A review of dental composites: Challenges, chemistry aspects, filler influences, and future insights

Abstract

Resin-based dental composites are promising tooth-resembling materials in restorative dentistry. The limited longevity of dental composite restorations due to the bulk/marginal fracture and secondary caries as well as possible health risks are the critical challenges faced by such materials. Therefore, developments of resin-based dental composites received considerable attention in academic researches for clinical applications. A comprehensive review of the recent developments in the scientific literature on resin-based dental composites is presented in this article. Firstly, in the article, the challenges in dental composites are introduced and then the chemical aspects of the systems are classified through a review of employed resins. Subsequently, the different characteristics related to the fillers employed for the development of the resin-based dental composites are described. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future insights are proposed. This article provides an insight that paves the way for tailoring and designing resin-based dental composites for clinical applications. © 2021 The Authors