Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Dental composites are based on polymer resin matrix which diminishes its volume during polymerization process due to joining of monomer chains [1]. It is the reason of polymerization shrinkage of each polymer material. Serious consequence of the shrinkage in dentistry is marginal leakage and secondary caries resulting from this [2]. Therefore, the develop a low shrinkage material is a big challenge in the manufacturing of dental composites. There are many methods of diminishing polymerization shrinkage. One group is focused on resin matrix composition, the second on filler selection [3] and the others on applying technique [4]. Literature presents a lot of methods of shrinkage measurements [1]. In previous study the Authors used the method based on microCT measurements [5]. In this paper a new approach has been presented. In this study, the new method of polymerization shrinkage was applied to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage of selected dental composites showing differences in composition.

Polymerization shrinkage of the resin-based dental composites constitutes a risk of the failure of the interfacial bonds as a result of shrinkage stresses. It may result in marginal leakage, premature failure of the restoration, and even micro-cracking of the tooth [1,2]. Therefore, the research for develop a low shrinkage material has been a goal in the manufacture of dental composites. The color restorative materials are very interesting and market demand for these products was increased recently. They are used especially in milk tooth as fissure sealing, for marking root canal openings or as decoration (tooth tattoo) [3]. In this study, the research of polymerization shrinkage of flow-type dental composites was conducted.