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Clinical performance of resin composite restorations

  • Dental Restorative Materials (M Özcan and P Cesar, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article reviews recent evidence and provides a general overview on the clinical performance of resin composite restorations. Four electronic databases were searched for articles that investigated factors associated with the long-term performance and failure of resin composites placed in anterior and posterior teeth. Signs that could be observed in aging restorations were also addressed.

Recent Findings

Resin composite restorations fail due to the same reasons that lead to restoration of teeth, namely: caries, esthetics, fractures, and wear. Variables influencing failure rates include tooth-related factors (e.g., loss of dental tissue, quality of remaining structure, tooth position, endodontic treatment) and patient-related risk factors (e.g., caries, parafunctional habits, sex, age, socioeconomic variables). State of the art restorative techniques and materials have limited influence on the durability of resin composite restorations. Dentists and their clinical decisions also play a significant role in longevity, including their approach to aging restorations that are in service. Aging restorations may show surface and marginal staining, loss of anatomical shape and translucency, wear, chipping, fractures, and other minor defects that do not need intervention.

Summary

The clinical service of resin composite restorations is a challenging aspect of their longevity, but posterior and anterior composites can achieve long-lasting clinical durability. Patients’ risks appear to be the most predominant factors affecting longevity. In general, the longevity of restorations would be longer if dentists were to use a more conservative approach when dealing with aging restorations in service.

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Funding

This study was partially financed by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior — (CAPES), Brazil (Finance Code 001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Gonçalves Chaves 457, Pelotas, RS, 96015-560, Brazil

    Rafael R. Moraes, Maximiliano S. Cenci & Flavio F. Demarco

  2. Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Maximiliano S. Cenci, Bas Loomans & Niek Opdam

  3. Taubate, SP, Brazil

    José R. Moura

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  1. Rafael R. Moraes
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  2. Maximiliano S. Cenci
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  3. José R. Moura
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  4. Flavio F. Demarco
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  5. Bas Loomans
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  6. Niek Opdam
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Correspondence to Rafael R. Moraes.

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Moraes, R.R., Cenci, M.S., Moura, J.R. et al. Clinical performance of resin composite restorations. Curr Oral Health Rep 9, 22–31 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-022-00308-x

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