DENTSPLY Caulk’s TPH Spectra™ Simplifies Handling and Shade Matching
According to DENTSPLY Caulk Vice President and General Manager, Gene Dorff, it has been advancements in resin technology that have had the greatest impact on the current generation of composites. “New resin technology has sparked a trend toward simplification and ease of use when it comes to dentists working with composites,” he says.
Dorff maintains that the trend toward simplification has been customer-driven, prompting the Research and Development team at DENTSPLY Caulk to continue developing innovative products that make it easier for practitioners to offer composite procedures to their patients. “Whether it is the shading, the application technique, or the placement increments, our customers have made it clear to us that they want composites that are easy to use,” he explains.
In response to this clear demand by its customers, DENTSPLY Caulk has introduced TPH Spectra™ Universal Composite Restorative, a proprietary blend of resin and fillers designed to deliver lower opacity and higher translucency for lifelike restorations that, the company says, defy detection.
According to Dorff, DENTSPLY Caulk composites can be used for all Class I through Class V restorative procedures, as well as composite veneers, or for cosmetic reshaping cases. He describes TPH Spectra as “a true universal composite” in that it can be used in either the posterior or anterior. He further notes that its dual-handling options—low viscosity and high viscosity—are designed to meet the individual preference of all doctors.
“Regardless of the handling a doctor prefers, TPH Spectra will deliver the same performance and esthetic results dentists have come to depend upon with the TPH brand of composite materials over the past 20 years,” Dorff maintains.
Also in keeping with the demand for simplification, says Dorff, the shade-blending ability of TPH Spectra—which is also radiopaque—enables a single shade to cover up to 14 VITA shades. “Its chameleon ability is due to well-balanced refractive index matches between the resin matrix and filler system as well as a fine-tuned shading system.” It is because of that “chameleon ability,” he adds, that the company was able to reduce the number of shades in the TPH system from 26 to 14. An additional benefit of TPH Spectra’s composite chemistry cited by Dorff is its ability to resist common stains such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
Dorff notes that the company takes pride in the amount of research and testing devoted to each of its products. “At DENTSPLY Caulk, each lot of product must pass a rigorous set of testing procedures before being released for sales, so we can ensure the product will meet customers’ expectations,” he states.
To support clinicians using its composite products in their practices, DENTSPLY Caulk offers a comprehensive continuing education program that includes lectures, a hands-on workshop, and online webinar programs. “We conduct over 135 programs each year reaching more than 6,800 doctors. Our goal for 2013 and beyond is to continue to enhance these programs so we can be the go-to source for continuing education for our customers,” says Dorff. Further demonstrating the company’s dedication to patient education and product support, he adds, is its extensively trained Professional Services team, which is available to handle doctors’ questions and ensure the highest quality of customer support and service.
Dorff foresees a continuation of the trend toward simplification in composite dentistry, with an emphasis on bulk-fill materials and superior handling as the key focal points. “At DENTSPLY Caulk, we are working on a number of new technologies to enable us to continue to push the envelope for composite development and to continue to deliver solution-based products to our customers,” he concludes.
DENTSPLY Caulk
38 West Clarke Ave
Milford, DE 19963
800-532-2855
dentalaegis.com/go/cced396
