Filler technology in resin composites – past, present and future

Abstract Body: From traditional dental resin composites with average filler sizes greater than 50um to optimised filler distribution using particles in the nanoscale, fibre reinforcement, and the potential to realise bioactive properties, the development of optimised filler morphologies has significantly improved the mechanical, physical and aesthetic quality of composite materials. This presentation will briefly outline the development of resin-based composites in terms of their filler morphology; how resin composites are affected by filler size and loading in terms of mechanical strength, wear and aesthetics. Recent literature on novel filler design will also be reviewed including morphologies to improve handling, optimising curing light transmission and potential toughening mechanisms. Finally, discussion of the future potential of filler technologies to further improve, not only prerequisite mechanical strength and toughness, but that might also better interact and potentially augment oral tissues.