Product Review: Tokuyama’s Shield Force Plus

Tokuyama^®Shield Force Plus is a one-component, single application, light-cured protective sealant designed for the treatment of hypersensitive dentin. It effectively infiltrates and seals exposed dentinal tubules to inhibit the flow of fluid through the tubules, which is the cause of sensitivity and helps prevent loss of dentin due to abrasion and/or erosion of exposed cervical dentin.

Packaging

Each evaluator received 1 box of the Shield Force Plus which contained a 3 mL bottle of the desensitizer, white reusable mixing well and a easy-to-dispense plastic container with pop up lid that contained 25 Blue brush applicators.

Clinical indication

Because Shield Force Plus contains Self Reinforcing Monomer (SR Monomers), it interacts with the calcium ions to seal dentinal tubules. By air-drying and light curing the Shield Force Plus, the protective resin layer over the dentin surfaces and resin tags in the tubules are polymerized.

Dispensing

With the specially designed squeezable bottle, a precise amount of the Shield Force Plus is delivered into the mixing well. This aids the assistant in not wasting the material.

Ease of use

No scrubbing, rubbing or rinsing required when applying the Shield Force Plus by Tokuyama. For the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity and exposed cervical dentin (Fig. 1) the steps are as follows:

Dispense the Shield Force Plus, apply to exposed areas and leave for 10 seconds (Fig. 2). Apply light air for 5 seconds, then strong air to thin out the material. Light cure for 10 seconds (Fig. 3).

For the sealing of prepared tooth to alleviate/prevent tooth sensitivity under direct restorations: Dispense the Shield Force Plus. Apply to preparation, then leave for 10 seconds, apply weak air for 5 seconds, then strong air for 5 seconds, the light cure for 10 seconds (Figs. 4-6). Remove any unpolymerized layer with alcohol.

Contraindications

Before taking impression, it is essential to wipe dentin surface with alcohol, removing unpolymerized layer of Shield Force Plus that could prevent an accurate impression. Do NOT use temporary resin-based material; it may adhere to the cured Shield Force Plus by Tokuyama. The use of water- based cement would be recommended for temporary cementing, and temporary stopping would be recommended. Keep bottle in refrigerator when not in use to obtain best chemical properties.

Evaluation Team feedback

The CPS Evaluation Team consisted of 25 offices applying more than 146 applications of the Shield Force Plus by Tokuyama and the product received great scores. When asked what products are used in their practices, the majority responded: Gluma by Heraeus, Pro Fluoride L by VOCO America, BisBlock by BISCO, Clearfil SE Protect by Kuraray, and Seal and Protect by DENTSPLY Caulk.

All felt the Shield Force Plus was a better and/or close comparison to each of theses manufactured materials. All evaluators commented that Shield Force Plus was easy in application, very effective for reducing sensitivity, and easy to apply in small crevices. All hygiene evaluators felt the patients received immediate reduction of sensitivity and found themselves placing two coats to reassure they placed enough material in the exposed dentin areas.

Each hygiene evaluator commented there wasn’t any burning or sloughing of the tissue and the patient did not complain of after taste. A few dentist evaluators would like the formula to be able to used with any cement, but noted they would also use it after final cementation around restorations. One dentist asked a patient from a scale of 1-10, how sensitive was the area being treated. The patient quoted a 6. After applying one coat of Shield Force Plus, the patient said the sensitivity went from a 6 to a 2. He placed another application of the Shield Force Plus and the patient noted it went from a 2 down to a 0. After a 2 week follow up, the patient was still at a 0.

The assistant evaluation team recommended the Shield Force Plus for those patients going through Invisalign orthodontics. After stripping of the lower incisors, many patients said their teeth were very sensitive. After placement of the Shield Force Plus in those areas, sensitivity was extremely reduced. Patients were thanking the dental team on the return visits.

CPS team gives the Shield Force Plus by Tokuyama Dental America a 5 diamond rating.

About the Review

With the combination of the world’s leaders in their field, Contemporary Product Solutions’ dexterous, knowledgeable and experienced leadership team maintains a sharp eye for emerging products in the field of general and restorative dentistry by providing a “Total Office” perspective of clinical information and application, incorporating photographs and videos to assist chairside procedures for better patient results. CPS will continue to evaluate one product at a time with professionalism, integrity and a commitment to excellence.