Ultradent Transcend™ Universal Composite

With high expectations and the drive for perfection, I found the launch of the Transcend composite system by Ultradent to be a game changer. It is vital to be able to place any material quickly and efficiently without compromise. For me, it is extremely important knowing that Transcend will provide tremendous results while being exceptionally durable and predictable while maintaining high aesthetics.

Ultradent’s Transcend composite is a substantial improvement for universal shade composites. As previously mentioned, one of the key features of Transcend composite is its Resin Particle Match technology. This involves closely matching the refractive indices of the resin and the filler particles in the composite to create high levels of translucency. This allows for ideal pigmentation and opacification, which in turn enables Transcend to match the color of surrounding dentition, no matter the tooth shade. A true chameleon composite.

Resin Particle Match technology allows clinicians to complete most restorations with just one shade of composite without a blocker or a more opaque shade to hide darker underlying colors. Many dentists are using A2 as their universal shade, which we all know is the easy way out -it simplifies supply ordering, and the patient will not know any better. 

For those clinicians, they can use Transcend UB (universal body shade), which will be like using A2 but significantly better. This composite will make you and your work look better by making it difficult to distinguish it from the surrounding natural tooth color. Some of the other “one-shade systems” advertise “one shade for all colors,” which is not exactly true. Most require the use of a blocker, which makes it two shades-the blocker plus one shade. Transcend, on the other hand, is one shade, cured. Another advantage of Transcend is a lower, simplified composite inventory.

Yes, some people have unique colors of teeth, say in the C and D shades. In the past, I rarely had these shades on hand, used it once or twice, and by the next time I need that shade, it’s been a year and a half since it was last used it, and it’s gone bad and expired. 

Thus, one shade for everything simplifies your day, streamlines supply ordering, reduces inventory, decreases chair time, and increases revenue. If you are inclined to use a layering technique, to be fancy, the Transcend kit does have four dentin (B1, A1, A2, and A3) and two enamel shades (enamel neutral and enamel white), but the workhorse is the universal body.

Handling is a very important factor to consider when selecting a composite. I found Transcend composite’s design features allow me to achieve natural results with a highly durable and glossy finish, which is maintained over time.

The viscosity of Transcend composite is finely malleable and doesn’t crack during manipulation or stick to composite instruments. The result is a composite that moves and sculpts the way you want it to and stays in place without drooping or slumping. It flows, or adapts, really well to irregular preparations.

Transcend composite is created using a blend of resin monomers and filler particle sizes for increased sculptability and durability. Teeth have peaks and valleys, each with their own intricacies. 

As a clinician with fine attention to detail, I try to mold and shape the composite to mimic some of that natural anatomy and structure, because I want a finished tooth to still look like a tooth and as if there is no filling there. I do not want a poorly contoured blob that looks like I plugged it with my finger and sent the patient out the door.

However, with Transcend composite, this is no longer the case. If you perform any restorative work with Transcend, there is no need to complete new composite restorations after the whitening treatment is completed, as the shade of the composite can adapt itself to continue to match the optical properties of the surrounding dentition as teeth get whitened.

In summary, Transcend composite is a material solution that every dentist could use without any training or challenges. With its Resin Particle Match technology, simplified shade system, ideal handling properties, flexibility, strength, and long-lasting gloss retention, Transcend composite is quickly becoming a go-to choice for dentists looking to simplify their restorative work while providing the best possible results for their patients. It also offers clinicians the freedom of ease of use and adaptable treatment processes.

In most cases, you only have to choose one color (Universal Body), but in more complex cases, use a layering technique with additional options of both enamel and dentin colors in combination. Transcend composite has allowed me to perform beautiful, predictable, long-lasting, highly aesthetic restorations for improved comprehensive outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.