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Posterior composite restoration update: focus on factors influencing form and function
Brenda S Bohaty1, Qiang Ye, Anil Misra
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, Kansas City, MO, USA; ; Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA;
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Posterior composite restorations are popular but fail more often than amalgam. Longevity depends on controlling patient-specific factors and ensuring a durable seal at the tooth-restoration interface.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Restorative Dentistry
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Resin-based composites are the leading aesthetic alternative to dental amalgam for posterior restorations.
- Despite advancements, moderate to large posterior composite restorations exhibit higher failure rates and shorter clinical lifetimes compared to amalgam.
- Factors influencing composite restoration longevity are complex and often beyond direct clinical control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of current technology in posterior composite restorations.
- To highlight critical mechanisms that compromise the durability of these restorations.
- To emphasize the importance of the tooth-restoration interface seal for long-term success.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on posterior composite restoration performance.
- Analysis of clinical variables affecting restoration longevity.
- Discussion of material properties and interface sealing mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Posterior composite restorations have a significantly shorter clinical lifetime than dental amalgam.
- Restoration longevity is influenced by patient-related factors (caries risk, habits) and technical aspects (bond quality, seal).
- Current research indicates that controlling these variables is challenging for clinicians.
Conclusions:
- Achieving a durable seal at the tooth-restoration interface is paramount for the longevity of posterior composite restorations.
- Focus must shift from solely tooth form to understanding and managing clinical variables impacting restoration durability.
- Further research is needed to improve the performance and longevity of posterior composite restorations.
