The limitations of resin-bonded restorations

The ability to resin-bond rather than relying on mechanical retention and the use of cements indirect restorations has had a substantial impact on restorative dentistry. While resin-bonding offers many advantages, notably a reduction in the removal of sound tooth tissue during preparation, resin bonds suffer certain limitations. These limitations, including technique sensitivity, susceptibility to marginal deterioration and relatively limited life expectancy, are discussed in this paper together with considerations of the clinical performance and modes of failure of resin-bonded restorations in clinical service. It is concluded that resin-bonding will become recognised as a major development in dentistry but there remains considerable scope for further development of the materials and techniques for resin-bonded restorations.