ABSTRACT
El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los diferentes componentes de los composites actualmente utilizados en Odontología y aportar al profesional las bases que puedan proporcionarle los criterios a tener en cuenta para seleccionar uno u otro en función de los requerimientos terapéuticos. La mayoría de los composites de uso en Odontología corresponden a materiales híbridos, se denominan así por estar conformados por grupos poliméricos reforzados por una fase inorgánica de vidrio de diferente composición, tamaño y porcentaje de relleno. Los composites fluidos o los condensables han tratado de dar respuesta algunos requerimientos funcionales, aunque sin demasiado éxito en la mejora de sus propiedades. Respecto a las fuentes de polimerización, tanto las lámparas halógenas, convencionales o de alta densidad de potencia, como las LEDs, que ofrecen un incremento gradual de la intensidad lumínica, son muy útiles para disminuir la contracción volumétrica del material. A la hora de la selección clínica de un material compuesto se valorará si priman los requerimientos mecánicos o los estéticos; en el primer caso seleccionaremos el material que tenga mayor volumen de relleno, mientras que en el segundo será el mínimo tamaño de partícula el factor más importante. La existencia de elementos adicionales como los opacificadores y tintes, permite mejorar los resultados estéticos con estos materiales. Así mismo la generalización de otros procedimientos terapéuticos, como son los blanqueamientos dentales, ha comportado la necesidad de diseñar materiales compuestos con tonos que se adecuen a las situaciones de color especiales que presentan los dientes tratados con estos procedimientos
The aim of this work is to present the different components of the composites currently used in dentistry and furnish dentists with a basis that can provide criteria for choosing one or another to suit their therapeutic requirements. Most composites used in dentistry are hybrid materials, so-called because they are composed of polymer groups reinforced by an inorganic phase of glass fillers with different compositions, particle sizes and fill percentages. Flowable or condensable composites have attempted to provide an answer to certain functional requirements, although they have not been too successful at improving properties. Turning to polymerisation initiators, both halogen lamps, whether conventional or high intensity, and LED curing lights which provide a gradual increase in light intensity are very useful for reducing shrinkage of the composite material. The clinical choice of a composite must consider whether priority should be given to mechanical or aesthetic requirements: if mechanical considerations are paramount the material with the greatest volume of filler will be chosen; if aesthetic considerations predominate, particle size will be the most important factor. Additional components such as opaques and tints make it possible to improve the aesthetic results. Equally, the spread of other therapeutic procedures, such as tooth bleaching, has made it necessary to design composite materials in shades that are suitable for the special colour situations found in teeth treated by these methods
Subject(s)
Composite Resins/chemistryABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to present the different components of the composites currently used in dentistry and furnish dentists with a basis that can provide criteria for choosing one or another to suit their therapeutic requirements. Most composites used in dentistry are hybrid materials, so-called because they are composed of polymer groups reinforced by an inorganic phase of glass fillers with different compositions, particle sizes and fill percentages. Flowable or condensable composites have attempted to provide an answer to certain functional requirements, although they have not been too successful at improving properties. Turning to polymerisation initiators, both halogen lamps, whether conventional or high intensity, and LED curing lights which provide a gradual increase in light intensity are very useful for reducing shrinkage of the composite material. The clinical choice of a composite must consider whether priority should be given to mechanical or aesthetic requirements: if mechanical considerations are paramount the material with the greatest volume of filler will be chosen; if aesthetic considerations predominate, particle size will be the most important factor. Additional components such as opaques and tints make it possible to improve the aesthetic results. Equally, the spread of other therapeutic procedures, such as tooth bleaching, has made it necessary to design composite materials in shades that are suitable for the special colour situations found in teeth treated by these methods.
