Dental resin-based composites: a transition from macrofilled to nanofilled

ABSTRACT

The invention of dental resin based-composites [RBCs] has provided a broad range of materials for the restoration of load-bearing posterior teeth with excellent clinical results and adequate longevity. A variety of RBCs, namely "microhybrid", "nanohybrid" and "nanofilled" have been marketed with bold claims of a technological advancement. Although "microhybrid", "nanohybrid" and "nanofilled" RBCs have exhibited a degree of clinical and experimental success compared with their predecessors, however, it is difficult to justify which RBC is superior as a result of slight variations in filler size and associated interchangeable mechanical and physical properties of RBCs. The objective of the current review article is to highlight the development of various filler particles of dental RBCs and resultant variation in mechanical and physical properties which may ultimately provide directions for future research on the RBCs