CONFIGURATION FACTOR (C-FACTOR)

● The C-factor is the ratio of bonded surfaces to the unbonded, or free, surfaces in a
tooth preparation. The higher the C-factor, the greater is the potential for bond
disruption from polymerization effects.

● In the 1980s, when composites were less highly filled and bonding systems were not
as reliable or strong, it was quite possible that shrinkage stresses from composite
curing actually dislocated the newly bonded surfaces and created marginal openings.

● The consequences of this process were first analyzed by Feilzer and others"," and
described in terms of the ratio (configuration factor, or C -factor) of surface area of
fixed walls bounding a tooth preparation versus unbounded walls.

Configuration factor for various cavity preparations

1) Class I cavity: 5/1 = 5
2)Class II cavity: 4/2 = 2
3)Class III cavity: 3/3 = 1
4) Class IV cavity: 2/4 =
0.5
5) Class V cavity: 1/5 =
0.2.
A Class V restoration (one bonded surface and four unbonded surfaces) with a C-factor
of 0.25 is at low risk for adverse polymerization shrinkage effects.

● However, a Class I restoration with a C-factor of five (five bonded surfaces, one
unbonded surface) is at much higher risk of bond disruption associated with
polymerization shrinkage, particularly along the pulpal floor.

● Internal stresses can be reduced in restorations subject to potentially high disruptive

contraction forces (e.g., Class I preparations with a high C-factor) by using:

A) "soft-start" polymerization instead of high-intensity light-curing,

B) incremental additions to reduce the effects of polymerization shrinkage, and
 C) stress-breaking liner, such as a filled dentinal adhesive or RMGI.

● C-factors for dental restorations typically range from 0.1 to 5.0 with higher values (>
1.5) indicating more likelihood of high interfacial stresses

When the composite is bonded to one surface only (such as in the case of a direct
facial veneer), stresses within the composite are relieved by flow from the unbonded
surface.

● However, stress relief within a three-dimensional bonded restoration is limited by its

configuration factor, or C-factor.

● For example, in an occlusal preparation, composite is bonded to five surfaces-mesial,

distal, facial, lingual, and pulpal.

● The occlusal surface is the only "free" or unrestrained surface. In such a clinical
situation, the ratio between the number of bonded surfaces and the number of
unbonded surfaces is 5, giving the restoration a C-factor of 5.

● Stress relief is rather limited because flow can occur only from the single free surface.
Unrelieved stresses in the composite may cause internal bond disruption as well as
marginal gaps around restorations that increase microleakage

● Because of the similarity of the Class I or Class II conventional composite preparation

to an amalgam tooth preparation, many operators prefer its use whether the Class I or
Class II preparation is for a large posterior composite or for restoring a new, smaller
carious lesion.
● It should be noted, however, that conservation of tooth structure is of paramount
importance. Class I or Class II conventional composite preparations should be
prepared with as little facio lingual extension as possible and should not routinely be
extended
 into all pits and fissures on the occlusal surface where sealants may be otherwise
indicated.

● Likewise, it should be remembered that the boxlike form increases the negative effects
of the C-factor.

● While the boxlike form may provide the previously stated benefits, it also may
increase the negative effects of the C-factor. Therefore, the operator must carefully
consider all of these issues in selecting the tooth preparation design.

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