Factors influencing mechanical and wear performance of dental composite: A review

Abstract

AbstractWith environmental concerns, the development of a posterior restorative as a true alternative to dental amalgam is needed. Hence in this regard, the development of dental composites have gained more and more research interest, as they have the advantages of better aesthetic look, better physical, mechanical and tribological properties over the other available dental materials. In this study, the physical, mechanical and wear behavior of dental composite materials have been reviewed. Numerous experimental results, analytical studies and their significance were also discussed for various dental composite materials. The wear performances of dental composite materials depend up on various factors including oral environment, resin chemistry, filler technology and interfacial bonding strength etc. In oral environment, the presence of medium such as water, air, heptane, ethanol, artificial saliva etc. and durations up to which composite is kept such as seven days, one month or three months etc. affect the performance of dental composite. Abrasion and erosion are two major causes for the wear behavior of dental composite / human teeth. The major issue, most significant challenges and effect of each of those factors affecting the performance of dental composite materials were also presented along with some recommendation.