family of digital dentistry and 3D printing solutions. It is designed to deliver the best possible patient experience with high-impact strength and wear resistance, comfortable and flavorless material, and same-day patient delivery. NightGuard Flex is also designed to drive greater efficiency for dental practitioners by eliminating the need for third-party resins.

Enamelast Flavor-Free is the newest fluoride varnish in the Enamelast family. It is designed to work best with patients who do not wish to have any lingering taste when they leave their appointments, as well as for patients who may have certain allergies to typical flavors. Enamelast’s unique formula fluoride varnish is a 5% sodium fluoride in a resin carrier. It is said to produce mechanical occlusion of the dentinal tubules in the treatment of tooth hypersensitivity.

Renamel BULKfill is designed to provide a packable, sculptable, and polishable option for posterior restorations. The material is indicated for 1-step placement and reportedly can be placed more quickly than amalgam. Its excellent handling properties allow it to be placed and precontoured in 1 layer with complete occlusal contour before polymerization. The material can be cured in increments of up to 4 mm in as little as 20 seconds. Renamel BULKfill is available in 5 shades (A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and B1).

Kuraray Noritake Dental’s PANAVIA™ Veneer LC is a new light-cure resin cement indicated for permanent cementation of esthetic veneers and inlays/onlays less than 2 mm thick. PANAVIA Veneer LC is said to offer color stability, wear resistance, and relatively easy cleanup. PANAVIA’s application tip is designed with nanocluster filler technology, consisting of spherical silica fillers to offer the amount of control necessary when seating veneers. It is available in 4 polishable shades.

The nonopioid BioStōm™ Oral Pain Gel is designed to manage pain for oral wounds, mouth sores, injuries, and ulcers by adhering to tissue and forming a protective barrier. It is meant to prevent irritation and maintain a moist wound environment. BioStōm was designed to provide oral pain relief without the use of opioids, particularly for younger patients whose brains are still developing. This pain gel is intended to help avoid the overprescription of opioids.