The dental products category encompasses the clinical materials dentists use to prevent disease, restore tooth structure, and deliver specialist treatments. For Canadian dental practices, understanding the product landscape — from restorative composites and preventive fluorides to endodontic sealers and orthodontic materials — is fundamental to clinical and procurement planning.
This page provides an informational overview of the major dental product categories available in Canada, key regulatory considerations, and significant product trends in 2026.
Restorative Dental Materials
Restorative dentistry involves the repair and replacement of tooth structure. The restorative materials used in Canadian dental practice fall into several major categories:
Composite ResinsTooth-coloured composite resins are now the dominant restorative material in Canadian general dental practice for both anterior and posterior teeth. Modern composites offer high aesthetics, good physical properties and acceptable longevity. They are classified by filler particle size (macro, micro, nanofill, nanohybrid) and by handling characteristics (flowable, packable, bulk-fill).
Major composite resin brands available in Canada include 3M Filtek, Ivoclar Tetric, Dentsply Ceram.x and GC G-ænial, among others. Products must hold a valid Health Canada Medical Device Licence.
Glass Ionomer CementsConventional and resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGI) are valued for their fluoride-releasing properties and adhesion to tooth structure without etching. They are frequently used in paediatric dentistry, as liners under composites, for Class V restorations and in high-caries-risk patients. The ATRAUMATIC Restorative Technique (ART) using high-viscosity GIC is used in community settings and underserved Canadian communities.
Amalgam Phase-Down in CanadaDental amalgam use in Canada has declined substantially. Canada is a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and Health Canada has issued guidance supporting the phase-down of amalgam use, particularly for children, pregnant women and those with compromised kidney function. Most Canadian provinces and territories have enacted or are moving toward amalgam separators as mandatory equipment in dental offices.
Preventive Dental Products
5% sodium fluoride varnish is the most commonly applied professionally administered fluoride in Canada, used for caries prevention across all age groups. Applied at recall appointments.
Resin-based and glass ionomer sealants are applied to occlusal surfaces of permanent molars in children to prevent caries. Public health programmes in several Canadian provinces include sealant application.
Prophy paste, prophy angles and air polishing powders (sodium bicarbonate, erythritol) used during dental hygiene appointments for supragingival biofilm removal.
Potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, oxalate and arginine-based agents used to manage dentinal hypersensitivity. Available in professionally applied and take-home formulations.
Endodontic Products
Endodontics involves the treatment of the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Major endodontic product categories in Canada include:
- Nickel-titanium rotary files: Used for root canal shaping. Brands including ProTaper, WaveOne, Reciproc and HyFlex are widely distributed in Canada
- Root canal sealers: Epoxy resin (AH Plus), bioceramic (TotalFill BC Sealer) and zinc oxide eugenol-based sealers for root canal obturation
- Obturation materials: Gutta-percha in standardised and non-standardised sizes, thermoplasticised gutta-percha systems
- Irrigants: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), EDTA, chlorhexidine and newer bioceramic irrigant adjuncts
- Electronic apex locators and endodontic motors: These fall under the equipment category but are used exclusively with endodontic products
Orthodontic Products
Orthodontic products represent a significant and growing category in Canada, driven by increasing adult orthodontic demand and the clear aligner segment. Major categories include:
- Fixed appliance systems: Metal and ceramic brackets, archwires, bands, bonding adhesives and auxiliary components
- Clear aligner systems: Align Technology (Invisalign) is the market leader, with other systems including 3M Clarity Aligners and lab-fabricated alternatives
- Retainers: Hawley-type, Essix (clear) and bonded lingual retainers
- Orthodontic adhesives and cements: Light-cure and chemical-cure bonding resins for bracket attachment
Health Canada Approval for Dental Products
Dental products in Canada fall under two primary regulatory categories:
Medical Devices (Health Canada MDR)
Most dental materials including composites, cements, impression materials, endodontic files and orthodontic brackets are regulated as medical devices. Class II–IV products require a Medical Device Licence (MDL).
Dental Drugs (Drug Identification Number)
Products with pharmacological action — including local anaesthetics, fluoride gels and varnishes, antimicrobial agents and certain desensitisers — are regulated as drugs and require a Drug Identification Number (DIN) from Health Canada.
Natural Health Products
Some oral health products such as certain toothpastes, mouth rinses and herbal preparations are regulated as Natural Health Products (NHPs) and require an NPN (Natural Product Number).