Like most dentists, I have been using the same composite resin for decades. It’s the composite resin that I used in dental school 30 years ago and in most of the offices I associated with. I rarely gave much thought to the compressive or flexural strength or even the ingredients. Now that I am starting my own dental practice, the responsibility for every decision is on me, including which composite resin to use. Do I keep using what I am familiar with, or is it time to consider whether there is a better option?
Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta.
I was excited to evaluate Luna 2 composite resin from SDI. I wanted to assess how it handled clinically and how well it polished. I was also interested in reviewing its physical properties, including its strength and aesthetics, and comparing it with other resins. Ultimately, I wanted to determine whether Luna 2 would be a material I would choose for my new practice.
Luna 2 is indicated for:
- Direct anterior and posterior restorations and veneers
- Indirect inlays, onlays, and veneers
- Core buildups
- Splinting
- Composite and porcelain repair
- The sandwich technique with glass ionomers
SDI notes that Luna 2’s superiority factors over other composites are:
- Smooth handling
- Bisphenol A (BPA)-free formulation (health-conscious patients)
- High compressive strength
- High flexural strength
- High radiopacity
- Aesthetic polishing
The Luna 2 Universal Composite offers smooth handling, high radiopacity, and is BPA-free.SDI Limited.
Right away, Luna 2 demonstrated several strong attributes. I was happy to see that it did not stick to my instruments and was easy to pack and sculpt. Additionally, one of my patients shared that she prefers non-BPA products for her daughter, and she was pleased to hear that the composite I placed on her daughter’s primary teeth did not contain any.
It is reassuring to know that Luna 2 has a strong compressive strength of 360 MPa, supporting resistance to wear and fracture, and a flexural strength of 130 MPa to decrease failures in class Vs, cusp replacement, and proximal boxes. Its flexural strength is comparable to dentin, allowing it to better withstand masticatory stress.
Luna 2 also demonstrates high radiopacity at 250% aluminum equivalency, making restorations clearly visible on radiographs. This means it is 2.5 times more radiopaque than aluminum on a radiograph. With its improved blend of fillers, it polishes to a smooth, natural-looking shine. The result is a strong composite resin that combines strength, handling, and aesthetics in a way that closely resembles a natural tooth.
Editor's note: Hear from Dr. Mohanta firsthand about her clinical experience using Luna 2 with her dental patients.
Evaluation of Luna 2
Fourteen Catapult evaluators incorporated Luna 2 into patient care in place of their usual restorative material and provided feedback based on real-world clinical use. Overall, the survey results were favorable, with comments such as:
- “One of the best composites I have ever worked with.”
- “Optical properties are good. Handling is good. When heated, flows very well.”
- “Good shade match.”
- “Easy to use. Great color. Easy to condense.”
Most evaluators noted that Luna 2 is easy to use and preferred the capsule delivery compared to the syringe. Some said it is stickier than their current composite resin. Several evaluators felt Luna 2 is similar to other composites.
Luna 2 was met with notably positive feedback from our evaluator group, particularly in the areas of handling and aesthetics. Several evaluators commented on its ease of use, shade match, and overall performance, with one evaluator stating it was “one of the best products we have ever evaluated.” In light of these clinical impressions, 92% of evaluators felt that Luna 2 deserved the Catapult Vote of Confidence™, and 85% indicated they would recommend it to a colleague, reinforcing the favorable response observed throughout the evaluation period.
Clinical evaluation
How would you manage this 4-year-old girl who had large caries on her upper first primary molar? (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Large caries on the upper first primary molar.Images and captions courtesy of Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta.
The ADA developed guidelines on how to manage moderate and large activated caries on primary and permanent teeth, with recommendations on caries removal and restorative materials. The guidelines recommend selective caries removal for moderate to large caries and composite resin as one of the materials that can be used for class I restorations. I follow these guidelines when managing my patients, so I did selective caries removal, which is leaving soft or firm (not hard dentin), and I restored her tooth with Luna 2 composite resin.
Here are the steps I used:
- Sedation: 50% nitrous oxide
- Anesthetic: Half a capsule of lidocaine 2% 1:1000 epinephrine buccal infiltration
- Isolation: Dry-shield HVE isolation
- Preparation: High-speed, green stripe diamond bur and a slow-speed carbide #6 bur, leaving firm dentin (Figure 2)
- Restoration: Glass ionomer liner, total etch, one-step prime and bond, Luna Flow composite resin, and Luna 2 composite resin, shade A2
- Finishing: Football carbide finishing bur and disposable polishing bur
Figure 2: Selective caries removal.
I was impressed with how easy it was to dispense, handle, and sculpt Luna 2 and to see the great aesthetics.
Figure 3: Tooth restored with A2 Luna 2 composite resin.
Conclusion
The Luna 2 Universal Composite from SDI.SDI Limited.
As clinicians, it is worth reflecting on why we use the composite resin we do in our practices. Is it simply familiarity, or does it have superior qualities that we value most?
For my new practice, I want to use the best composite that closely resembles natural tooth structure in both strength and appearance while remaining predictable and easy to use.
Throughout this evaluation, Luna 2 demonstrated handling, aesthetics, and physical properties that align with these priorities. With strong support from the Catapult Evaluators and earning the Catapult Vote of Confidence™, Luna 2 distinguishes itself as a composite worth consideration in all restorative dental practices.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
Dr. Sanjukta “Sanj” Mohanta is a general dentist practicing in Toronto. She graduated from the University of Toronto. She is a recipient of the Ontario Dental Association’s Merit Award and Service Award. Mohanta provides dental care to remote Indigenous communities with the ODA’s Remote Areas Program and provides free dental care in the Caribbean with Great Shape! 1000 Smiles. Her dental practice, Watermelon Dental, will soon open in Bolton, Ontario.
