Effects of particulate filler systems on the properties and performance of dental polymer composites

The filler component is the main determinant of the mechanical and wear properties of a dental composite. The filler also significantly influences curing shrinkage, thermal properties, optical properties, water uptake, handling and other physical properties. In general, maximizing filler reinforcement, specifically by using a high concentration of relatively small particulate fillers that have been coated with a silane agent to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the filler and resin matrix, is desirable to maximize the mechanical properties. It is generally believed that the result of this filler optimization will be superior clinical performance. But the specific manner in which the filler characteristics affect clinical outcomes of composites is not well understood or well described in the literature. However, there have been numerous studies and investigations into the role of the filler formulation on the properties and performance of dental composites, many of which will be reviewed in this chapter.