Background and Aim: Resin-based composites are among the most widely used restorative materials in dentistry today, primarily due to their superior esthetic qualities and their ability to preserve more tooth structure. However, conventional composites pose several clinical challenges, including limited depth of cure, polymerization shrinkage, and the need for incremental layering, which can be time-consuming and technique-sensitive. In response to these limitations, bulk-fill resin composites have been developed to allow placement up to 4 mm without compromising polymerization quality or mechanical properties. The aim of this study is investigating the properties of bulk-fill composites and comparing them to other restorative materials. Findings: Recent studies have shown that bulk-fill composites can provide clinical outcomes comparable to, or in some cases better than, traditional composites in terms of marginal adaptation, fracture resistance, and postoperative sensitivity. Moreover, they significantly reduce the time required for direct restorations, thereby enhancing both patient comfort and clinical efficiency. Newer generations of bulk-fill composites—such as self-adhesive, dual-cure, and thermoviscou formulations—have been introduced to further simplify application procedures and address specific drawbacks, including polymerization depth, handling properties, and shade matching. Conclusion: Bulk-fill composites offer promising clinical efficiency, but long-term durability remains to be fully validated.
Merrikhi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.