Abstract

POLYMERIZATION SHRINKAGE IN RESIN COMPOSITES: CAUSES, OUTCOMES, AND CLINICAL METHODS TO REDUCE THE SHRINKAGE

Dr. Prabhu Varsha*, Dr. Raju Chauhan, Dr. Gaurav Jain, Dr. Nikita Sharma

ABSTRACT

The current era supports high-quality aesthetic restorations for which composite restoration forms the base. The inclination of patients to choose composite as a material of choice is mainly for their aesthetics but today, they are not only used for anterior restorations but are also preferred in posteriors. Composite resin restorations are versatile materials with promising properties but have drawbacks like polymerization shrinkage leading to marginal breakdown further causing secondary caries, discoloration, marginal leakage, and post-operative sensitivity. Multiple factors contribute to polymerization shrinkage including filler volume, the composition of the resin, configuration factors, etc. Therefore, this review focuses on the cause, outcomes of polymerization shrinkage, and approaches to overcome polymerization shrinkage since as clinicians, an in-depth knowledge of this can help us comprehend the problem and tackle it wisely.

Keywords: Composite resins, Polymerization shrinkage, Marginal leakage, Filler component, Configuration factor.