Ultra-Etch™

Etchant

Ultra-Etch etchant 35% phosphoric acid solution features ideal viscosity, facilitates precise placement and superior control. It is self-limiting in its depth of etch (average depth of 1.9 μm with 15-second etch),1 creating an etch pattern that adhesives can penetrate for increased bond strength. Ultra-Etch etchant's unique self-limiting chemistry on dentin creates an optimal surface to receive resin.2 Though Ultra-Etch etchant is viscous, it can penetrate into the occlusal fissures or vertical surfaces due to physical and chemical properties that promote capillary action. Its ideal viscosity maintains a layer that is thick enough to prevent premature drying.


Ultra-Etch etchant is indicated for use on dentin and enamel to create optimal bonding surfaces. Ultra-Etch etchant can be used for 5 seconds to remove the salts created by etching porcelain.

  • Self-limiting1 on dentin
  • Unique self-limiting chemistry reduces the risk of overetching, creating the optimal surface to receive resin2
  • Penetrates smallest fissures and won't run on a vertical surface3
  • Precise placement
  • Etch and rinse
  • Rinses cleanly—leaves no residue
  • Use with Blue Micro™ Tip and Inspiral™ Brush tip

Ultra-Etch Ultra-Etch Syringe

Total Control in
Handling

Ultra-Etch etchant is a 35% phosphoric acid solution for use on dentin and enamel to create ideal bonding surfaces. It is self-limiting in its depth of etch (average depth of 1.9 μm with 15-second etch),1 creating an etch pattern that adhesives can penetrate for increased bond strength and reduced sensitivity. Combined with an ideal viscosity that facilitates precise placement, this unique self-limiting chemistry results in an optimal surface to receive resin.2

Gluten Free

Icon of tooth

Optimal Viscosity

Ultra-Etch etchant is uniquely formulated with ideal viscosity. Though it is viscous, it can penetrate into the smallest fissures or occlusal surfaces due to physical and chemical properties that promote capillary action. Yet, Ultra-Etch etchant's ideal viscosity maintains a layer thick enough to prevent it from running on vertical surfaces3 or drying prematurely.

Precise Placement

Ultra-Etch etchant's ideal viscosity, along with the use of the Blue Micro™ or Inspiral™ Brush tip, facilitates precise placement and superior control. Ultra-Etch etchant also rinses clearly and cleanly, leaving no residue.

Closeup of Ultra-Etch syringe in use

Self-limiting

It is self-limiting in its depth of etch (average depth of 1.9 μm with 15-second etch).1 Acids with a greater depth of etch go beyond the optimum level and increase the potential for incomplete resin impregnation.2

Ultra-Etch depth chart

Industry Leader for More Than 30 Years

Ultra-Etch etchant is perfect for any restoration in any part of the mouth. It has been listed as a "Can't Live Without" product by a prominent independent research institute,4 and has been recognized by Clinicians Report as one of the best products in its category5 for years on end.

Ultra-Etch recent awards
Dr. Bass portrait

Dr. Shea Bass

South Jordan, Utah

“There’s a reason Ultra-Etch took the dental world by storm in 1984 and continues to be the gold standard of phosphoric acid for over 35 years. I use it because I total etch so frequently. Ultra-Etch is a self-limiting etch. On average 1.9 microns in depth on dentin. This coincides perfectly with the depth of adhesive penetration. Total etch Sensitivity eliminated!!”

Dr. Shea Bass sig
Dr. Clarence Tam portrait

Dr. Clarence Tam

Auckland, New Zealand

"For a procedure as fine-tuned and finicky as adhesive bonding, Ultra-Etch offers me unparalleled control in an easy-to-extrude, non-drip yet easy to disperse formula that allows precise placement and coating of the substrate whether you are working with a total etch or selective etch technique. It is the benchmark phosphoric etch on the market."

Dr. Clarence Tam sig
Dr. Ed Kusek portrait

Dr. Ed Kusek

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

“I have been using Ultra-Etch so long I forgot how great it is. No matter where you place it, it will not slump or flow off the site. This allows my assistants to suction and then rinse thoroughly. It is very easy to see if material is not rinsed off correctly. Thus I know we have a good etch to enamel and dentin which allows a better bonding surface, a better restoration, and long term success of the filling. We forget how each step is critical for success, and proper etching is the foundation. Unfortunately I have forgotten the value of Ultra-Etch. I guess when a product is so good you forget all the bad issues that you had previously with other products. Dentistry can get complex at times and it is comforting to know that this simple product allows us freedom of worry."

Dr. Ed Kusek sig
Dr. Todd Snyder portrait

Dr. Todd Snyder, DDS, FAACD, FIAFE, ASDA, ABAD

Laguna Nigel, California

“My go to etchant for perfect control in any situation is Ultra-Etch! It always provides me with Accuracy, Consistency, and Speed!!”

Dr. Todd Snyder sig
Dr. Alexandr Kunick portrait

Dr. Alexandr Kunick

Germany

"Ultra-Etch™ can be applied perfectly due to the fine cannulas and the special material consistency and thus reduces the unintentional loading of areas that cannot be conditioned".

Dr. Alexandr Kunick sig
Dr. Kim Schulz portrait

Dr. Kim Schulz

Germany

"When it comes to dental products we heavily focus on ideal clinical handling properties, in combination with the maximum benefit for our patients, without compromise. Ultra-Etch™ etchant does not only provide an excellent viscosity. It can be applied to vertical tooth surfaces and remains stable during the etching process. The product’s unique feature is its self-limitation ability in terms of the etching depth in the dentin. Thus, it is ideal for both the selective as well as the total-etch technique. A really convincing product!"

Dr. Kim Schulz sig
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Clinicals

Ideal for Etching Dentin and Enamel

Clinical experience and FE-SEM evaluations2 show that 20 seconds etch time on both dentin and enamel provides optimal conditioning of both tissues. Air/water rinse. Blot excess water off, leaving surface visibly wet.
Ultra-Etch

Self-Limiting Chemistry Creates Optimal Surface

With an average depth of 1.9μm with a 15-second etch, Ultra-Etch etchant stops etching at the ideal depth.
Ultra-Etch

Testimonials

“Ultra-Etch has the perfect consistency. It goes on the tooth nice and smoothly, not too runny or too thick. I’ve tried all the other brands, but I keep coming back to my good old Ultra-Etch. Fun blue color to boot. Ultra-Etch makes etching satisfying!”

Dr. Jeany Lee – Seattle, WA

“Ultra-Etch is the only one on the market that flows smoothly and stays where you place it. The etch never dries out and the delivery tips are superb for allowing the practitioner to precisely place the product. Whenever I have the unfortunate opportunity to use another company’s acid-etch product, I cannot wait to use Ultradent’s acid etch again. It makes me appreciate the product even more!”

Dr. Robert Cox – Richmond, VA

“Year after year, Ultra-Etch provides ease of application, instant rinseability, and consistent etch pattern. It is, quite simply, the best!”

Dr. Robert J. Marolt – White Bear Lake, MN

“Ultra-Etch has the best consistency and viscosity I’ve found. I’ve used it every day in my practice for over 19 years. Etches that come in kits or as samples are never opened…and some are hard to give away!”

Dr. C. Bradford Thomas – Galveston, TX

“Although Ultra-Etch is a common, everyday product, I can rave about it since I use it every day, all day long. I like the color and consistency of the gel, and I am always sure of its quality. I have been using it for many, many years, and I can’t live without it.”

Dr. Gerald Bloom – Holliston, MA

“I am a self-proclaimed ‘bondodontist.’ I use Ultra-Etch almost every time I sit down to work. It is perfect—especially the viscosity. It goes where you want it to go and stays there until I rinse it off. Other reps are always bringing me something to try, and it either doesn’t flow, flows too much, or doesn’t come in a syringe. Enough said.”

Dr. David D. May – Hemet, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I prefer to use the self-etch technique when bonding. Can I use Ultra-Etch etchant for self-etch bonding procedures?

    No. Ultra-Etch etchant is intended to be used only with the total-etch technique. For the self-etch technique, we recommend using Peak™ SE Primer, which is followed by the use of Peak™ Universal Bond adhesive.
  • What is the chemical makeup of Ultra-Etch etchant?

    35% phosphoric acid.
  • Can Ultra-Etch etchant penetrate occlusal grooves?

    Yes. The optimal viscosity of Ultra-Etch etchant allows it to work its way into even the smallest fissures on the occlusal surface of the teeth.
  • Does Ultra-Etch etchant contain glycerin?

    No.
  • Can Ultra-Etch etchant be used on both dentin and enamel?

    Yes.

  • How long should I leave Ultra-Etch etchant on the tooth?

    On both dentin and enamel, leave Ultra-Etch etchant on the tooth for 20 seconds to achieve optimal etch patterns.
  • 1. Perdigão J, Lopes M. The effect of etching time on dentin demineralization. Quintessence Int. 2001;32(1):19–26.
  • 2. Perdigão J, Lambrechts P, Van Meerbeek B, Vanherle G. A field emission SEM study of dentin etched with different phosphoric acid compositions and/or concentrations. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven: Leuven, Belgium; 1994. Data on file.
  • 3. Data on file.
  • 4. "Can't Live Without” Clinical Research Associates Newsletter, Volume 21, Issue 7, July 1997.
  • 5. Clinicians Report, Volume 11, Issue 12, December 2018.