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Compomers, reattachment method expand restoration capabilities
1Indiana University School of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
Journal (Indiana Dental Association)
|February 7, 2001
Summary
New restorative materials called compomers offer improved properties over traditional glass ionomers. A novel technique for reattaching fractured teeth using dentin bonding agents can restore significant tooth strength.
Area of Science:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional glass ionomers have limitations in physical properties and clinical applications.
- Fractured tooth fragments present a challenge in restorative dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review compomers as a new fluoride-releasing restorative material.
- To evaluate the technique of reattaching fractured tooth fragments using dentin bonding agents.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of compomers and glass ionomers based on classification, physical properties, and clinical usage.
- Review of clinical and laboratory data supporting tooth fragment reattachment with dentin bonding agents.
Main Results:
- Compomers exhibit physical properties (translucency, thermal expansion, strength) closer to composite resins than glass ionomers due to the absence of an acid/base setting reaction.
- Tooth fragment reattachment using dentin bonding agents can restore up to 50% of original tooth strength without tooth preparation.
- In vitro studies show potential for 100% strength restoration with porcelain veneer bonding after reattachment.
Conclusions:
- Compomers represent a distinct class of restorative materials with properties differing from conventional glass ionomers.
- Dentin bonding agents offer a viable, minimally invasive technique for restoring fractured teeth, significantly improving mechanical strength.