Composite CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal — promises of simplified shade selection and questions of methodology

Product announcement

Kuraray Noritake Dental has introduced a new flowable composite, CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal, positioned as a material offering a simplified approach to shade selection. The developer emphasizes its focus on clinical aesthetics and ease of use. Earlier in 2025, the material received an award from the American publication DENTAL ADVISOR for its “impressive in vitro performance.”

Working method

According to the press release, the evaluation and award were based on in vitro studies conducted by DENTAL ADVISOR as an independent reviewer. The public announcement did not provide details regarding the test protocols, included parameters, or evaluation criteria.

What to consider when interpreting in vitro data

• In vitro studies provide useful information on physical, mechanical, and optical properties but do not replace clinical data on durability and intraoral performance.
• Key parameters typically evaluated include: flowability, degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage, flexural strength, elastic modulus, adhesion to dentin/enamel, wear resistance, and optical properties. The lack of published methodology makes it difficult to assess the reliability and clinical relevance of the reported results.
• It is important to correlate the reported in vitro results with tests conducted according to established standards (e.g., ISO) and by independent laboratories.

Results

DENTAL ADVISOR recognized the material with an award for its in vitro performance; the press release emphasized compliance with evaluation criteria, but specific numerical results and comparative data were not disclosed.

Practical implications of the lack of detailed results

• Without access to specific data—such as strength values, shrinkage, or degree of conversion—it is impossible to determine whether the material outperforms existing alternatives in particular clinical parameters.
• It is recommended to wait for publications or reports including methodology and statistical data for an objective comparison with other flowable composites.

Clinical significance

CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal is potentially appealing as a universal flowable composite for restorations requiring aesthetic integration and simplified shade selection (e.g., micro-restorations, minimally invasive cavity fillings, cervical restorations, and thin layering beneath final composite mass).

Indications and clinical applications

• Auxiliary layers in adhesive restorations (liners, adaptation buffers).
• Reconstruction of thin marginal defects and restorations in aesthetic zones with minimal restorative material.
• Use in areas where good polishing and optical integration with tooth tissues are important.

Recommendations for use and shade selection

• Despite the claimed simplification of shade matching, perform a trial selection taking into account the stump color/tooth anatomy and the lighting in the clinic.
• Check compatibility with the adhesive system being used; for optimal results, a combination with systems recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., CLEARFIL SE Bond, etc.) is preferred.
• Evaluate the behavior during light polymerization: exposure time, depth of cure, and degree of conversion affect strength and shrinkage.
• If necessary, use thin layers of universal flowable composite in combination with more viscous materials to achieve anatomical form and wear resistance.

Limitations and recommendations for further evaluation

The DENTAL ADVISOR award is a positive signal; however, the following are necessary for a well-founded inclusion of the material in the clinic’s arsenal:

• Publications with a detailed methodology of in vitro studies and a comparative analysis with reference flowable composites.
• Randomized clinical trials and observations of the behavior of restorations in the oral environment (taking into account wear, marginal adaptation, microleakage, and color change over time).
• Independent laboratory tests for polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, and adhesive strength to enamel and dentin.

Expert commentary

For a practicing dentist, what matters more than the award itself is a clear understanding of the material’s specific properties and its clinical behavior. Pay attention to reports on the following parameters: flow/viscosity during application, ability to adapt without forming air inclusions, degree of conversion under recommended polymerization modes, as well as optical characteristics (light transmission, opalescence, color stability).

It is recommended to introduce the new material into practice in the format of a trial use for a limited range of indications, documenting clinical observations and comparing it with current materials in terms of handling convenience, aesthetics, and restoration longevity.