The Science of Filtek™ Supreme Ultra
Better science leads to better restorations.
- + True nanotechnology is the key
- + What makes our technology unique
- + Material composition
- + Clinical studies
In the U.S., the full line of Filtek™ restoratives is the overwhelming choice of dental professionals. Clinical studies confirm the wisdom of that choice. The secret behind our outstanding results — results that no other composite can offer — is the science. To understand why Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative is your best choice, anywhere in the mouth, you need to understand the science.
Luckily, it’s pretty straightforward.
True nanotechnology is the key.
The initial gloss of most restoratives can be very impressive. But you want to know your restoration is going to retain its natural gloss for years. Tests prove the polish retention of Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative is better than other composites, and is even better than a microfill.
Unlike other restoratives, 3M builds its nanocomposite using a patented process that creates nanoclusters — tightly packed clusters of nanocomposite material. This is “true” nanotechnology.
And only we have it.
It’s important because nanoclusters shear at a rate similar to the wear of the surrounding matrix during abrasion. Thus the restoration maintains a smoother surface for long-term polish retention.
With hybrids and microhybrids (even materials that claim to use nanotechnology), larger particles wear differently, resulting in a rough, less-polished surface. For more information, see our Technical Product Profile.
- Compare the polish in these photos of restorations using Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative (left) and leading competitors. You can see that Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative offers superior results, over a longer time period.
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- This optical analysis compares the surfaces of Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative (left) and a leading competitor that claims to use nanotechnology. You can see how much smoother and more polished the Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative tooth surface looks compared to the competition, after toothbrushing.
What makes our technology unique
You can be confident that with our true nanotechnology, your anterior and posterior restorations will have a lasting, glossy, lifelike appearance. Why? Because our technology is unique:
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- Unlike other nanotechnologies, our nanocomposite is built from individual clusters of nanometer-sized particles, chemically bound within the resin matrix
- During abrasion, these nanoclusters shear at a rate similar to the wear of the surrounding matrix
- The result is a smoother surface for long-term polish retention
Material composition.
The resin in Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative contains a dimethacrylate polymer that provides the “flow on demand” handling characteristic that dental professionals prefer. This allows the material to flow under pressure, yet holds its shape after placement until light cured.
The filler in Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative is a combination of silica and zirconia nanofillers aggregated into nanoclusters that offer unique advantages when it comes to polishability. For more information, see the Filtek Supreme Ultra Technical Product Profile.
Clinical studies.
You can be confident in using Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative material anywhere in the mouth — it’s perfect for both anterior and posterior restorations. In fact, a five-year clinical study* measuring occlusal contact wear showed no statistically significant difference between Filtek™ Supreme Plus Universal Restorative and enamel. Because Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative is derived from the same patented nanotechnology, you can expect similar results.
* Source: Professor Paul Lambrechts and colleagues, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
Data on file.
