What if your adhesive could handle both light-cure and dual-cure situations—without adding another activator to the workflow?
Adhesive dentistry is already technique-sensitive. Add indirect restorations, deep preparations, endodontic posts, limited light access, and different etching protocols—and the bonding step can quickly become more complicated.
Ivoclar has introduced Adhese 2, a new universal adhesive designed to simplify that workflow by combining light- and dual-curing capabilities in a single adhesive system.
The interesting part: no separate activator for dual-cure application
One of the key features of Adhese 2 is its ability to be applied directly from the VivaPen in dual-cure mode without an additional activator.
That could be particularly relevant when clinicians are working in areas where adequate light penetration is difficult.
Think:
- Indirect restorations
- Deep preparations
- Endodontic posts
- Light-limited areas
- Situations requiring dual-cure resin cement
Ivoclar says the new blue DC cannula enables direct application of the dual-curing adhesive from the VivaPen.
One adhesive, multiple etching strategies
Adhese 2 is designed to work with all etching techniques, giving clinicians flexibility to use total-etch, selective-etch, or self-etch approaches according to the clinical situation.
It is also compatible with both light-cure and dual-cure composites.
For a busy restorative practice, the attraction is obvious: fewer products and fewer additional steps could mean a more streamlined bonding protocol.
What about bond strength?
According to Ivoclar’s product information reported by Dentistry Today, Adhese 2 demonstrates bond strength values above 25 MPa on enamel and dentin, regardless of the etching protocol used in the specified combinations.
The manufacturer also reports high moisture tolerance, allowing bonding to both dry and moist dentin.
Another claimed benefit is an integrated desensitizing effect, intended to reduce the risk of postoperative sensitivity.
A thinner adhesive layer could matter clinically
Adhesive film thickness is easy to overlook—but it becomes important when precision is critical.
Adhese 2 has a reported film thickness of approximately 10 μm.
For indirect restorations, maintaining a thin adhesive layer can help support restoration fit while still providing the required bonding interface.
VivaPen: efficiency beyond the chemistry
The change isn’t only about the adhesive chemistry.
Adhese 2 is delivered through VivaPen, which provides controlled intraoral application.
Ivoclar reports that the system can provide up to four times more single-tooth applications per milliliter compared with traditional bottle systems.
For practices performing a high volume of adhesive procedures, material efficiency can become a meaningful operational consideration.
Why dentists should pay attention
The bigger story here isn’t simply “Ivoclar launched another universal adhesive.”
The interesting development is the attempt to make dual-cure bonding less complicated.
Having an adhesive system designed to cover more of those situations could potentially reduce the number of products and steps required at chairside.
Of course, as with any new adhesive system, independent clinical evidence, long-term performance, compatibility with different resin materials, and real-world handling remain important considerations beyond manufacturer-reported data.
Reference
Adhese® 2.
