Shofu Dental has introduced FX-LC, a next-generation light-cure, resin-reinforced glass ionomer restorative material designed to combine strength, fluoride release, self-adhesion, and efficient clinical handling. According to Shofu, FX-LC uses its New Generation Acrylamide (NGA) monomer chemistry and is designed to provide compressive strength exceeding GC Fuji II LC while retaining key glass ionomer characteristics.
For dentists, the most notable feature is the material’s Tri-Cure Technology, which combines the glass ionomer reaction with light curing and chemical polymerization. Shofu states that this technology allows placement in increments of up to 4 mm, with a 10-second light cure. Shofu+1
Key Features of FX-LC
- 4 mm bulk-fill capability: The capsule formulation can be placed in layers of up to 4 mm, with each layer light-cured separately.
- 10-second light cure: Shofu specifies a 10-second curing time with compatible halogen or LED curing units meeting the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Tri-Cure Technology: Combines glass ionomer reaction, light curing, and chemical polymerization for restorative applications.
- Fluoride release and self-adhesion: These features retain important advantages traditionally associated with glass ionomer restoratives.
- Moisture tolerance: Shofu positions FX-LC for situations where moisture control may be challenging, including subgingival areas.
- High Strength : Resin-reinforced formulation with NGA monomer, outperforming GC Fuji II LC* in compressive strength
- Multiple handling options: It is available in high-viscosity (HV) and low-viscosity (LV) capsules, as well as a hand-mix powder/liquid formulation.
- Multiple shades: The capsule range includes several shades, while the hand-mix version is also available in selected shades. Shofu
Where Could It Fit in Clinical Practice?
According to the manufacturer’s indications, FX-LC can be used for deciduous teeth, non-load-bearing Class I and Class II restorations in permanent teeth, and Class V cavities and wedge-shaped defects.
The combination of fluoride release, self-adhesion, and moisture tolerance may make the material particularly interesting for high-caries-risk patients, cervical lesions, pediatric restorations, and situations where achieving ideal isolation is difficult.
What May Interest Busy Dentists?
From a workflow perspective, FX-LC is designed to simplify several steps:
- No conditioner is required as part of the standard workflow, although Shofu offers an FX-LC Conditioner when enhanced adhesion is desired.
- The capsule design has been redesigned to improve access and visibility, particularly in posterior areas.
- Both HV and LV capsule options allow clinicians to choose between firmer and smoother handling characteristics.
For dentists, FX-LC is worth watching—not simply because it is a new glass ionomer, but because its combination of Tri-Cure technology, 4 mm placement, and simplified workflow is aimed directly at everyday restorative challenges.
Reference
