Composites, Matrix Systems and Curing Lights

Together, composites, matrix systems and curing lights allow clinicians to give patients the durable, high-quality restorations they need, but there are multiple variables that can affect the longevity of the restoration. By fully understanding and considering the options for each, clinicians can choose the ones that work best together and also benefit the patient the most.

Composite resins are a popular restorative option in dentistry today. Although the effort to create the "perfect" material is ongoing, significant improvements have been made in composite resin systems.

Today's composites have dozens of shade options, including opaque and translucent shades. The end result is the ability to create highly esthetic composite restorations that disappear within the tooth structure.

Another essential improvement is their filler particles. While composites with smaller particles have more wear, the combination of different size particles in the new nanofilled composites have low-wear properties. In addition, modern composites have significantly lower polymerization shrinkage, the ability to maintain a high polish, and improved handling properties.

Microfilled composites are translucent and very polishable, making them highly esthetic. They are most commonly used as a veneering material, acting as the last thin layer placed over a microhybrid composite.

Microhybrid composites demonstrate excellent physical characteristics with improved handling and less wear than microfilled composites.