I often start product reviews with some witty commentary on the product’s name, but in this case, Luna speaks for itself. Simply stated, this is a wonderful nanohybrid composite resin, available in syringe or unit-dose complets (my choice).
Luna has superior compressive strength of over 343 MPa according to the manufacturer. With 13 universal shades that are matched to the traditional Vita system, there is no need to learn a new system. Luna does offer several specialty shades: three dentin shades, a bleach shade, an extra bleach shade, and an incisal shade, all of which make this a suitable restorative for use in the anterior or posterior dentition. All shades exhibit a great chameleon effect due to the translucency of the material which, along with natural fluorescence and opalescence, allows for proper and seamless blending to natural tooth structure. The material’s filler load is 77% by weight, and it has a high flexural strength (136 MPa), low volumetric shrinkage (2.88%), and good radiopacity (180% Al). Luna’s radiopacity is higher than dentin, making it easy to follow on radiographs, which allows for clear visibility of the margins. I also like the handling of the material, as it is easy to pack yet has a slightly creamy consistency. Maximum depth of cure is rated at 2 mm, and Luna does not seem to exhibit any significant pull-back when packing, thus making it easy to layer in a deeper cavity preparation. Of great significance is that it does not harden quickly under ambient light (working time may be up to five minutes), which is beneficial for anterior restorations. When looking for an esthetically pleasing, easy-to-use, strong, adaptable composite, Luna just might be the material for you.
Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, is a columnist for Dental Economics. He is a key opinion leader in dental products and maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Dr. Glazer is a fellow and past president of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). He lectures frequently on the subjects of dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry, and patient management.
