Background
The market for filling materials continues to proceed through an evolutionary process
that is fueled by a combination of factors including:
• the desire for new materials by dentists
• the inability of dental materials to provide consistent, esthetic restorations
every time
• the efforts of dental manufacturers to optimize the properties most desired
by dentists
• the dentist’s increased understanding of the choices made by manufacturers
to produce the materials
• the changes in the industry, including reimbursement changes and patient
demands.
Composite materials have been used in dental practices to restore teeth since 3M first
introduced a composite to the dental market in 1964. The early materials were chemically
cured. These materials provided better esthetics than amalgam. However much had to be
learned about the physical properties that were required to survive in the oral environment.
High wear, color changes, and lack of bonding to tooth surfaces were some of the
issues associated with these early materials.
Significant advances have been made since these early materials which have improved
upon many of the early materials’ weaknesses. Adhesive systems have been developed
that adhere well not only to enamel (with acid etching), but to moist dentin even when
placed in a humid environment. Composites have been made stronger, more wear resistant
and more color stable. Both types of materials were made curable on demand with high
intensity lights that emit light in the wavelength range of 400-500 nm.
In the 1980’s composites were developed that were specific to restoration type, i.e. materials
were designed for anterior or posterior use. The main distinction between these materials
was the high esthetic requirements for anterior use vs. the high strength requirement
for posterior use. One material was not available that offered both. The gap between the
two types of materials was very wide.
In the late 1980’s composite materials were developed to be used both for anterior and
posterior restorations. These materials narrowed the gaps between esthetics and strength.
Dentists were now able to use one composite material for all of their composite restorative
use. The reduction in inventory (one set of shades) and ease of material selection were
additional benefits realized that made the dental practice easier.