Bond-disruptive stresses generated by resin composite polymerization in dental cavities

Though many advances have been made in the development of dental adhesives, the immediate, or short-term, disruption created by stress - due to polymerization of resin composite restorative materials within dental cavities - is still a challenge yet to be completely solved in restorative dentistry. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a general overview of the subject, concerning resin composite formulations, origins of stress, clinical consequences of stress development, in vitro methods used for its measurement and methods used to reduce stress magnitudes and rates of development. © 2009 VSP.