Composite filling materials; not as new as you think

Dental composites are proving more popular for patients as they seek improved aesthetics and less exposure to dental amalgam amid fears of mercury use (Minguez et al, 2003). Composites seem like a modern marvel, but they have been around for many years and recent technological advances make them more appealing to the practitioner. Combine this with the need to remove less tooth tissue for preparation and it is clear why composites are slowly becoming the material of choice for all restorations (Fortin and Vargas, 2000).

For many years, the patient and practitioner alike have sought alternatives to the dark, often unsightly fillings that are dental amalgams and a slow evolution has occurred that means modern composites are suitable for both anterior and posterior use; however, to understand how the dental profession has arrived at this juncture, we must first look at how the materials have developed.