Wear resistance of composites: a solved problem?

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Increasing patient preference for tooth-colored restorations over metallic ones.
• Historical limitations of posterior composites, including polymerization contraction and wear.
• Recent advancements in bonding agents and composite materials enhancing durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the clinical challenges of posterior composite wear.
• To provide clinicians with knowledge of composite wear mechanisms.
• To guide the selection of suitable clinical cases for posterior composite restorations.

Main Methods:

• Review of polymerization contraction and wear characteristics of posterior composites.
• Analysis of improvements in dental bonding agents and composite formulations.
• Examination of clinical wear variations and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Modern posterior composites show reduced wear compared to earlier iterations.
• Variability in wear can still occur in specific patient cases.
• Understanding wear mechanisms is crucial for predictable outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Posterior composites are increasingly viable alternatives to metallic restorations.
• Clinicians must understand wear mechanisms to manage clinical variations.
• Informed case selection is key to achieving long-term success with posterior composites.