A Trusted Solution for Restorative Dentistry
Kerr Dental’s Simplicity™ Line streamlines restorative procedures while maintaining high standards of performance
March 1, 2025
Volume 21
,
Issue 2
,
March 2025
Page(s): p. 44
When it comes to his career in dentistry, Matthew R. Miller, DDS, is playing the long game. After graduating from the NYU College of Dentistry in 2007 and honing his skills in an honors program at the Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry, Miller returned to his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, to work in private practice. He joined his current office in 2012, and since then, he has been instrumental in its growth. As a lifelong learner and a key opinion leader, Miller is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental innovation. He is particularly passionate about improving patient outcomes using advanced materials and techniques, and he frequently shares his knowledge through lectures at national and international conferences as well as in hands-on training sessions for study clubs and group practices.
Although Miller's endeavors have exposed him to a wide range of products, he has developed a particular affinity for the Simplicity™ line from Kerr Dental, which is designed to simplify restorative procedures while maintaining high standards of performance. Miller notes that this product line, which includes their OptiBond™ Universal 360 single component universal dental adhesive, SimpliShade™ universal composite, and Maxcem Elite™ universal resin cement, has significantly impacted his approach to restorative dentistry. "The line allows me to deliver predictable results," he says. "But at the same time, it makes it easier to get there. It's less technique-sensitive, which means that I can get the same excellent outcomes with fewer steps."
The bonding agent that is included in the Simplicity line, OptiBond Universal 360, is a universal adhesive that works with all etching and bonding techniques. In addition, it is compatible with all materials, including composites, ceramics, metals, and zirconia-a feature that Miller particularly values. "What sets OptiBond Universal 360 apart from other bonding agents is its true universality," he says. "It has primers incorporated into it, so it cuts down on the need for extra steps and additional products. It's compatible with any dual-cure resin, which means that I don't have to worry about using a separate activator or primer. It just works with everything."
Miller is also impressed by the chemistry behind OptiBond Universal 360. A notable feature is the inclusion of MDP in addition to Kerr's patented GPDM technology, which enhances the bond strength to metal and zirconia. "MDP increases bond strengths, and Kerr has successfully integrated it into their product without compromising stability," Miller says. Furthermore, Miller is fond of the bottle design of OptiBond Universal 360, which facilitates easy, one-handed use. "You just push a button, and the cap automatically opens," he says, "which makes it ergonomic. And the precise dropper gives me consistent control, so i don't waste product."
The next standout product in the Simplicity line is Kerr's SimpliShade universal composite. Designed to simplify the traditionally time-consuming process of shade matching, SimpliShade offers a simplified-shade system with three base shades-Light, Medium, and Dark-along with additional accessory shades, such as Universal Opaque and Bleach White. "For years, I used multiple shades to get the perfect match for my patients' restorations," Miller says. "SimpliShade has made it easier to get the same results with just a few shades. It mimics the natural translucency of tooth structure and adapts well to a wide range of cases."
Miller also appreciates the lifelike esthetic qualities of SimpliShade, noting that the composite exhibits excellent light transmission and creates a chameleon effect, which helps it blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure. He extolls the mechanical properties of SimpliShade as well, particularly its strength and durability. "Not only does it look great, but it's also incredibly strong," Miller says. "It has great depth of cure and handling, and it maintains its gloss over time. Moreover, the bulk-fill and flowable formulations are fantastic for posterior work. They look natural and are easy to use, even for deep restorations."
Finally, Maxcem Elite universal resin cement, the third product in the Simplicity line, has earned Miller's respect for its dual-cure capability and universal compatibility. Maxcem Elite features a built-in primer system, which allows it to bond reliably with all dental substrates and indirect restorations, including those fabricated from ceramics, metals, and CAD/CAM materials. "Maxcem Elite also has a universal catalyst that provides a ‘dark cure' with any universal bonding agent, not just Kerr's," he says. "It's a great product for cementing crowns, veneers, and even posts and cores because it can be used for both self-adhesive and adhesive techniques."
In addition to its bonding strength, Miller notes that Maxcem Elite demonstrates excellent color stability. "A lot of cements will discolor over time, but Maxcem Elite remains stable and doesn't get that yellow or brownish hue," he says. "It maintains its optical properties, which is crucial for esthetically challenging cases." Another notable feature of Maxcem Elite is that it is easy to clean up. "It has a short tack-cure time, and the cleanup is a dream," Miller says. "It has what's referred to as a ‘one-peel' cleanup, which means that I can remove any excess cement in one piece. This leads to better gingival health and ensures a tighter seal around restorations."
Miller's positive experience with the Simplicity line mirrors his overall satisfaction with Kerr Dental as a company. He appreciates Kerr's dedication to innovation and its focus on providing products that not only perform well but are easy for clinicians to use. "Kerr listens to clinician feedback and develops products that are intuitive and compatible with a variety of other materials. They're always at the forefront of dental innovation," he says.
With its streamlined workflow, enhanced esthetics, and reliable performance, the Simplicity line has earned Miller's full endorsement as a trusted solution for modern restorative dentistry. "The results speak for themselves," he says. "These products have helped me provide exceptional care, and I know that my patients appreciate the improved outcomes and the more efficient process."
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