The substance that is used for dental bonding treatment is called composite resin. Composite resin is bio-compatible. It has high compressive strength and translucency. It offers a great aesthetic and is also easy to apply.
In this article, we will discuss its physical properties and composition.
The more you know about this dental bonding substance, the more confident you will feel about your bonding treatment.
What is resin composite made of?
Resin-based composite materials are made of three basic components:
- Organic resin matrix
- Inorganic fillers, and
- Bonding agent.
Organic resin matrix
An organic resin matrix is composed of a system of multifunctional monomers. The monomer system is the backbone of the resin. Monomers are mixed with light-sensitive initiators. Monomer molecules react with each other to create even larger monomer molecules.
Among the monomers, methacrylate-based ones are widely used in making commercial dental composites.
Organic resin has fibers. Because of that, substantial postprocessing is required to make and product out of it.
Fiberglass-based organic resins were introduced in 1940. It needed silane coupling agents to improve its structure.
Inorganic fillers
Inorganic fillers determine the mechanical properties of the resin. They also decide its physical structure. The fillers also reduce the curing shrinkage of the resin and improve its quality. How much filler will be added to create the resin depends on what resin you want.
The main filler used in composite resin is silicon dioxide. Many manufacturers prefer boron silicates. Some use lithium aluminum silicates. So that the resin does not cause wear on the opposite tooth, some manufacturers are experimenting with calcium metaphosphate.
Recently, nanoparticles made of zirconium, silica, or nanosilica have become a part of the resin. Using nanoparticles helps give the resin composite a better finish. They also help the resin to degrade biologically father than before. Since the particles are very small, they also rarely leave fissures on the edges of the enamel. That is why resins with nanoparticles can prevent bacteria from penetrating the teeth.
Bonding agent
The resin needs a material in it that couples it to the filler surface. The enamel is different from the dentin. That is why you need a different bonding agent or dental adhesive to secure composite resin onto your teeth.
A bonding agent has to pass the fatigue test before it can be recommended to dental patients.
During your dental bonding treatment, your dentist will apply a bonding agent on the acid-etched surface of your teeth. That helps the resin monomers to enter the interfibrillar spaces of the collagen and dentine tubules. The dentist uses light to cure the bonding. The result is a strong bond between resin and enamel.
Can composite resin contain antibacterial properties?
Composite resin can contain antibacterial properties. When it does, it reduces acid production. It also lowers biofilm formation. That prevents the possibility of secondary decay of the tooth and jawbone. Containing antibacterial properties does not make it less effective as a bonding material or less aesthetic as a restorative material. It can still have reduced polymerization shrinkage, reducing the risk of enamel crack and decreased bond strength.
Does resin composite material bond to dental bonding agents well?
Resin composite materials offer high bond strength to resin cement or adhesives. The reason behind such high strength is that they are similar in chemical composition. The mouth is a challenging place. It is wet. It has acid and minerals. Besides, it produces constant stress and heat. If the composite material gives to such an environment easily, it fails as a dental restoration material.
Sources:
- Brazilian Oral Research
- Restorative Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University
- Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
- Science Direct
- Japanese Dental Science Review
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