Indications for self-cured and light-cured adhesive composite resins

Self-cured and light-cured adhesive composite resins have biologic advantages and disadvantages. In contrast to the self-cured composite resin, the light-cured composite resin has a greater tendency to separate from a cavity wall and gingival margin. Alternative methods of insertion such as the incremental technique and cement liner have decreased the tendency to separate, but have failed to completely eliminate the problem. The light-cured composite resin may also fracture the marginal enamel rods. The light-cured composite resin is indicated for shallow facial restorations and veneers. The self-cured composite resin is indicated to restore deeper cavities, those with a dentinal gingival margin, and for occlusal restorations.