Dental adhesives and glues have revolutionized modern dentistry, offering unparalleled bonding strength between dental materials and tooth structures. As we approach 2025, the selection of the right supplier for these critical products has become increasingly crucial for dental professionals. The right choice can significantly impact the quality of care provided and the achievement of optimal patient outcomes.
However, before deciding on a dental adhesive or glue supplier, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you’re making the best investment for your practice. In this article, we’ll explore the top dental adhesive and glue manufacturers, highlighting their strengths and innovations to help you make an informed decision.
Overview
The global dental adhesives and sealants market continues to experience significant growth, driven by increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, rising prevalence of dental caries, and advancements in adhesive technology. According to recent market reports, the industry is projected to reach $8.8 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2024 to 2028.
Key trends shaping the market include:
- Advancements in nanotechnology for bonding agents
- Application of 3D printing technology in bonding agent dispensing
- Focus on bonding agents with low or zero post-operative sensitivity
- Development of dual-cure and light-cure hybrid bonding agents
- Growing adoption of universal adhesives
- Increased focus on biocompatibility and safety
- Rising demand for minimally invasive dental procedures
- Expansion of dental care services in emerging markets
Top Dental Adhesives & Glues Suppliers
3M Oral Care
3M Oral Care is a global leader in dental and orthodontic solutions, renowned for its innovative approach to oral health products and technologies. The company stands at the forefront of the dental industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge adhesives, restorative materials, and other oral care solutions.
Website: www.3m.com/3M/en_US/oral-care-us/
Business Type: Manufacturer and supplier of dental and orthodontic products
Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Main Markets: Global, with significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia
Establishment Year: 1902
Certificates/Awards: Named “Most Innovative Company” in the dental industry for 11 consecutive years by The Anaheim Group
3M Oral Care, a global leader in dental adhesives and restorative solutions, has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. Renowned for its expertise in adhesive technologies, the company offers a comprehensive product range, including dental cements, universal adhesives, and restorative materials tailored to meet diverse clinical needs. Its flagship product, 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive, is celebrated as the first truly universal bonding solution, compatible with total-etch, self-etch, and selective-etch techniques.
With state-of-the-art research facilities and a commitment to advancing dental care, 3M Oral Care consistently delivers groundbreaking innovations. The company’s portfolio extends beyond adhesives to include impression materials, temporary crowns, and orthodontic appliances, ensuring comprehensive support for dental professionals. By combining advanced material science with customer-focused design, 3M Oral Care enhances procedural efficiency while improving patient outcomes. Its dedication to quality and innovation continues to set industry standards, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for dental practitioners worldwide.
Kuraray Noritake Dental
Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality dental materials, with a particular focus on innovative adhesives and bonding solutions for the dental industry.
Website: www.kuraraynoritake.com
Business Type: Development, production, and sale of dental materials
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Main Markets: Global, with strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia
Establishment Year: 2012 (through merger of Kuraray Medical Inc. and Noritake Dental Supply Co., Limited)
Certificates/Awards: Multiple REALITY “FIVE STAR AWARD” recognitions for bond, cement, and composite resin products
Kuraray Noritake Dental leads the dental materials industry with its pioneering expertise in dental adhesives, bonding agents, and restorative solutions. Renowned for its innovative MDP adhesive phosphate monomer, the company offers a comprehensive product range, including bonding agents, CAD/CAM materials, ceramics for crowns, and resin-based solutions. These products deliver exceptional durability and superior bonding to dental substrates, meeting the highest standards of modern dentistry.
Operating from advanced manufacturing facilities in Niigata and Miyoshi, Japan, Kuraray Noritake Dental is expanding its zirconia production to meet rising global demand. By 2026, the Miyoshi Plant will achieve an annual output of 300 tons, with plans for further scalability. The company’s flagship products, such as CLEARFIL and PANAVIA bonding systems, are celebrated for their quality and ease of use, enhancing efficiency for dental professionals worldwide. With a steadfast focus on research and development, Kuraray Noritake Dental continues to set benchmarks in dental innovation while addressing the evolving needs of clinicians and patients alike.
Ivoclar Vivadent
Ivoclar Vivadent is a global leader in the dental industry, renowned for its innovative solutions and high-quality products designed for dental professionals. With a strong commitment to advancing dental technology and enhancing patient care, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for dentists and dental technicians worldwide.
Website: www.ivoclarvivadent.com
Business Type: Manufacturer and supplier of dental materials, including adhesives, restorative materials, and digital dentistry solutions.
Headquarters: Schaan, Liechtenstein
Main Markets: Global presence in over 130 countries, with significant markets in Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America.
Establishment Year: 1923
Certificates/Awards: ISO certifications, numerous industry awards for innovation and product excellence.
Ivoclar Vivadent excels in dental innovation, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality products manufactured in cutting-edge facilities. The company’s Adhese Universal Adhesive showcases its commitment to efficiency and precision in dental bonding, featuring the unique VivaPen delivery system that minimizes waste while maximizing results. This positions Ivoclar Vivadent as a leader in dental adhesive technology, empowering practitioners to achieve superior outcomes.
Continuous R&D drives Ivoclar Vivadent’s product evolution, exemplified by the Ivotion Denture System. This digital solution streamlines denture fabrication, enhancing both process efficiency and patient satisfaction. The company’s focus on professional education ensures dentists and technicians can fully leverage these advanced dental materials and technologies. By blending technological innovation with deep industry insights, Ivoclar Vivadent delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that elevate dental care quality and practice efficiency worldwide.
BISCO Dental Products
BISCO Dental Products is a leading innovator and manufacturer in the dental restorative materials industry, specializing in adhesive and resin composite technology.
Website: www.bisco.com
Business Type: Manufacturer of dental restorative materials and adhesives
Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
Main Markets: United States and over 60 countries worldwide
Establishment Year: 1981
Certificates/Awards: ISO 13485 certified manufacturer of medical devices for the dental industry
BISCO Dental Products stands at the forefront of dental bonding innovation, driven by a four-decade commitment to advancing restorative dentistry. The company’s extensive product line includes essential materials for dental procedures, from cutting-edge adhesives to high-performance composites and fiber posts.
Headquartered in a 91,000-square-foot facility in Schaumburg, Illinois, BISCO leverages state-of-the-art R&D to continuously enhance its offerings. Flagship products like ALL-BOND 2 and ONE-STEP have transformed dental adhesion techniques, solidifying BISCO’s industry leadership. The company’s U.S.-based manufacturing ensures premium quality, while its direct-to-dentist model delivers fresh, research-backed materials to practitioners. BISCO’s edge lies in combining innovative dental solutions with exceptional support, exemplified by educational initiatives such as the BISCO Institute.
Kerr Corporation
Kerr Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of premier dental consumables, with a strong focus on innovative dental adhesives and bonding agents.
Website: www.kerrdental.com
Business Type: Manufacturer and supplier of dental products
Headquarters: Brea, California, USA
Main Markets: Global, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa
Establishment Year: 1891
Certificates/Awards: Multiple “Best of Class” technology awards from the Pride Institute for products like SonicFill and Demi Ultra
Kerr Corporation stands as a pioneer in dental bonding technology, delivering innovative solutions for restorative dentistry since 1891. Their renowned OptiBond™ series has set industry standards for reliability and performance in dental adhesives. Kerr’s comprehensive range includes cutting-edge universal bonding agents, self-etching systems, and total-etch products, meeting diverse clinical needs across the globe.
With advanced production centers spanning the USA, Canada, Mexico, Italy, and the Czech Republic, Kerr ensures top-tier quality and worldwide product accessibility. The company’s unwavering focus on R&D shines through groundbreaking offerings like SimpliShade™ Self-Adhesive Flow, which merges bonding technology with flowable composites for streamlined dental procedures. Kerr’s commitment to advancing cosmetic dentistry through ongoing education and eco-friendly practices has cemented its status as a go-to resource for dental professionals. By consistently refining their product lineup, Kerr equips dentists with essential tools for delivering exceptional patient outcomes and achieving durable, aesthetically superior restorations.
Comparison of Dental Adhesives & Glues Suppliers
| Supplier | Key Features | Price Range | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Oral Care | Radiopaque universal adhesive, Versatile application | Premium | Universal bonding, Indirect restorations |
| Kuraray Noritake | MDP monomer technology, Quick bonding | High | Direct restorations, Ceramic bonding |
| Ivoclar Vivadent | VivaPen delivery, Esthetic focus | Premium | Esthetic dentistry, All-ceramic restorations |
| BISCO | High bond strength, Dual-cure options | Mid-range | Universal bonding, Self-adhesive cements |
| Kerr | OptiBond technology, Low sensitivity | Mid-range | Direct restorations, Amalgam bonding |
Latest advancements in universal dental adhesives
Universal dental adhesives have evolved significantly, offering enhanced performance and versatility for dental practitioners in 2025. Recent innovations have revolutionized the field, addressing key challenges and improving patient outcomes.
Cutting-edge physicomechanical properties characterize the latest generation of universal adhesives. A groundbreaking study revealed substantial improvements in adhesive layer thickness, oxygen inhibition, viscosity, hardness, and elastic modulus. These advancements contribute to superior handling and overall performance, though dentin bonding efficacy remains largely unchanged.
Innovative formulations have transformed the landscape of dental adhesives. The introduction of Rapid Bond Technology, combining MDP monomer with hydrophilic amide monomers, has yielded remarkable results. This breakthrough enables swift penetration into dental tissue, rapid chemical bonding, and eliminates the need for prolonged scrubbing. The resulting moisture-resistant cross-linked polymer network ensures a durable, stable bond.
Radiopaque adhesives represent a significant leap forward, addressing longstanding challenges in X-ray interpretation. By introducing dentin-like radiopacity, these adhesives minimize misdiagnosis risks and prevent unnecessary invasive treatments. Notably, they maintain low viscosity without requiring pre-use shaking.
Biocompatibility remains a focal point for researchers, with ongoing studies evaluating the safety and performance of recently introduced products. This emphasis on patient well-being underscores the industry’s commitment to responsible innovation.
Quad-Adhesive Technology has emerged as a game-changer, offering unparalleled versatility. This proprietary technology enables bonding to multiple substrates, streamlines application processes, and provides flexibility in etching techniques. The result is a more efficient and reliable bonding experience for dental professionals.
Active Moisture Control technology has addressed persistent challenges related to water surface tension. By promoting even adhesive spreading and improving adaptation to tooth surfaces, this advancement enhances the overall quality and longevity of dental restorations.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring promising avenues for future development. Key areas of focus include incorporating MMP inhibitors and antimicrobials to enhance bond durability, developing self-adhesive restorative materials, optimizing silane incorporation for improved ceramic bonding, and refining selective dentin etching techniques.
These groundbreaking advancements in universal dental adhesives are poised to simplify clinical procedures, bolster bond strength and durability, and elevate the standard of care in dental restorations. As the field continues to progress, patients can expect increasingly efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting dental treatments.
Biocompatible dental bonding agents
Dental adhesives that prioritize biocompatibility play a crucial role in restorative dentistry, aiming to create robust bonds between tooth structures and restorative materials while minimizing adverse effects on oral tissues. These innovative bonding agents typically comprise monomers (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic), solvents, photoinitiators, and sometimes fillers. The bonding mechanism forms a hybrid layer where resin monomers infiltrate demineralized dentin, surrounding collagen fibrils to create a strong tooth-restoration interface.
While designed for compatibility with oral tissues, some components of dental adhesives may cause potential issues such as cytotoxicity from unpolymerized monomers, pulpal inflammation, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. To enhance biocompatibility, researchers are exploring strategies like incorporating bioactive components, adding antibacterial properties, developing alternative monomers, and optimizing formulations. Clinicians should carefully follow manufacturer instructions, consider cavity depth and pulp proximity when selecting adhesives, and monitor for any adverse effects during follow-ups. Future research focuses on developing next-generation adhesives that not only provide strong bonds but also actively promote tissue healing and regeneration, addressing the ongoing challenge of balancing adhesion strength with minimal biological impact in restorative dentistry.
Dental Adhesive Systems: Self-Etch vs. Total-Etch Approaches
Modern dentistry relies heavily on two primary bonding techniques: self-etching and total-etch adhesive systems. These methods differ significantly in their application processes and performance characteristics, impacting clinical outcomes and patient comfort.
Total-etch adhesives utilize a separate etching step with 32-37% phosphoric acid, completely removing the smear layer and requiring meticulous moisture control. This technique creates deep etching patterns, resulting in superior enamel bond strength but increased post-operative sensitivity risk. Self-etch systems combine etching and priming, using acidic monomers to simultaneously demineralize and infiltrate tooth structure. This simplified approach modifies rather than removes the smear layer, offering consistent dentin bonding with fewer application steps.
Bond strength and clinical performance vary between these methods. Total-etch systems excel in enamel bonding but show variable dentin adhesion, forming a thicker hybrid layer (4-5 μm). Self-etch adhesives provide more consistent dentin bonding with a thinner hybrid layer (0.5-2 μm) but may require selective enamel etching for optimal results. Long-term performance data favors total-etch systems, particularly for enamel bonding, while self-etch systems show promising short-term outcomes for dentin adhesion.
Recent innovations have introduced universal adhesives, bridging the gap between self-etch and total-etch approaches. These versatile products can be used in multiple modes, offering clinicians greater flexibility in their bonding protocols. The choice between adhesive systems often depends on specific clinical scenarios, operator preference, and the particular product being used.
Dentists must consider factors such as technique sensitivity, moisture control requirements, and post-operative sensitivity when selecting an adhesive system. Total-etch methods demand more precise application but may yield stronger enamel bonds. Self-etch systems simplify the bonding process, reducing technique sensitivity and generally lowering the risk of post-operative discomfort.
As dental adhesive technology continues to evolve, practitioners should stay informed about the latest developments and clinical evidence to make optimal choices for their patients’ restorative needs. The ongoing refinement of both self-etch and total-etch systems, along with the emergence of universal adhesives, promises to further enhance the field of adhesive dentistry in the coming years.
Conclusion
Dental adhesives and glues are evolving rapidly as we approach 2025, with top suppliers like 3M Oral Care, Kuraray Noritake Dental, Ivoclar Vivadent, BISCO Dental Products, and Kerr Corporation leading the way. These companies offer advanced bonding solutions that prioritize bond strength, ease of use, versatility, and material compatibility.
Looking ahead, the industry is poised for further advancements in biocompatibility, durability, and application methods. Dental professionals should stay informed about these developments to provide optimal patient care and keep an eye on these leading suppliers for the latest innovations in dental adhesives and glues.
