Shofu launches BeautiCem SA

Shofu Dental is launching its latest addition to the Giomer family, BeautiCem SA. This new self-adhesive, dual-cure resin cement incorporates Giomer filler particles. Providing high-bond values across all substrates, dentists now have extra peace of mind for all cementation needs, according to the company, as well as simplified placement procedures.

With a unique formulation optimized to reduce dripping, a two-second flash-cure provides easy cleanup. The low-film thickness of fewer than 12 microns allows space for tight-fitting crowns. As an added benefit, Shofu’s proprietary Giomer filler technology provides well-documented bioactive properties serving to remineralize and protect tooth structure.

The term Giomer is less of a category and more an ingredient. Succinctly, a Giomer refers to any product that contains surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG). These special fillers are nano-sized, multi-functional glass particles that undergo an acid/base reaction, receiving a surface-modified layer to help block moisture prior to incorporation into the resin.

This process differs greatly from GI or compomers, which only achieve an acid/base reaction after placement, following a light cure, and after they absorb water. Following water sorption, fillers in GIs and compomers swell over time, causing a rapid breakdown in both strength and esthetics.

Through pre-reaction and the creation of a surface-modified layer, Giomers offer stable fluoride release and rechargability like GIs, but with vast improvements to handling, strength, durability and esthetics.

Shofu’s S-PRG filler particles are not only pre-charged with fluoride during manufacturing, they also recharge when fluoride concentrations in the mouth are high. Simply put, household dental hygiene products, such as fluoridated toothpaste, allow Giomers to provide sustained remineralization benefits to adjacent tooth structure during the life of the restoration.

In addition to fluoride, S-PRG filler also releases five other ions: sodium, strontium, aluminum, silicate and borate — all with known bioactive properties. When exposed to concentrations of lactic acid, these ions contribute to an acid neutralization effect that demonstrates the healing benefits of Giomers.

Independent evaluation of a Giomer bonding agent and composite material (FL-Bond and Beautifil), conducted by the University of Florida and later published in JADA, translates this benefit to clinical relevance. At eight years, none of the restorations failed, no sensitivity was reported, anatomical form was well maintained and no secondary caries were present in any of the patients. A 13-year recall of this group will be released soon.

Dental applications for Giomer products are limited only by the imagination. In addition to Shofu’s existing composite, Beautifil II, and the injectable restorative BEAUTIFIL Flow Plus, indicated for all classes, Shofu is constantly looking to expand the applications for Giomers.

BeautiCem SA is available through your local distributor in both clear and Ivory shades (PN3213 and 3214, respectively). Kits contain one 5 ml syringe and 10 auto-mix tips.