SHOFU DENTAL CORPORATION
Beautifil II Universal Nano-hybrid Composite
This fluoride-releasing dental material provides esthetic results for all classes of restorations.
Shofu describes BEAUTIFIL II as a fluoride releasing, highly esthetic universal nano-hybrid composite for all classes of restorations. Shofu states that this 13-year-old product has proven itself in the market by continuing to satisfy dentists through the years. In addition, this material was the focus of a 13-year clinical study from the University of Florida slated for release in 2013.
BEAUTIFIL II incorporates surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) technology. This proprietary process, according to Shofu, combines the strength and esthetics of a conventional composite with the ability to release and recharge fluoride and 5 other ions, which are known for their bioactive properties that can minimize plaque adhesion and inhibit bacterial colonization.
Fifteen Dental Product Shopper evaluators, with 4 to 37 years of experience, participated in this evaluation of BEAUTIFIL II. The evaluators rated and commented on several product features, including esthetics/chameleon effect, shade stability, handling/manipulation, polishability, and overall satisfaction.
Esthetics/Chameleon Effect
Shofu developed BEAUTIFIL II's filler structure to simulate the internal structure of natural teeth with ideal light transmission and optical characteristics. According to Shofu, BEAUTIFIL II has excellent versatility with natural shade reproduction that can be achieved with a chameleon effect. When asked to rate BEAUTIFIL II's esthetics/chameleon effect, 13 of the 15 evaluators rated it as excellent or very good. In addition, 8 evaluators named esthetics as the feature they liked best about the product. A dentist from New Market, MD, said, "The composite blended well with the natural tooth. Overall, the composite was easy to work with and matched well." Another evaluator from Escondido, CA, said BEAUTIFIL II had 'nice esthetics and good shade match.'
Shade Stability (with Curing)
Shofu states that BEAUTIFIL II eliminates shade variations associated with polymerization. Evaluators were asked to rate the product's shade stability (with curing). Nine evaluators rated this feature as excellent, 4 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good. An evaluator with 13 years of experience commented, "[BEAUTIFIL II] is easy to work with, and it has great color stability." After using the composite for 4 weeks, 1 evaluator said his 2 favorite features were "shade stability and fluoride release."
"As a pediatric dentist, the 'holy grail' has always been to develop a fluoride-releasing composite. We may have reached our goal."
Handling/Manipulation
The manufacturer states that BEAUTIFIL II makes sculpting easy without slumping, and it also completely and accurately seals restoration margins. Eight evaluators rated BEAUTIFIL II's handing/manipulation as excellent, 3 rated it as very good, 3 rated it as good, and 1 rated it as fair. A dentist from Enid, OK, said, "[BEAUTIFIL II has] a nice creamy consistency and easy handling characteristics."
When asked how BEAUTIFIL II could be improved, a few evaluators suggested that it could be less sticky and a little firmer. An evaluator with 20 years of experience in dentistry said, "There was a slight stickiness to the instruments, making it difficult to place at times." Another evaluator from Red Bank, NJ, commented, "Although it could be a little firmer for carving, the handling properties were very good to excellent." This evaluator went on to rate his overall satisfaction with BEAUTIFIL II as excellent.
Polishability
According to Shofu, BEAUTIFIL II features fast and easy polishing that creates a long-lasting surface luster. When asked to rate BEAUTIFIL II's polishability, 9 evaluators rated it as excellent, 4 rated it as very good, 1 rated it good, and 1 rated it fair. An evaluator with 30 years of experience in dentistry said, "I love BEAUTIFIL II's color match and the polishability." A second evaluator from Santa Ana, CA, added, "[It] seemed to match well and polish well." Both evaluators rated polishability as excellent.
Overall Satisfaction
Twelve evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend BEAUTIFIL II to colleagues and 9 evaluators said they would definitely or probably purchase the product in the future. Four dentists rated their overall satisfaction with BEAUTIFIL II as excellent, 7 rated it as very good, 2 rated it as good, and 2 rated it as fair. A pediatric dentist with 37 years of experience in dentistry said, "As a pediatric dentist, the 'holy grail' has always been to develop a fluoride-releasing composite. We may have reached our goal."
