Filler Particles... the Magic Ingredients of Composites - A Key for Advanced Products

With the introduction of composite materials, basically inorganic-organic-hybrid systems, any progress in dental restorative materials development was correlated to the improvement of the filler system. A classification of composites regarding the particle size distribution is popular and well accepted in the scientific literature, but composite properties are much more complex than determined by particle sizes only. A more detailed analysis of filler characteristics and resulting composite material properties is a key for further progress. Today we are able to combine very different filler particles and materials. Whereas future materials may contain tailor-made filler structures and dimensions for improved resin composite characteristics. This lecture illuminates the options and advantages new filler technologies can feature in future development of dental resin composites.