Composite

o In materials and science, a solid formed from 2 or more

distinct phases that have been combined to produce
properties superior to or immediate to those of the
individual constituents; also a term used in dentistry to
describe a dental composite

• Consists of at least two distinct phases normally formed

by blending together components having different
structures and properties.

2
 Applications
• Restoration for anterior and posterior
teeth
• Pits and fissure sealants
• Bonding of ceramic veneers
• Cementation of fixed prosthesis
 components

Matrix
Filler
Coupling Agent

Initiators and accelerators

pigments
 Resin Matrix
• Bis-GMA (bisphenol-A glyceril methacrylate)
• UDMA (urethane dimethacylate)
• TEGDMA (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate)

If the composite is made up of

just the resin matrix, it is called
Unfilled Resin
 Matrix
• Phase that polymerizes to form a solid
mass and that bonds to the tooth
structure.
• Weakest and the least wear resistant phase
• Absorbs water, stain and discolor

• Minimize the filler content

• = stronger composite material
 Filler Particles
• Silica particles
• Quartz
• Glass ( Ba, Sr, Zr)

If the composite is made up of

the resin matrix AND fillers, it is called
Filled Resin
 Factors for durability of Co Resin
Filler Size Filler Content
• Determines the • As the filler content
surface smoothness. increases, the resin
• Larger particles = content decreases
rougher surface • Hardness and
• Composites are most abrasion resistance
often classified by increases
the filler size.
 Filler Particles
• Increase fillers, increase
% Filler Volume
mechanical properties 2

Fracture Toughness
– strength 1.5
– abrasion resistance 1
– esthetics
0.5
– handling
0
0 28 37 48 53 62

Ferracane J Dent Res 1995

 Coupling Agent
• Chemical bond
– filler particle - resin matrix
• transfers stresses
• Organosilane (bifunctional molecule)
– siloxane end bonds to hydroxyl groups on filler
– methacrylate end polymerizes with resin
CH2 OH
Bis-GMA CH3-C-C-O-CH2-CH2-CH2-Si-OH
Bonds with resin Bonds with filler
O OH
Silane

Phillip’s Science of Dental Materials 2003

 Coupling Agents
• Chemical bond
– filler particle - resin matrix
• Improves physical and mechanical
properties
• Inhibits leaching by preventing water
from penetrating along the resin-filler
interface
 Optical Modifiers / Pigments
• Provides the opacity or translucency
needed to make the composites similar to
the natural tooth tissue
• Metal oxide particles
– Titanium dioxide
– Aluminum oxide
 Color Determination
• Should be as close to that of the natural tooth
as possible.
POLYMERIZATION SYSTEMS

• Chemical Cure
• Light cure
• Dual cure
 Polymerization Systems
a. Chemically Activated Materials
- 2 paste systems
1. tertiary amine
2. BPO initiator
- mix at chairside until 2 colors blend
• B. Light activated Materials
- Single paste
- Materials set when exposed to a very bright
light.

- Light sources:
- Halogen light
- Plasma arc light
- Argon laser
- Blue emitting diodes
• B. Light activated Materials
• SYRINGE single paste
• Free radical initiating system consist of
• Photointiator molecule and amine activator
• Light exposure ( correct wavelength)

• Photoinitiator : camphorquinone
• Amine Accelarator : DEAEMA ( diethyl-
amino-ethyl-methacrylate)
• C. Dual Cure
• Consists of 2 light curable pastes
• BPO and aromatic tertiary amine
• Light curing – promoted by amine/CQ
combination
• Chemical- amine/BPO interaction
• APPLICATION:
• Cementation of bulky ceramic inlays
CLASSIFICATION OF RESIN-
BASED COMPOSITES
CATEGORY AVE PARTICLE SIZE
(µm)
CONVENTIONAL / 8-12
MACROFILLED
SMALL PARTICLE 1-5

MICROFILLED 0.04-0.4

HYBRID 1
 Macrofilled Composites
• conventional composites,
• traditional composites
• Properties:
– Filler is quartz
– Filler used: finely ground amorphous
silica and quartz
– Filler loading: 70-80 wt% or 60-70 vol%
• May be used as a restoration in stress
bearing areas such as Class IV and II
sites
Macrofilled Composites
• Clinical Considerations:
– Produces a rough surface during
abrasive wear
– Finishing of the restoration also
produces a roughened surface
– Tend to discolor over time
– Poor resistance to occlusal wear
Small Particle
• To improve surface smoothness and
retain or improve the properties of
traditional composites.
• High filler loading than traditional
• Filler: amorphous silica ,
incorporate glasses
• Compressive strength > macro and
micro
• Tencile strength : x2 micro and 1.5x
macro
• INDICATIONS:
• high stress and abrasion prone (cl
IV)
 Microfilled Composites
• Properties:
– Filler used: colloidal silica
– Filler size: 0.04 um colloidal silica(200-300
times smaller than the ave particle size of
traditional composites)

– Filler loading: 80 wt%, 60 vol%

• Polish very smooth
• Appearance like enamel
 Microfilled Composites
• Clinical considerations:
– Bond between the composite particles and
the matrix is relatively weak, making it not
suitable for use as stress bearing restoration
– Produces the smoothest finish
– Indicated for: Class III and Class V cavities
 Hybrid Composites
• Properties:
– Filler used: colloidal silica AND glass
containing heavy metals
– Filler size: 0.4- 1um
– Filler loading: 75-80 wt%
• Physical and mechanical properties rane
between those of the
traditional and SPF
composites
 Hybrid Composites
• Clinical considerations:
– Indicated for Class III and IV cases
– Indicated for Class I and II cases
– Indicated for Class V cases
Special Use Composite Materials
• Flowable
• Condensable / Packable
 Flowable Composites
• Has a reduced filler content to make the
material “flowable”
• Indicated for Class I restorations in the
gingival areas
• Used as a cavity base or liner especially for
Class II preparations wherein access is
difficult to achieve
• Used as a pit and fissure sealant
 Condensable composite
• Has a filler particle that inhibits the filler
particles by sliding to one another
• Stiffer, thicker feel
Classification of Resin-Based Composites and Indications for Use