Buyers Guide: Dental Composites

Composite Options

Universal Composites –Early generations of dental composites were categorized as either esthetic for use in the front teeth or “packable” for use in the posterior. Today many composites are considered universal and suitable for use throughout the mouth. Look for a single system that functions well in all areas of the mouth so you have something that will work in any clinical situation.

Bulk-Fill Composites – Traditional composites must be placed in increments to allow complete curing of the layers and to reduce shrinkage. But bulk fill composites are designed to reduce the need for multiple layers or in some cases place the entire restoration in a single layer. The various materials address concerns such as depth of cure, marginal integrity and adaptation by using special additives to maintain good clinical performance even though a larger volume of composite is being cured. Whether placed manually or with dispensing handpieces, bulk fills simplify placement, as well as the provide the potential to save time in the operatory.

Flowable Composites – These materials continue to be useful for class V restorations, or lining the pulpal floor of a filling. Flowable composites also work great for treating conservative preparations on molar occlusal surfaces, filling small excavated areas and sealing the remaining grooves.

Understanding the details

• Filler Material – Composites are essentially made up of a filler material inside a resin matrix. Many newer composites feature nanoscale filler materials with particles as small as 20-50 nm which makes them easier to polish, improves wear resistance and durability, and reduces shrinkage.
• Shade – Nothing is worse than picking a shade via the sample tab, and finding the completed restoration doesn’t quite match the tooth, so compare the shades of the cured composite with the shade system you use to create a frame of reference. It also helps to choose a composite system with variable translucencies, especially for anterior cases. This allows you to place opaque layers to simulate dentin and translucent layers to simulate enamel.
• Handling – Whatever your instrument of choice happens to be, it is important to be able to manipulate the composite in increments useful to you. The composite should not stick to your instrument, and it should adapt to the cavity preparation in a way that is neither too thick nor too pliable. Always try a new composite in your hands before purchasing.
• Shrinkage – Be aware of the percentage of shrinkage. The lower the number, the more likely the material will provide good marginal integrity in your cavity preparation.
• Radiopacity – Most modern composites offer good radiopacity, allowing you to clearly see the restoration on future diagnostic images.

1. How is the material dispensed? Are syringes or unidose tips available?
2. What shades are available?
3. What translucencies are available?
4. What is the average curing time for the composite, and at what layer thickness?
5. Is there a sample or demo program available?
6. Is the composite compatible with your LED curing light?

Composite Material: A material is considered a composite when it is made of two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, that when combined produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. In dentistry the constituents are usually a resin matrix and small filler particles.

Flexural Strength: Also called bend strength or fracture strength, this measurement of how well a material resists breaking under a load is often measured in megapascals.

Nanoscale: The term used to refer to structures with a length smaller than 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter.

Photoinitiator: A chemical compound added to dental composites to promote polymerization when exposed to the proper light wavelengths.

Shrinkage: The percentage the volume of dental composite material reduces in size following the curing process.