Trends in restorative composites research: what is in the future?

• Published in: Brazilian oral research Vol. 31; no. suppl 1; p. e55
• Main Authors: Maas, Mariel Soeiro, Alania, Yvette, Natale, Livia Camargo, Rodrigues, Marcela Charantola, Watts, David Christopher, Braga, Roberto Ruggiero
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica - SBPqO 28-08-2017; Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica
• Subjects: Adhesives; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Calcium Phosphates; Composite Resins; Composite Resins - chemistry; Dental Research - trends; Dentin - drug effects; Dentin-Bonding Agents - chemistry; Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Glass - chemistry; Materials Testing; Tooth Remineralization; Composite Resins; Calcium Phosphates; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Adhesives
• ISSN: 1806-8324; 1807-3107; 1807-3107; 1806-8324
• DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2017.vol31.0055

Clinical trials have identified secondary caries and bulk fracture as the main causes for composite restoration failure. As a measure to avoid frequent reinterventions for restoration replacement, composites with some sort of defense mechanism against biofilm formation and demineralization, as well as materials with lower susceptibility to crack propagation are necessary. Also, the restorative procedure with composites are very time-consuming and technically demanding, particularly concerning the application of the adhesive system. Therefore, together with bulk-fill composites, self-adhesive restorative composites could reduce operator error and chairside time. This literature review describes the current stage of development of remineralizing, antibacterial and self-healing composites. Also, an overview of the research on fiber-reinforced composites and self-adhesive composites, both introduced for clinical use in recent years, is presented.