🦷 Clinical Protocol · HowTo Schema Optimized
SMITE Flow™
Clinical Guide
When to use it, why it works, and exactly how to place it. A step-by-step protocol based on 148 MPa ISO-tested material.
1
Cavity preparation & isolation2
Acid etch + bonding agent3
SMITE Flow injection (0.5–1mm)4
Light cure 40 seconds5
Packable composite + finish148MPa Flexural Strength
40sCure Time
2mmDepth of Cure
75%Filler Load
ISO4049:2019 Certified
Where SMITE Flow Performs Best
SMITE Flow's combination of flowability, 75% filler content, and 148 MPa flexural strength makes it uniquely versatile across multiple clinical scenarios.
Deep Margin Elevation — First Injection Composite
SMITE Flow is the first injection composite of choice for deep margin elevation (DME). When the cervical margin of a cavity sits below the gingival crest or at the CEJ, SMITE Flow is injected to relocate the margin coronally before the final restoration. Its high flowability ensures perfect adaptation to the deep subgingival margin without voids, and its 148 MPa strength ensures a durable elevated margin foundation.
✓ Inject to the deep margin first, light cure, then build the restoration on the elevated margin — avoids subgingival impression and simplifies the final prep
Posterior Cavity Liner / Base
SMITE Flow's primary indication. A 0.5–1mm liner layer on the pulpal floor and axial walls before packable composite reduces polymerization shrinkage stress at the floor and ensures perfect adaptation to complex cavity geometry.
✓ Use under all Class I and II packable composites for superior marginal adaptation
Class V Cervical Restorations
Cervical abrasion/erosion lesions have gingival margins in cementum or dentin — areas difficult to pack conventionally. SMITE Flow flows into the preparation, wets the gingival margin, and cures in place without voids. Its flexibility absorbs cervical flexural stress.
✓ Ideal for NCCL (non-carious cervical lesions) and root surface restorations
Pit & Fissure Sealing
SMITE Flow penetrates deep pit-fissure anatomy better than viscous sealants. Its 75% filler content and 148 MPa strength means sealed fissures resist wear longer. Can be used as an extended pit-and-fissure sealant with light cure for confidence in longevity.
✓ Apply thin layer into fissure, light cure, check occlusion — no adjustment usually needed
Pediatric Restorations
Children's primary and permanent teeth benefit from SMITE Flow's injectability. Minimal cavity preparation, no packing force required, fast application — all reduce patient anxiety and chair time. Suitable for Class I, II, and V in primary teeth.
✓ Less intimidating for anxious pediatric patients — injection tip vs packing instrument
Small Class I Restorations
For small, conservative Class I cavities with moderate occlusal stress, SMITE Flow can serve as the sole restorative material. At 148 MPa it significantly exceeds the ISO 4049 Type II stress-bearing minimum and equals Filtek Supreme Ultra.
✓ Cusp-to-cusp contact should be on enamel or packable composite — not directly on flow
Tunnel & Slot Restorations
Tunnel restorations (Class II without proximal box) benefit enormously from flowable composites — conventional composites can't access the tunnel effectively. SMITE Flow is injected through the occlusal access and flows to fill the proximal cavity.
✓ Particularly useful in minimally invasive dentistry protocols for interproximal lesions
Core Buildups (Layered)
For teeth requiring buildups before crown preparation, SMITE Flow can be used as a flow layer between build-up composite increments, ensuring adaptation to the prepared post space and any undercuts before bulk composite placement.
✓ Use as initial layer in post space or for irregular cavity shapes, then overlay with packable
Anterior Class III Restorations
Proximal access in anterior teeth is tight. SMITE Flow's injectable tip accesses narrow interproximal lesions where conventional placement is difficult. Available in A1/A2/A3 shades for esthetic matching in the anterior region.
✓ Contour with instrument before curing, finish with flexible polishing disc
How to Place SMITE Flow™
The complete clinical protocol for placing SMITE Flow as a cavity liner under posterior packable composite — the most common indication.
1
Cavity Preparation ⏱ 5–10 min
Complete cavity preparation using standard protocol. Remove all caries (verify with caries detector if needed). Ensure margins are sharp and well-defined. Rinse thoroughly to remove all debris and dentin chips. Dry cavity — but maintain dentin hydration (don't over-dry and crack the collagen network).
Check cavity depth — if <0.5mm from pulp, consider calcium hydroxide spot application before SMITE Flow
Isolation: rubber dam is ideal; cotton rolls + retraction cord as minimum for Class V
Inspect all walls under magnification before proceeding
2
Etch & Rinse ⏱ 2 min
Apply 37% phosphoric acid etchant (use SMITE ETCH if available — purple non-staining formula for high contrast visibility). Etch enamel margins 15–20 seconds, then dentin 10 seconds. Rinse thoroughly for 15+ seconds — all etchant must be removed. Blot dentin dry; do not desiccate. Enamel margins should appear chalky/frosted white.
Enamel etching is essential — at least 15 sec for cut enamel, 30 sec for bevel margins
Keep dentin moist — the hybrid layer forms in a hydrated environment
⚠️ Over-etching dentin (>15 sec) can collapse collagen fibers and reduce bond strength. Time carefully.
3
Bonding Agent Application ⏱ 1–2 min
Apply bonding agent to all etched cavity surfaces per your adhesive's instructions. Use a microbrush to work the adhesive into dentin tubules with scrubbing motion for 15–20 seconds. Air-thin the adhesive with gentle air to evaporate solvent — the surface should appear uniformly shiny, not pooled. Light cure the adhesive 10–20 seconds.
Verify even coverage — all walls including gingival floor of proximal box must be covered
Two adhesive coats improve bond strength vs single coat on deep dentin
Do not cure if adhesive appears thick or pooled — re-spread and thin before curing
4
SMITE Flow Injection ⏱ 1–2 min
Attach injection tip to SMITE Flow syringe. Insert the tip to the cavity floor and slowly express material while withdrawing the tip, creating a uniform 0.5–1mm layer. Work from the deep to the shallow, pulpal floor first, then axial walls. Use an explorer tip to coax material into all corners and ensure elimination of air voids.
Keep tip submerged in material while injecting — this prevents air inclusion
0.5mm is sufficient liner thickness; 1mm max — do not thicker than 1mm liner
For proximal box: flow down the gingival floor, allowing gravity to assist seating
Check for voids with explorer — rework any areas before curing
⚠️ Overfill risks: too thick a SMITE Flow layer reduces space for packable composite and may create a weak zone under heavy occlusal loading. Target 0.5–1mm liner thickness only.
5
Light Cure SMITE Flow ⏱ 40 sec
Position LED curing light tip directly over the cavity opening, as close as possible. Cure for exactly 40 seconds. This ensures full depth-of-cure (2mm) through the liner layer. After curing, probe the surface gently — cured SMITE Flow should be firm and resist deformation. If it deforms, cure an additional 20 seconds.
Light intensity matters: <400 mW/cm² requires longer cure time — verify your light regularly
After curing, SMITE Flow is ready immediately — no wait time before composite placement
6
Place Packable Composite ⏱ 5–15 min
Apply packable nano-hybrid composite in 2mm oblique increments over the cured SMITE Flow liner. Each increment should be adapted, contoured, and cured 20–40 seconds before the next. Build anatomy. Remove matrix band and check proximal contacts. Verify occlusion with articulating paper, adjust as needed, polish with flexible discs and rubber polishers.
Oblique increments for posterior: place each increment from one proximal wall to the opposite axial wall
Check occlusion in all excursions — the restoration should be free of interferences
Final polish: use sequence of decreasing abrasiveness — finishing bur → discs → rubber cup
Do's & Don'ts with SMITE Flow
Common errors that reduce performance, and best practices that maximize longevity.
✓ DO
- ✓ Keep SMITE Flow layer at 0.5–1mm thickness as a liner
- ✓ Fully etch and bond before applying SMITE Flow
- ✓ Cure for the full 40 seconds per 2mm layer
- ✓ Use an explorer to adapt material and eliminate voids before curing
- ✓ Keep tip submerged in material while injecting to prevent air bubbles
- ✓ Use SMITE Flow for Class V cervical restorations — it handles flex stress better than packables
- ✓ Store at room temperature, away from light
- ✓ Verify light output regularly with a radiometer
✗ DON'T
- ✗ Don't apply SMITE Flow without a bonding agent — no bond to tooth without adhesive
- ✗ Don't use as the only material in large posterior Class II restorations — add packable overlay
- ✗ Don't place layers >2mm — depth of cure is 2mm maximum
- ✗ Don't over-etch dentin (>15 sec) — collapses collagen, reduces bond
- ✗ Don't cure at an angle more than 45° from the cavity opening
- ✗ Don't refrigerate SMITE Flow — store at room temperature only
- ✗ Don't leave the cap off — exposure to ambient light initiates premature polymerization
- ✗ Don't place occlusal contacts directly on SMITE Flow in high-stress cusp areas
Indication Reference Table
Quick reference guide for clinical decision-making on when and how to use SMITE Flow.
| Clinical Situation | SMITE Flow Role | Recommended | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Margin Elevation | First injection composite | ✓ Yes | Relocates subgingival margin coronally before final restoration |
| Posterior Class I, small | Sole restorative material | ✓ Yes | Avoid direct cusp contacts on flow |
| Posterior Class I/II, large | 0.5–1mm liner only | ✓ Yes (as liner) | Overlay 2+ mm packable composite required |
| Class V cervical abrasion | Sole restorative material | ✓ Yes | Excellent — absorbs cervical flex stress |
| Pit and fissure sealing | Flowable sealant | ✓ Yes | Penetrates narrow fissure anatomy well |
| Anterior Class III | Sole or base layer | ✓ Yes | Match shade carefully; A2 most common |
| Anterior Class IV (large) | Base layer only | ⚠️ Partial | Use nano-esthetic composite for visible enamel |
| Pediatric Class I/II primary teeth | Sole restorative | ✓ Yes | Excellent for anxious children |
| Tunnel restoration | Sole restorative material | ✓ Yes | Ideal — flowability accesses tunnel |
| Bulk fill in large posterior | Not recommended as bulk | ✗ No | Use dedicated bulk-fill composite instead |
Complete Your Protocol with SMITE Products
SMITE Flow works best as part of a complete system. Pair it with SMITE ETCH for reliable etching and SMITE DE-OX for optimal composite surface preparation.
SMITE ETCH
37% Phosphoric Acid Etchant · Purple Formula
High-visibility purple phosphoric acid gel for precise etch application. The color ensures you see exactly where you've etched — no missed margins, no unintentional dentin over-etch. Formulated for optimal viscosity: stays where you place it without running.
Enamel etching — 15–20 seconds
Selective enamel etching in SE protocols
High-contrast purple color for precise placement
Compatible with all bonding systems
SMITE DE-OX
Oxygen Inhibition Layer Remover
Removes the oxygen-inhibited layer from the surface of light-cured composites before finishing and polishing — or before adding the next composite increment. Ensures full surface hardness, better polish retention, and stronger inter-increment bonding in layered restorations.
Apply before finishing/polishing for full surface cure
Use between composite increments for better bonding
Improves polish retention and surface smoothness
Essential for optimal SMITE Flow surface after cure
SMITE Flow™
148 MPa · Nano-Hybrid Flowable Composite · ISO 4049:2019
The star of the system. Egypt's highest-strength flowable composite at 148 MPa — verified by ISO 4049:2019 testing. From deep margin elevation to pit-fissure sealing, SMITE Flow covers the full spectrum of injectable composite indications at an unmatched price point.
Deep margin elevation (first injection composite)
Posterior cavity liner / base
Class V cervical restorations
Pit & fissure sealing · Pediatric restorations
Ready to place SMITE Flow™ in your next case?
148 MPa · ISO 4049:2019 · 75% Filler · 🇪🇬 Made in Egypt
SMITE Flow™ — Clinical Grade Flowable Composite · 🇪🇬 Egypt
148 MPa · ISO Certified