Composite resins

Composite resins are becoming widely

accepted materials of choice by dentists and

patients.
Composite have been mainly placed in
anterior teeth because of their esthetic , but
with the new advances in their makeup , they
are increasingly being placed in posterior
teeth as well.

Composite is designed to have the

following qualities:
Withstand the environment of the oral cavity.
Be easily shaped to the anatomy of a tooth.
Match the natural tooth color.
Be bonded directly to the tooth structure.

Composition of composite
resins
The composition of composite resins is a

chemical mix which includes:

Organic resin matrix.
Inorganic fillers.
Coupling agents.
Pigments.

Resin matrix:
Fluid like material called dimethacrylate it is

also referred as BIS-GMA.

The BIS-GMA is the foundation of resins , by
itself it is not strong enough to be used as a
restorative material.

Filler:
Fillers used in composite includes (quartz ,

silica , glass).
These fillers add the strength and other
characteristic that is needed in a restorative
material.
The composite is classified according to
the filler particle size into:
megafill , macrofill , midifill , minifill , microfill ,
nanofill , hybrid.

Macrofill composite:
Also known as conventional or traditional composite.
Contained the largest of filler particles , providing the

greatest strength.
Self cured composite.
Produce a rough surface.
Microfill composite:
The filler particle size is smaller than the macrofill.
It is UV cured.
Produces a highly polished surface.

Hybrid composite:
Most often used today.
They contain a mixed range of particle size.
Produces a polished smoother surface than

macrofill.
Have greater strength than microfill.
Have excellent shade characteristics.

Coupling agent:
Is important because it strengthens the resin

by chemically bonding the filler to the resin

matrix.
Pigments:
To match a tooth color , coloring must be

added.

The application of
composite
Important differences in the application of

an amalgam versus a composite include the

following:
Cavity preparation for composite is designed to
hold the material by bonding system rather than
by retention.
Specific dental materials can not be used with
composite resin.
Matrix system varies with composite.
Placement of composite is accomplished by
increments , light curing.

Shade guide:
The composite kit may include its own shade

guide.
Most manufactures cross-reference their
shades with VITA shade guide , which is a
universally adopted shade guide.

Application:
Are supplied in a single paste , light proof

syringe.
Light cured resins do not require mixing and
are used directly from the syringe.
The paste will not polymerize until it is
exposed to the curing light.

Polymerization
Is the process by which the material is changed

from a pliable state into a hardened restoration.

Polymerization occurs through auto-curing or light
curing.
Exact curing time depends on the following:
Manufacture instructions (most often 20 seconds).
Thickness and the size of the restoration (each
increment is cured before the next is placed).
Shade of the material (darker the shade the
longer the required curing time).

Finishing and polishing:

Are much different from the amalgam

procedure.
Because the composite material goes from
soft to hard the dentist is not able to carve or
make adjustments with hand instruments.
Finishing burs and abrasive materials are used
to polish and finish composite resin.

Glass ionomers
Represents the most versatile dental

materials available.
They are used as restorative materials ,
liners , bonding agents , and permanent
cementation.
Glass ionomer have the ability to join
chemically not mechanically.
The most unique feature is the release of
fluoride after the final setting. This provide the
advantage of inhibiting decay.

Glass ionomer is described for the

following applications:
Primary teeth.
Final restoration in non stressed areas such as
class V.
Intermediate restorations.
Core material for buildups.
Long term temporary restoration.

In the term glass ionomer:

The word glass refers to: a combination of

glass and ceramic particles , from this

combination the material derives its
translucency and prolonged fluoride release.
Ionomer refers to: ion cross linked
polymers.

Resin modified glass

ionomer
Resin gives the material:
Better strength.
Greater wear resistance.
Improved esthetic quality.
Allows the material to be light cured or auto

cured or both.

Reinforced glass
ionomer
Contain silver tin alloy.
This combination will produce a:
Strong material.
Abrasion resistance material.
Optimal level of radioopacity.
This product is used for:
Core buildups.
Repair of fractured cusps.
As a base.

Fabrication and application:

Supplied as a powder and liquid: the

powder incorporate into the liquid in several

increments.
Supplied in light protected tubes: the
product is placed on a paper pad for
placement an then is allowed to auto cure.
Reinforced glass ionomer is supplied as a
liquid , paste , premeasured capsules
that are mixed or triturated.

Cautions for placing glass ionomer:

Avoid water contamination and contact with

the material.
When the materials glossy appearance has
disappeared , the setting stages have begun.
Protect the matrix band from the material ,
the material will adhere to the metal band.