If you searched for "NeoPUTTY MTA", here is the short answer. NeoPUTTY® from NuSmile is a premixed, ready-to-use bioceramic MTA. NuSmile says it uses the same tri- and dicalcium silicate chemistry as its powder/gel cement NeoMTA® 2, delivered in a syringe so no mixing is needed.
How does it compare with Biodentine™ (Septodont), TheraCal LC® (BISCO) and a light-cured calcium hydroxide liner such as Calcimol LC (VOCO)? The real differences lie in chemistry, how each material is mixed or cured, and the indications each manufacturer lists. This guide compares those manufacturer-stated features side by side. It does not rank the materials clinically.
The Four Material Families at a Glance
| NeoPUTTY® | NeoMTA® 2 | Biodentine™ | TheraCal LC® | Calcimol LC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NuSmile | NuSmile | Septodont | BISCO | VOCO |
| Material type | Premixed bioceramic MTA (tri-/dicalcium silicate) | Bioceramic MTA cement (tri-/dicalcium silicate) | Tricalcium silicate–based dentine substitute | Light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate liner | Light-cured, resin-modified calcium hydroxide liner |
| Mixing / setting | No mixing; premixed syringe | Powder + gel, mixed | Capsule + liquid, triturated | Light-cure (20 s per layer) | Light-cure (at least 20 s per layer) |
| Resin content | Resin-free (NuSmile) | Not stated | Not light-cured (Septodont) | Resin-modified | Contains methacrylates |
| Direct pulp capping (listed) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No – VOCO advises an aqueous CaOH product |
| Indirect pulp capping (listed) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Endodontic / repair indications | Perforation, resorption, root-end filling, obturation | Resorption, apexification, obturation (see IFU) | Perforations, resorptions, apexification, retrograde filling, revascularisation | No | No |
Indications are summarised from each manufacturer's website or IFU. Always check the current IFU for your market.
NeoPUTTY®: Premixed Bioceramic MTA
NuSmile NeoPUTTY premixed bioactive bioceramic MTA is designed to remove the mixing step. NuSmile lists these features:
- No mixing required, dispensed from a syringe
- Immediate washout resistance
- Non-staining and resin-free formula
- Dimensionally stable, with high pH and ion release; NuSmile says it promotes hydroxyapatite formation
Our product page lists a radiopacity of 8.1 mm Al and a 3-year shelf life.
Manufacturer-listed indications:
- Vital pulp therapy: indirect and direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, pulpotomy and apexogenesis
- Restorative and repair: cavity liner, base, perforation repair and resorption
- Endodontic procedures: obturation and root-end filling
Handling note from NuSmile: NuSmile says NeoPUTTY is washout-resistant. If further preparation is needed, it can be covered with a cavity liner, IRM®, ZOE or RMGI. Before etching, bonding and placing composite, cover it with a light-cured material.
NeoMTA® 2: The Powder/Gel Version
If you prefer to control the consistency yourself, NeoMTA 2 bioceramic MTA cement is mixed from powder and gel. NuSmile describes it as easy to mix, quick-setting, washout-resistant, non-staining and radiopaque. It lists the same wide range of pulp-therapy and endodontic indications as NeoPUTTY.
Our product page also lists:
- Compliance with ADA 57, ISO 6876 and ISO 9917-1
- Radiopacity of 6.5 mm Al (putty) and 5.4 mm Al (sealer)
- Working time of about 10 minutes and an initial set of about 15 minutes
NeoPUTTY vs NeoMTA 2 in one line: same chemistry family; NeoPUTTY is premixed, while NeoMTA 2 lets you mix to the consistency you need.
Biodentine™: Tricalcium Silicate Dentine Substitute
Septodont positions Biodentine (pack of 15 capsules) as an all-in-one dentine substitute, made with ultra-pure tricalcium silicate using its Active Biosilicate Technology™. The powder capsule is mixed with a calcium chloride liquid in a triturator.
Indications listed by Septodont:
- In the crown: permanent dentine restoration under composites or inlays/onlays; temporary dentine–enamel restoration for up to 6 months; deep or large coronal caries; cervical or radicular lesions; direct and indirect pulp capping; and pulpotomy
- In the root: root and furcation perforations, internal and external resorptions, apexification, retrograde surgical filling, and revitalisation by revascularisation of immature permanent teeth
Setting (Septodont): the initial setting time is about 12 minutes after mixing. Septodont recommends waiting 12–15 minutes before the final restoration and notes that setting time can vary from 9 to 25 minutes depending on storage. Septodont also describes a "Bio-Bulk Fill" approach, where the whole cavity is filled with Biodentine and the enamel restoration is placed later.
TheraCal LC®: Light-Cured Resin-Modified Calcium Silicate
BISCO describes TheraCal LC light-cure pulp cap as a light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate-filled liner. It is made of tricalcium silicate particles in a hydrophilic monomer.
BISCO-listed indications: direct and indirect pulp capping, and use as a protective liner under composites, amalgams, cements and other base materials.
Handling (BISCO):
- Apply a thin layer under 1 mm on moist dentin and light-cure for 20 seconds
- Because it is light-cured, the restorative material can be placed immediately
- BISCO states that bonding is not required before placing it on dentin
- A 1 g syringe gives roughly 12–15 liner applications or about 20 direct pulp cap applications
Calcium Hydroxide: Calcimol LC
Calcium hydroxide liners are the traditional reference point. VOCO Calcimol LC light-curing calcium hydroxide paste is a light-curing, radiopaque, one-component calcium hydroxide material in VOCO's non-dripping NDT syringe.
Indications per VOCO's IFU: indirect pulp capping, and use as a cavity liner under all restorative materials. VOCO's site also lists protection when using the total-etch technique.
Important distinction: VOCO's IFU states that on dentine close to the pulp (under 0.5 mm) and for direct pulp capping, an aqueous calcium hydroxide product should be used instead of Calcimol LC.
VOCO's IFU also gives these handling points:
- Build linings thicker than 1 mm in layers, curing each layer for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid eugenol-containing materials with Calcimol LC
- Do not place it in the restoration margins
How to Narrow the Choice
Use the manufacturer-listed indications as the first filter:
- Need one material for pulp therapy and endodontic repair? NeoPUTTY, NeoMTA 2 and Biodentine all list root-related indications such as resorption repair (NeoPUTTY and Biodentine also list perforation repair).
- Prefer no mixing? NeoPUTTY is premixed. TheraCal LC and Calcimol LC are single-component, light-cured pastes.
- Want to restore immediately after a light-cured liner? TheraCal LC and Calcimol LC are light-cured. Check each IFU for its listed indications.
- Considering direct pulp capping? NeoPUTTY, NeoMTA 2, Biodentine and TheraCal LC list it. Calcimol LC does not.
Clinical and Regulatory Note
This comparison is based only on manufacturer-stated properties and indications. It is not a clinical recommendation or a statement of clinical outcomes. Case selection, diagnosis and technique are the clinician's responsibility. Always follow the current manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and your local regulations. Indications and availability can differ by country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NeoPUTTY an MTA?
Yes. NuSmile describes NeoPUTTY as a premixed bioactive bioceramic MTA based on tri- and dicalcium silicate, the same chemistry as NeoMTA 2.
What is the difference between NeoPUTTY and NeoMTA 2?
Both are NuSmile bioceramic MTAs. NeoPUTTY is premixed in a syringe, while NeoMTA 2 is mixed from powder and gel.
Can Calcimol LC be used for direct pulp capping?
No. VOCO's IFU lists indirect pulp capping and cavity lining. For direct pulp capping and dentine closer than 0.5 mm to the pulp, VOCO recommends an aqueous calcium hydroxide product.
Is TheraCal LC light-cured?
Yes. BISCO instructs placing a layer under 1 mm and light-curing it for 20 seconds. The restoration can then be placed immediately.
What is Biodentine's setting time?
Septodont states an initial setting time of about 12 minutes after mixing and recommends waiting 12–15 minutes before the final restoration.
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