The concept of restorative dental composites has evolved since they arrived in the early 1960s, with most of the development focusing on filler technology. The progressive growth contributed to enhanced mechanical properties such as wear resistance and consequently popularized the application of composites to more excellent posterior restorations. 

Concerns about the organic matrix, polymerization hassles, and prospective damage to the bonded interface were the subjects of study in the past two decades. During these 20 years, the dental industry has witnessed the commercial launch of several “low-shrinkage” composites. However, the lack of clinical connection between the application of these materials and enhanced restoration results has shifted dental product manufacturers’ attention to upgrading the material’s resistance to degradation in the oral environment. These significant deteriorations have occurred due to water solvents, salivary enzymes, and the alarming presence of biofilms.   

Leading dental products and equipment manufacturers and suppliers across the globe, including GC America, have developed antimicrobial and ester-free monomers recently with mounting evidence of potential benefits. 

About Dental Composites

A dental composite resin has other names like “resin-based composites” or “filled resins.” This substance is a dental cement made of synthetic resins. Synthetic resins have evolved as restorative dental materials since they are insoluble, mimic a natural tooth, are inconsiderate to dehydration, and are inexpensive and straightforward to manipulate. 

Composite resins comprise Bis-GMA and other methacrylate monomers, a filler substance like silica, and a photoinitiator. Another ingredient, dimethylglyoxime, is a common additive used to achieve flowability. Lab technicians have further formulated distinct concentrations of each constituent to tailor physical properties. Resin-based dental restorative composite materials are enlisted in the Essential Medicines category of the World Health Organization.   

Dental Composite Classification According To Use

Dental composite materials have different uses and are classified as per their applications. The dental manufacturers manipulate the product handling characteristics by changing the material ingredients. Here are a few of them:

1. Anterior Dental Composites

The dental composites utilized in the anterior segment are aesthetic materials capable of natural outcomes. One must consider a series of features, including surface texture, reflecting light like a natural enamel for optimal use. There are other elements, such as opalescence and fluorescence. Opalescence is an optical phenomenon inherent to the enamel. Fluorescence comprises dentin. 

2. Posterior Dental Composites

This type of dental composite resin material prioritizes resistance to masticatory forces rather than focusing on dental aesthetics. Hybrid resins should be the most suitable inputs for this tooth restoration category. The reason is that the masticatory impacts in distant posterior restoration locations trigger more wear on composites. 

3. Universal Dental Composites

Dentists use these dental composites to restore both anterior and posterior teeth. These dental materials usually contain fewer shades; some composites have multiple shades, and a few have a single shade. The one-shade composites can blend in any other tooth shade. 

4. Flowable Dental Composites

These resin-based composite materials have other names, such as fluid dental composites and flow or low-viscosity composites. These materials have various clinical applications, such as pit and fissure sealant. They are beneficial in non-invasive and minimally invasive dental 
Procedures.

5. Packable Dental Composites

Dental scientists and technicians have developed packable composites for posterior scenarios. Unlike flowable dental composites, these composites display a higher viscosity that requires substantial force upon application to 'pack' the material in the patient's oral cavity. The handling feature resembles dental amalgam (silver filler) as it requires reasonable strength to condense the material in the prepared cavity. Therefore, it alternately refers to a tooth-colored amalgam.

6. Bulk Fill Dental Composites

Bulk-fill dental restorative composite substances are new concepts in the dental world. These composites are applicable in increments of 4-5 mm with a monobloc methodology or a single layer without any restrictions on the extent of polymerization to allow the process to succeed and minimize the impact of polymerization contraction of composites and remove vacuum among resin increments.

Dental Composite Classification as per Filler Particle Size

Dental composites include three phases. These are:

●    Organic phase
●    Dispersed phase
●    Interfacial Phase

Dental experts classify the filler particle sizes as per these three phases. Here are the classifications:

1. Microfilling Composites

The micro-filled composites contain a particle size ranging between 0.02 to 0.04 microns. These tiny particles have a natural clarity and facilitate intense polishing. Therefore, they are dental composites of outstanding aesthetics commonly used in the anterior sector to capitalize on the inherent aesthetic properties.

2. Hybrid or Microhybrid Composites

These composites have a mixture of different particle sizes in their composition. The main goal of this mixture is to give the composite a little of everything, i.e., the tiny particles for smooth polish and handle and large particles with resistance-bearing capability. 

3. Nanohybrid Composites

This hybrid composite category is most popular with reputable dentists across the globe. It consists of a combination of nanoparticles and conventional-sized particles. The objective is to achieve a blend of resistance and aesthetics. Nanohybrids work better than hybrids. The reason is nanoparticles offer a supreme polish and a natural transparency.  

4. Dental Nanoresins

Nano resins have recently been included in the dental composite resin genre. This dental material significantly resembles the tooth structure in its natural appearance. Any natural teeth comprise a nanostructure of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. This advanced and superior technology enables nanoparticles to fuse with nanoclusters (large particles) to boost the filler load. This action, in turn, improves their strength and maintains high aesthetics. The dental nanoresins also have unique opalescence and translucency. 

Advantages of Teeth Restoration Using Dental Composites

Dental composite materials with resin substances have their ultimate say in being biocompatible materials. Besides, it is famous for its simplicity and user-friendliness for dentists performing dental reconstructions in a single session.

Also, if the dentists use the direct technique of composite resins, they can finish the job in one session. It saves time and costs for teeth restoration compared to working with other types of materials. Besides, composite restorations are multi-functional. Dentists use them for dental fractures, composite veneers, chipped teeth repair, worn teeth reconstruction, curing of diastemas, and enhancing the teeth's edges. 

One of the unique advantages for patients is that composite resin is a very conservative substance since the dentist does not require tooth grinding and provides exquisite appeal. It is also a moldable dental input that resembles a natural tooth color. 

Conclusion

Restorative dental technology is becoming the most preferred method adopted by dentists worldwide. Contemporary dental manufacturers are watching the latest updates in this field to provide superior dental restorations to patients. When modern dentists opt for the most suitable dental composite on the case's merit, they face no issues measuring the particles' size and successfully meeting the patients' expectations. 

You can put your trust in GC America, the guiding force behind the manufacturing and supply of dental products for over one hundred years. Their top-notch dental product and equipment brands immensely help dental professionals, lab technicians, and academic institutions. GC manufactures a wide range of dental items, such as restorative materials, adhesives, preventive products, cements, and dental equipment. The consistent innovations and advanced technology adopted by the core team of experts have made this possible.