Low shrinkage resin composite in operative dentistry

Abstract

          Low shrinkage resin composites are dental materials that feature the low contraction of polymerization. These resin composites can reduce shrinkage and shrinkage stress that accumulates on the teeth and post-operative sensitivity which is the common problem of conventional resin composite restoration. The development of the resin composites principally changes to new monomer called silorane. In the curing process, the ring-opening of silorane compensates a significant amount of the polymerization shrinkage. In addition, decreasing viscosity of monomer and changing fillers’ structure to be specific characteristics can reduce shrinkage and shrinkage stress from polymerization. Recent studies suggest that low shrinkage composites have significantly less polymerization shrinkage than conventional composites, and recommend the usage of these composites in deep cavity restoration. However, some studiesshow conflicting results about the properties of these materials. Therefore, dental personnel should consider other factors in addition to the shrinkage of the material for the most effective dental restoration. These resin composites are the material of choice in dentistry, which need to be studied further.