Unfilled resin

This characteristic probably offsets to some degree the undesirable effects of the rela-
tively high coefficient of thermal expansion, which is 7 to 8 times that of the tooth. Due
to this low thermal conductivity and diffusivity, the unfilled resin restoration changes tem-
perature quite slowly. Therefore, it takes considerably longer for the unfilled resin restora-
tion to become hot or cold, as compared to metallic restorations, which have a high
thermal conductivity and diffusivity.
The first materials that were used as esthetic materials were based on silicate cements. Due
to solubility problems the silicate cements were replaced by unfilled acrylic resins. Un-
filled acrylic resins contracted excessively during polymerization permitting subsequent
marginal leakage and were not strong enough to support occlusal loads. These unfilled
acrylic resins have been replaced by filled resins (also called composite resins). A filled
resin is one in which an inorganic inert filler (usually silica or quartz) has been added to
the resin matrix.
1. The compressive strength of the unfilled resin is low; the yield strength
Notes and tensile strength are even lower.
2. Unfilled resins are the softest of all restorative materials (low wear resist-
ance ¾ no filler)
3. Compared with amalgam, filled resin, direct gold and silicates; unfilled
resins show the greatest extent of marginal leakage related to temperature
change (percolation).

Remember: A low coefficient of thermal conductivity is most characteristic of currently

available cement bases.