Universal shade restoratives have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to match a wide range of tooth shades. These materials are ideal for dentists who want to simplify their workflow and reduce the number of restorative materials they need to keep in stock.

In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of universal shade restoratives, including their benefits, drawbacks, and popular brands. 

What Are Universal Shade Restoratives?

Universal shade restoratives are dental materials that can be used to restore teeth of any shade, without the need for custom shade matching. These materials typically come in a limited number of shades that can be adjusted to match the patient's teeth using a simple shade guide.

Most universal shade restoratives are made from a combination of resin and filler particles, which gives them the ability to blend in with surrounding teeth. They can be used for a variety of restorative procedures, including fillings, crowns, and veneers.

Benefits of Universal Shade Restoratives

One of the main benefits of universal shade restoratives is their versatility. These materials can be used to restore teeth of any shade, which means that dentists don't need to keep a wide range of restorative materials in stock. This can help to simplify the workflow and reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a procedure.

Another benefit of universal shade restoratives is their ability to blend in with surrounding teeth. These materials can be adjusted to match the patient's tooth shade using a simple shade guide, which helps to create a more natural-looking restoration.

Drawbacks of Universal Shade Restoratives

While there are many benefits to using universal shade restoratives, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main drawbacks is their limited shade range. While these materials can be adjusted to match a wide range of tooth shades, they may not be suitable for patients with extremely light or dark teeth.

Another potential drawback of universal shade restoratives is their translucency. These materials may not be as opaque as other restorative materials, which can make them more difficult to use in certain situations.

Popular Brands of Universal Shade Restoratives

There are many different brands of universal shade restoratives available on the market today. Here are a few of the most popular brands, along with some information about each one:

1. Filtek Universal Restorative: This restorative material from 3M is designed to match a wide range of tooth shades, with just eight shades to choose from. It features a unique resin technology that provides excellent handling and sculptability, while also delivering strong and long-lasting restorations.
2. Tetric EvoCeram: This universal shade restorative from Ivoclar Vivadent is designed to offer excellent esthetics and strength. It features a unique nano-hybrid technology that provides optimal handling and good wear resistance, making it ideal for use in both anterior and posterior restorations.
3. Beautifil Universal: This restorative material from Shofu Dental is designed to provide natural-looking restorations with just one shade. It features a unique nano-hybrid resin technology that provides excellent handling and sculptability, while also delivering long-lasting and durable restorations.
4. Omnichroma is a newer type of universal shade restorative material that has gained popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional universal shade restoratives, Omnichroma is a single shade material that is designed to match the shade of the surrounding teeth, eliminating the need for shade selection and simplifying the restorative process.
   
   Omnichroma is made using a patented structural color technology that allows it to match the color of the surrounding tooth structure by reflecting and absorbing light in a similar way. This technology also allows the material to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure, providing a natural-looking restoration.
   
   Feedback from dentists who have used Omnichroma has been positive, with many reporting that the material is easy to work with and provides excellent esthetics. In a clinical study, 95% of restorations made with Omnichroma were rated as clinically acceptable by both dentists and patients.
   
   Overall, Omnichroma offers many benefits for dentists and patients, including simplified shade selection, natural-looking esthetics, and ease of use. However, as with any restorative material, it may not be suitable for all patients or all restorative procedures, and it is important for dentists to carefully evaluate the material and consider their patients' needs before selecting it for use.

Statistics on Universal Shade Restoratives Usage in Canada

According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Dental Association, universal shade restoratives are becoming increasingly popular among Canadian dentists. In 2020, 37% of Canadian dentists reported using universal shade restoratives, up from just 23% in 2015.

In addition, the survey found that 65% of Canadian dentists believe that universal shade restoratives offer a good balance between esthetics and durability, making them an attractive option for patients.

Statistics on Universal Shade Restoratives Usage in Canada

According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Dental Association, universal shade restoratives are becoming increasingly popular among Canadian dentists. In 2020, 37% of Canadian dentists reported using universal shade restoratives, up from just 23% in 2015.

In addition, the survey found that 65% of Canadian dentists believe that universal shade restoratives offer a good balance between esthetics and durability, making them an attractive option for patients.