A Flowable Composite for Increased Production and Profitability

Shofu’s Beautifil Flow Plus® X provides versatility and bioactivity at a 30% lower price

Thomas Dudney, DMD

People often ask Thomas Dudney, DMD, when he plans to retire. The question is understandable, considering Dudney has been practicing out of the same building in Alabaster, Alabama, for 43 years. However, he says he still enjoys going to work every day. "I have been doing this for a long time, but I enjoy it," Dudney says. "Restorative and esthetic dentistry is a very rewarding field for me. I am giving patients something that they would not have otherwise—the ability to smile comfortably. It can be financially rewarding, but it is very emotionally rewarding as well."

Dudney focuses on esthetic and restorative dentistry these days. He has a young associate who handles most of the practice's general dentistry. "Because of the types of cases I do," he says, "I do not need to see as many patients. I am not in the grind, and that has allowed me to keep working. Physically, I probably could not do what I used to do. More importantly, I am doing what I enjoy. Patients are always so appreciative; they tell us how much they value what we have done for them. It makes me feel like I am doing something worthwhile."

Part of that appreciation is because Dudney treats his patients like family. "My philosophy has always been to provide complete care and be patient-centered," he says. "We really strive to treat everyone like they are family and show that we care about them—all while making sure that they have a good experience."

Accordingly, any product that can help Dudney provide even better care to his patients allows him to enjoy the job even more. One such product is Shofu's Beautifil Flow Plus^® X, a bioactive flowable nano-hybrid restorative with a newly developed patented nanofiller. Beautifil Flow Plus X is indicated for all classes, including occlusal and cuspal. It has all of the Giomer Technology attributes of standard Beautifil Flow Plus^®—antibacterial properties, acid neutralization, and fluoride release and recharge—with improved handling and effortless polishing, and it maintains a long-lasting shine. Furthermore, Beautifil Flow Plus X has the strength, durability, and esthetics of a hybrid composite. "It handles very nicely and has a great little tip that makes it easy to access hard-to-reach places," Dudney says. "The tip is bendable and dispenses well. Also, the material is radiopaque, which is very important because if you use it as a liner, and the patient goes to another dentist, you do not want it to be mistaken for recurrent decay on a radiograph. In addition, it has a chameleon-like effect, so even though there are a number of shades available, I use A1 or A2 on almost all of my posterior restorations."

Dudney uses Beautifil Flow Plus X for every class of restoration. "Flowable composites are so versatile that I do not use stackable composites anymore," he says. Like many dentists, he once used microfill composites for Class V restorations and had never thought to use a flowable. However, when he found out that Shofu had two flow consistencies—Low Flow and Zero Flow-for Beautifil Plus, he decided to try it on his Class V restorations. "I loved it," he says. "Many dentists do not like Class V restorations, but this is so simple: just squirt it out, smooth it onto the tooth with a brush, light-cure it, and then finish and polish it. It is easy and fast."

For other restorations, Beautifil Flow Plus X can be used in a variety of ways. "We can use it for pit and fissure sealants," he says. "We also can use it for a liner in a Class II restoration. I can line the proximal box or a cavitied restoration, but then I can come back and finish the restoration because it is a hybrid and strong enough for a Class II. It is also excellent for a tunnel preparation with a Class II. In addition, I use Beautifil Flow Plus X for temporary repairs, and I use it for a multitude of different types of preparations in the mouth. I have also used it to bond veneers, and you can bond orthodontic brackets with it as well. Furthermore, I like to use the Zero Flow for core buildups because it stays right where you put it, and it cuts like dentin."

For all of these applications, the advantages of Beautifil Flow Plus X are enhanced by Shofu's Giomer Technology. Giomer is a proprietary filler particle that can release and recharge six healthful ions. These ions have been clinically proven to inhibit plaque, neutralize acid, and eliminate secondary decay. "There are a lot of flowable composites on the market, but Giomer Technology really separates Beautiful Flow Plus X," Dudney says. "Having a flowable that is also bioactive and helps strengthen teeth is extremely valuable."

That value also comes at a lower price than competitors—30% lower. "You cannot overlook the fact that it is priced really well," Dudney says. "When you combine the pricing, versatility, and quality, it is a hard combination to beat."

Although all of these factors help Dudney continue to enjoy practicing dentistry, the Giomer Technology is perhaps the most significant. "The field of dentistry is moving increasingly toward bioactive products, but there are not many companies that currently offer this type of ion-release capability within their restorative products, so being able to provide this extra protection to our patients feels great," Dudney says. "It is comforting knowing that there is something working in the patient's favor within the restoration to maintain marginal integrity and restoration longevity." Dudney recommends that all dentists seek out products like this to make their jobs more enjoyable. "Dentistry is difficult," he says. "It is emotionally and physically draining. It is difficult to do. If you have a product that makes it easier for you to perform excellent, quality dentistry, then that is a good thing. If it helps you save time and save money as well, then that is an unbeatable combination."

Key Points

• Achieves more surface gloss in less time with effortless polishing and improved handling.

• Features a chameleon effect to esthetically blend with the natural tooth.

• Exhibits high flexural strength, low wear resistance, and low shrinkage.

• Indicated for all restorative classes—including occlusal and cuspal.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Shofu
shofu.com
800-827-4638