Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

08:45
Shrinkage of Dental Composite in Simulated Cavity Measured with Digital Image Correlation
Published on: July 21, 2014
Developments in shrinkage control of adhesive restoratives
B S Dauvillier1, M P Aarnts, A J Feilzer
1Department of Dental Materials Science, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Minimizing polymerization shrinkage in resin composites is crucial for durable dental restorations. Understanding material properties and application techniques helps prevent microleakage and secondary caries, though no perfect solution currently exists.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Adhesive Dentistry
Background:
- Polymerization shrinkage in resin composites is a significant challenge in restorative dentistry.
- This shrinkage can lead to debonding at the restoration-tooth interface, causing microleakage and secondary caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review material properties and application techniques for minimizing polymerization shrinkage effects.
- To enhance the longevity and success of resin composite restorations.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of relevant scientific publications on resin composite polymerization shrinkage.
Main Results:
- Despite extensive research, no single material or application method completely eliminates shrinkage-related issues.
- Debonding, microleakage, and secondary caries remain prevalent problems associated with polymerization shrinkage.
Conclusions:
- Dental practitioners must be knowledgeable about managing polymerization shrinkage.
- Selecting appropriate materials and techniques is vital for achieving leak-proof, durable restorations and maximizing clinical success.
Related Concept Videos
Retarders
Retarders are chemical admixtures designed to extend the setting time, which is especially useful when there is a delay in sequential concrete pours to prevent cold joints and to achieve a cohesive structure. Retarders, when used in appropriate amounts, can also enhance the architectural appearance of exposed aggregate finishes.
The function of retarders is to delay the setting of concrete, and this effect can be measured using a penetration test. The retardation process involves adding...
The function of retarders is to delay the setting of concrete, and this effect can be measured using a penetration test. The retardation process involves adding...
Shrinkage in Concrete
Shrinkage in concrete is primarily due to water loss from evaporation, hydration of cement, or carbonation, leading to a reduction in volume. The volumetric contraction results in volumetric strain in concrete. However, in practice, shrinkage is measured as linear strain, which is one-third of the volumetric strain.
When concrete is still in its plastic state, it can undergo a decrease in volume by about 1% of its absolute volume. This decrease is known as plastic shrinkage. It arises either...
When concrete is still in its plastic state, it can undergo a decrease in volume by about 1% of its absolute volume. This decrease is known as plastic shrinkage. It arises either...
Drying Shrinkage
When hardened concrete is exposed to air with a relative humidity of less than 100 percent, it begins to lose the free water within its capillaries. As this water evaporates, the water initially adsorbed onto the calcium silicate hydrates migrates towards these now empty spaces and eventually evaporates as well. Over time, as more water leaves, the volume of the concrete decreases, a phenomenon known as drying shrinkage.
A portion of this drying shrinkage can be reversed; if the concrete is...
A portion of this drying shrinkage can be reversed; if the concrete is...

