Polymerization stress--is it clinically meaningful?

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Dental composite restoratives are widely used.
• Polymerization shrinkage and resulting stress are inherent properties of these materials.
• Understanding these phenomena is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence for polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress in dental composites.
• To evaluate the clinical relevance of these stresses in restorative dentistry.

Main Methods:

• A literature review of articles on polymerization contraction stress in dental composites.
• Inclusion of studies focusing on factors influencing stress generation.
• Emphasis on evidence derived from clinical studies and systematic reviews.

Main Results:

• Extensive evidence confirms polymerization contraction stress in dental composites.
• Deleterious effects include marginal leakage, gap formation, and reduced mechanical properties.
• Direct clinical evidence linking stress to outcomes like sensitivity or recurrent caries is limited.

Conclusions:

• While direct clinical proof of reduced longevity due to contraction stress is lacking, indirect evidence is substantial.
• The significant concern and efforts to control these stresses highlight their clinical relevance in dental restorations.