Development and status of resin composite as dental restorative materials

摘要

Dental composites are comprised of a polymerizable matrix and reinforcing fillers that can be hardened into a solid restoration in the prepared tooth cavity. Composites are becoming increasingly popular due to their esthetics and improved mechanical and physical properties. However, dental composites still encounter several problems, mainly secondary (recurrent) caries, restoration fracture, excessive wear, marginal degradation, and tooth sensitivity. Therefore, extensive efforts are underway to improve the composite compositions and microstructure, and enhance their clinical performance and longevity. Relying on advances in materials science and technology, dental composites have been continuously improved and their clinical applications have been expanded. In this review article, the development of dental composites was summarized, including compositional changes, performance improvements in key areas, current research hot spots, and outlook for future direction. The intention is to provide a review of the history and development of dental composites with a discussion of strategies on addressing the current challenges facing dental composites. In addition, this review will provide a better understanding of dental composites and their properties for the practicing clinicians, to contribute to improving the quality of composite restorations. The review of literature indicates that while current composites are generally bio-inert and can replace the missing tooth structure, future composites should be bioactive and therapeutic to inhibit caries, modulate biofilms, and protect the surrounding tooth structures, in order to increase the restoration longevity. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48180.