Dental compomer

Glass ionomer cement - composite resin spectrum of restorative materials used in dentistry. Towards the GIC end of the spectrum, there is increasing fluoride release and increasing acid-base content; towards the composite resin end of the spectrum, there is increasing light cure percentage and increased flexural strength.

Dental compomers are materials which are used in dentistry as restorative material. They were introduced in the early 1990s as a hybrid of two other dental materials: dental composites and glass ionomer cement. They are also known as polyacid-modified resin composites. They are used for restorations in low stress–bearing areas

History

Compomers were introduced in the early 1990s. Previous available restorative materials included dental amalgam, glass ionomer cement, resin modified glass ionomer cement and dental composites.

Composition

The composition of compomers is similar to that of a dental composite however it has been modified, making it a polyacid-modified composite. This results in compomers still requiring a bonding system to bond to tooth tissue. Compomer contains poly acid–modified monomers and fluoride-releasing silicate glasses. An acid-base reaction occurs as the compomer absorbs water after contact with saliva, which facilitates cross-linking structure and fluoride release.

Features

Fluoride release

Compomers release some fluoride ions, like a glass ionomer cement. The level of this fluoride release however is only around 10% of that of a glass ionomer, which makes it less useful for deciduous restorations. It has been shown to have no advantage over an amalgam restoration with a fluoride releasing bonding agent, which releases mercury and fluoride.[1] Compomers also do not have the ability to 'recharge' their fluoride ion content with topically applied fluoride from toothpaste etc., like glass ionomer cements; this is another limit on their efficacy. Compomers are recommended for patients at medium risk of developing caries.

Handling

Handling and ease of use of composites is generally seen as good by dental professionals.[2] Compomers are available in both normal and flowable forms, with the manufacturers of the flowable compomers claiming that they have the ability to shape to the cavity without the ne

Aesthetics

Compomers are tooth coloured materials, and so their aesthetics can immediately be seen as better than that of dental amalgams. It has been shown that ratings in various aesthetic areas are better for compomers than resin modified glass ionomer cements.[3] Compomers are also available in various non-natural colours from various dental companies for use in deciduous teeth.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Trachtenberg F. Maserejian NN. Soncini JA. Hayes C. Tavares M. Does fluoride in compomers prevent future caries in children? Journal of Dental Research, 88(3):276-9, 2009 Mar.
  2. ↑ van Noort, Richard (2007). Introduction to Dental Materials. Edinburgh: Mosby.
  3. ↑ Folwaczny M, Mehl A, Kunzelmann KH, Hickel R. Clinical performance of a resin-modified glass-ionomer and a compomer in restoring non-carious cervical lesions. 5-year results. American Journal of Dentistry, 14(3):153-6, 2001 Jun.
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