Frontiers | Clinical Durability of Resin Composite Restorations

About this Research Topic

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Background

Resin composite restorative materials have revolutionized modern dentistry, offering aesthetic, minimally invasive treatment for both anterior and posterior restorations. Their widespread use, however, continues to be tempered by concerns over clinical durability—including issues like polymerization shrinkage, marginal leakage, recurrent caries, and technique sensitivity. Beyond these material and procedural factors, the complex oral environment—marked by dynamic pH fluctuations, temperature changes, mechanical loading, and persistent microbial exposure—further threatens restoration longevity.

Despite rapid advances in the field, the journey toward consistently durable, long-lasting composite restorations is far from complete. This Research Topic seeks to address this challenge by comprehensively exploring both the internal (composition, mechanics, application) and external (oral flora, environment, patient factors) variables that impact restorative success.

We aim to foster a holistic understanding of the factors influencing the lifespan of resin composite restorations, highlighting new approaches and practical strategies for improved clinical outcomes.

Core themes and topics of interest include but are not limited to:

1 . Biomaterials Science & Aging

• Development and characterization of next-generation resin matrices, hybrid fillers, and novel coupling agents.
• Understanding the aging process: hydrolytic stability, wear, monomer elution, and physical-chemical changes under simulated oral conditions.
• Evaluation of smart materials (e.g., bioactive, self-healing, remineralizing composites).

2 . Clinical and Translational Evidence

• Findings from long-term clinical trials and registry studies on composite restoration performance.
• Impact of placement techniques (incremental, bulk-fill, matrix-assisted) and advanced light-curing protocols on • marginal adaptation and outcomes.
• Patient-centered measurements: satisfaction, post-operative sensitivity, and restoration longevity in real-life scenarios.

3. Biomechanics & Interface Integrity

• Stress distribution, fatigue resistance, and crack propagation in contemporary composites—assessed via in vitro and finite element studies.
• Analysis of marginal gap formation and failure patterns over time or under challenging clinical conditions (e.g., parafunction, high occlusal loads).

4. Microbial and Environmental Interactions

• The role of oral biofilm composition and activity in composite surface degradation and secondary caries.
• Efficacy and biocompatibility of antimicrobial or antibacterial additives, coatings, and surface modifications.
• Influence of patient diet, hygiene, and systemic health on restoration performance.

5. Future Directions and Personalization

• Emerging concepts: AI-driven material selection, digital workflow integration, and the design of patient-specific restorative strategies.
• Focus on sustainability: lifecycle analysis, composite waste management, and eco-friendly alternatives.

By bridging cutting-edge innovations with real-world clinical challenges, this Research Topic aims to shape a future where resin composite restorations reliably deliver both beauty and durability - improving patient wellbeing and advancing the field of restorative dentistry.

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This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

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Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
Data Report
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Keywords: resin composite restorations, dental restoration longevity, bonding adhesion strength, technique sensitivity restorations, oral biofilm impact, novel resin materials, staining resistance dentistry

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.