More than a decade after the merger of Kuraray Medical Inc. and Noritake Dental Supply Co., Ltd. in April 2012, Kuraray Noritake Dental continues to build on the strengths that brought the two companies together. The merger united two long-established innovators in dental materials, combining Kuraray’s expertise in polymer chemistry with Noritake’s heritage in fine ceramics to create a company uniquely positioned to serve the global dental-laboratory community.

“We’re all standing on the shoulders of giants,” comments Mark Schwer, Manager of Lab Business, Kuraray America, Inc. That foundation today supports a diverse portfolio of ceramics, composites, biomaterials, and CAD/CAM materials for both chairside and laboratory applications. Customers around the world rely on the company’s products for consistency, esthetics, and efficiency—all driven by a deep understanding of both organic and inorganic chemistry that continues to guide its innovation.

“One of our biggest strengths is our scientific research. We try to utilize our scientific foundations to try to improve things to make sure the customer gets the maximum benefit out of that product,” explains Maurice Munoz, National Sales Manager, Kuraray America, Inc. “So we’re not always the first out of the gate with a product, but we really improve it to make sure that it functions well in the customer’s hands—whether that’s the end patient user or the laboratory technician that’s actually creating the work.”

“We are seen as the innovators that not only revolutionized the porcelain industry, but who also introduced the layered zirconia business, and it’s really due to our research and development efforts on the porcelain side that we’ve been recognized as those innovators,” Schwer says. He characterizes the company as a trendsetter, looking for the next big advancement for the industry, rather than as a chaser of market share. He also notes that many technicians and industry members follow closely for when new products are released from Kuraray Noritake.

“In terms of the products, Kuraray Noritake is keenly aware that the solutions that we offer have to be relevant, needs-focused, reliable, but also realistically priced. There are a lot of other manufacturers that chase one or the other, and I think we’re trying to do all of these at the same time in a sustainable way,” Schwer says.

Munoz adds and clarifies that, “we’re not going to be the cheapest product in the industry, but there’s a reason for that. We try to deliver value in the products that we make, whether it’s in reducing inefficiencies for the laboratory or in maximizing esthetics.”

The company also dedicates significant resources to education through continuing education courses and hands-on demonstrations so that customers have a chance to experience the product for themselves and understand how it is meant to look and feel. Manabu Suzuki, Director of Dental Division, Kuraray America, Inc., also stresses that the company endeavors to contribute to the dental lab field in the form of education to help lab technicians succeed overall.

Schwer explains that since Kuraray’s Lab Sales Reps are also experienced dental technicians, their focus is on providing solutions to real-world problems for other technicians. These specialists are also able to get nuanced, direct feedback about products and to learn the specific pain points of the customers in each market. For example, Schwer notes that 22-mm discs are large enough for the Japanese market, but in the American market, there’s a need for larger discs. This led to the release of the new 26-mm discs of KATANA™ Zirconia YML after lab technicians asked for more thickness of the zirconia discs for more flexibility with larger, full-arch designs.

Alongside the 26-mm disc, a new high-value bleach shade, called EW0, will also be introduced to expand the shade offerings to meet American esthetic preferences. Americans tend to prefer higher value restorations more than in other markets, Munoz explains.

Looking ahead to 2026, Kuraray Noritake is investing significantly in its research and development and manufacturing future with the opening of a new facility expected to open in the summer in Miyoshi, Japan. The new facility will allow for all stages of development of its products to be kept together in one centralized building, where Kuraray Noritake can keep a close eye on processes to ensure the same quality standards that the company is known for.

Additionally, Schwer and Munoz are excited for new product offerings, such as the 26-mm zirconia discs and EW0 bleach shade. “The EW0 bleach shade coming out could truly change the game for us, and we’re all looking forward to seeing that product launch,” Schwer says.

More significantly, 2026 will also see the launch of the CERABIEN MiLai, a new low-fusing stain and micro-layering material for use on zirconia and lithium disilicate materials, which Kuraray Noritake has timed to release during LMT LAB DAY Chicago 2026.

“This is going to be a very big change because it’s going to allow our customers to have a stable product across two different materials and be able to micro-layer effectively with a new consistency,” Schwer says, explaining that a traditional consistency, like FC paste, and a build paste consistency, for placing in more anatomical features, will both be available for finalization with the CERABIEN MiLai.

As Kuraray Noritake Dental looks forward, the company’s commitment remains clear: to combine science and craftsmanship in ways that empower dental technicians worldwide. With a growing portfolio of zirconia and ceramic solutions, continued investment in education, a new facility ready to fuel the next generation of materials, Kuraray Noritake is poised to shape the future of restorative dentistry—one innovation at a time.

The New Giants of Kuraray Noritake Dental

Maurice Munoz
National Sales Manager, Kuraray America, Inc.

Mark Schwer
Manager of Lab Business,
Kuraray America, Inc.

Manabu Suzuki
Director of Dental Division,
Kuraray America, Inc.

Kuraray Noritake Dental
Kuraraynoritake.com