Start with CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 and pair with universal composites, cements, and core buildup for exceptional results

Merriam-Webster defines the word “universal” as “adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements.” In dentistry, that kind of versatility isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for achieving restorative success and delivering long-lasting results.

Versatility, however, didn’t happen overnight. Dentistry’s path to universal bonding has been shaped by decades of scientific innovation, and for Kuraray Noritake Dental, that journey began with chemistry.

The Journey to Dentin Adhesion

In 1976, the company introduced Phenyl-P, a phosphate monomer designed to enhance adhesion. Several years later, the monomer’s molecular structure was refined to strengthen bonding to tooth structure while also improving its affinity for metal.

That work ultimately led to the development of the MDP monomer—a cornerstone of Kuraray Noritake Dental’s CLEARFIL and PANAVIA product families. Decades after its introduction, MDP continues to deliver a powerful chemical bond to enamel, dentin, metal alloys, and zirconia.

And it’s that power and predictability that have led to over a dozen DPS Best Product awards.

“Looking at the evolution of dentin bonding materials, Kuraray’s universal bond was the first to incorporate MDP into the formula,” said Dr. Robert Mokbel, a prosthodontist and educator in Fountain Valley, CA. “This minimizes the hybridization of the dentin margin under composite fillings and also reduces or eliminates recurrent decay.”

CLEARFIL: Start Here, Go Anywhere

The heart of Kuraray Noritake Dental’s universal restorative system, CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 leverages the MDP monomer, AMIDE-based chemistry, and brand-new Urethane Tetramethacrylate (UTM) technology. This combination allows for a thin, easy application while creating a strong, uniform bond layer. It provides high bond strength in all etching modes, while its Advanced Rapid Bond Technology means there’s no waiting time when bonding to dentin.

These features resonated well with DPS evaluators, who gave the next-generation adhesive a score of 4.9 out of 5.

“I’ve had good results with little-to-no postop sensitivity,” shared Dr. Nick Feola. “Anything that saves me time is always a plus. The less time I’m waiting on a material, the more time I can dedicate to direct patient care.”

No Gaps or Bubbles

After applying CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2, it’s time to choose material No. 2. For core buildups, turn to Kuraray Noritake Dental’s newest DPS Best Product, CLEARFIL DC CORE PLUS—a 2-step, dual-curing material with a controlled flow during placement, which reduces or eliminates the need for a matrix band.

“The material I was using would slump and often leave gaps or bubbles,” said Irving Lebovics, DDS. “I didn’t have that experience with DC CORE PLUS—it had no gaps or bubbles and didn’t slump, and I used it with posts on various teeth in different parts of the mouth.”

With a filler loading of 74%, CLEARFIL DC CORE PLUS provides superior flexural and compressive strength.

“CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 will penetrate into the dentin tubules and pull back on DC CORE PLUS to keep it from contracting away from the dentin,” Dr. Mokbel assured. “The 2 materials acting in synergy improves the retention of DC CORE PLUS.”

Strength and Flowability

CLEARFIL chemistry also expands into the composite world, where products like CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal offer clinicians the best of both worlds—the viscosity of a flowable and the strength and single-shade esthetics of a packable.

“Many dentists dread the subgingival Class II composite restoration, and CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal provides a predictable outcome in these difficult circumstances,” Dr. Karen Guo pointed out. “It is particularly useful in restorations where the gingival floor extends well below the margin. It flows into the corners of the prep and can be used with a modified closed sandwich and snowplow technique to achieve clinically and radiographically exceptional results.”

Good Things Come in 3’s

If cementation is on the schedule, the powerful PANAVIA family of cements offers a trio of solutions.

“PANAVIA comes in 3 variations: a full-on bonded cement, a simple self-curing cement, and a veneer cement,” explained Dr. Todd Sarubin. “All 3 cements handle the same way, but you can choose which one you need for your specific situation.”

PANAVIA SA Cement Universal creates a strong chemical bond to enamel, dentin, metal alloy, and zirconia, while a unique LCSi monomer facilitates a strong chem­ical bond to porcelain, lithium disilicate, and composite resin.

Choose the light-curing, color-stable PANAVIA Veneer LC to tackle veneer cementation, or PANAVIA V5 for optimal esthetics—even in delicate scenarios.

In my experience,” continued Dr. Sarubin, “PANAVIA cements are easy to clean up, well bonded, radiopaque, and very strong.”