Drs. Ankur and Nisha Gupta are a dynamic husband-wife dental team whose passion for patient care and commitment to excellence have shaped their nearly two-decade-long journey in dentistry. Both graduates of the University of Michigan's dental school, their personal and professional lives have been intertwined from the start. After completing their residencies at MetroHealth Hospital in Cleveland, the couple settled in North Ridgeville, Ohio, where they founded a thriving, comprehensive family dental practice.

The couple's expertise, however, spans beyond clinical practice. Ankur is an international lecturer and product evaluator, while Nisha's dedication to continuing education is reflected in her role as a clinical instructor at Case Western Reserve University and her involvement with the Ohio Dental Association. Both additionally serve as dental product evaluators for Catapult Education.

In this spirit of continuous improvement, and to ensure they are providing their patients optimal care, the Guptas recently conducted an informal blinded test among their dental team to assess which dental composite best suited their practice. This exercise not only reflected their commitment to using the finest restorative materials but also their dedication to utilizing data and hands-on experience to guide their treatment decisions.

"There are so many good composites out there, and every manufacturer, naturally, says theirs is the best," Ankur comments. "So the three dentists in our office decided to take some of the highest rated composites and put them to the test."

The team used 11 highly regarded composites from different manufacturers and rated them based on handling, adaptability, and overall performance. The team prepped Class I cavities on typodont teeth, which were then mounted in stone. To ensure a fair comparison, all identifying markers were completely covered, making it a blind test.

Each dentist evaluated the composites on multiple criteria, including ease of dispensing, adaptation, packability, stickiness to instruments, and polishability. The team found that some composites were very hard, too sticky, or didn't pack well, while others were more malleable and easier to work with.

The results were clear: After evaluating all 11 composites, the unanimous favorite was Beautifil^® II by Shofu. The team, Ankur attests, appreciated its superior handling and adaptability, which made it the easiest to manipulate during procedures.

Beautifil II is a highly esthetic nanohybrid composite featuring bioactive Giomer Technology, giving it the ability to release and recharge fluoride and other beneficial ions for the life of the restoration. According to the manufacturer, it is well-suited for patients with a high caries index and offers high radiopacity and enamel-like hardness, while usually costing 30% less than many name-brand competitors.

The blind test, Ankur says, allowed the Guptas to select "a composite that best matches our needs and ensures a more predictable, efficient experience for our patients."

To view the blind test, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWKiBrHwk5Y.

Ankur Gupta, DDS
Private Practice, North Ridgeville, Ohio; Head of product evaluation, Catapult Education

Nisha Gupta, DDS
Private Practice, North Ridgeville, Ohio; Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University

Shofu Dental
800-827-4638
shofu.com