Ketac Universal does not require the use of a glaze or conditioner and is engineered to be non-sticky. A test was performed where a metal ball plunger was dipped into the mixed paste of four different glass ionomer restorative materials and withdrawn immediately. Photos from the test showed that Ketac Universal did not stick to the metal ball, while other glass ionomer materials on the market displayed a clear ‘pull back’ (or stickiness) when the ball plunger was lifted.

Ketac Universal is designed to save steps and speed up procedures, making it ideal for paediatric, geriatric, and teenage patients who can be the most caries-prone and most restless. It can be used without preconditioning the cavity and without a coating yet delivers compressive strength and surface hardness higher than several clinically proven glass ionomers which do require a coating.

Resin modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) offer all the advantages of a conventional glass ionomer plus important advances like dual curing, immediate finishing and improved aesthetics. RMGIs also tend to offer a high degree of hydrophilicity, making them ideal for situations where moisture control is difficult. Photac Fil has been designed to work without the need for a conditioner and glaze to save time and make placement quicker.

RMGIs have a long history as a lining material. Giving a good bond to dentine and providing fluoride release, they offer an excellent solution to the cavity floor before being finished with a composite restoration. RMGIs also have a better modulus of elasticity over composite materials. Studies have shown that RMGI liners can absorb the stresses caused by shrinking composite materials and therefore reduce post-operative sensitivity and decrease the risk of marginal leakage.