Restorative dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental diseases affecting tooth function and aesthetics. It encompasses procedures like fillings, crowns, and bridges, traditionally requiring tooth structure removal, which can compromise tooth integrity and lead to further decay. Resin composite restorations offer better aesthetics and allow for more conservative tooth preservation, bonding effectively to dental tissues. However, they have drawbacks like polymerization shrinkage and moisture sensitivity during placement. Resin composites consist of an organic matrix, fillers, and coupling agents. Fillers enhance mechanical properties and make up 30% to 70% of the volume, improving radio-opacity and hardness while reducing shrinkage. Restorations are affected by masticatory forces, leading to deformation over time. These forces include shear, compressive, tensile, and bending forces. The strength of resin composites is primarily influenced by filler load, which improves hardness and wear resistance until a threshold is reached where matrix adhesion weakens. Polymerization shrinkage, occurring during light-curing, can lead to postoperative sensitivity and marginal gaps. Strategies to minimize this shrinkage include altering viscosity and using alternative monomers. Layering techniques during application can reduce polymerization shrinkage but are time-consuming, prompting the use of bulk-fill composites, which save time and exhibit lower shrinkage. Additionally, resin composites must match the optical properties of natural teeth, with factors like refractive index affecting opalescence and fluorescence, critical for aesthetic restoration, stability, and enhanced polishability. Resin composites have become the most used material for direct restorations in dentistry. However, despite significant advancements, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. Ongoing research and innovation are crucial for resin composites to reach their full potential as the ideal material for direct restorative applications. This review article analyzes the mechanical and aesthetic properties of polymer-based dental composite restorations and their relevance in clinical applications.
Al‐Zahrani et al. (Wed,) studied this question.