The resin used for dental fillings is composite resin, which is based on acrylic resin and is reinforced with glass, quartz and other particles.

Composite resins are generally divided into two types: thermoplastic and thermosetting. Thermoplastic resin has the properties of softening when heated and hardening when cooled, and does not react chemically. Common thermoplastic resins include polycarbonate, polyamide, polypropylene and polyethylene.

Thermosetting resin undergoes a chemical reaction under heat, pressure, or the action of a curing agent or ultraviolet light. Once cured, it cannot soften or flow again even if it is heated under pressure. Common thermosetting resins include epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyurethane and aminoplastics.

Composite resin has the advantages of light weight, strong plasticity, short production time, environmental protection, corrosion resistance, and long service life. It is widely used in dental cosmetics and is also good for repairing and filling front and back teeth. effect.

Extended information

Common dental filling materials generally include amalgam, composite resin, cast gold, ceramics, glass ionomer, etc.

1. Amalgam: a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper and mercury, with a mercury content of close to 50%.

Advantages: Good compressive strength, able to resist chewing pressure; most economical; treatment can be completed in one visit; compared with composite resin, the requirements for moisture isolation during the filling process are low.

Disadvantages: Does not match the color of the teeth; amalgam will corrode and lose luster over time, and can also cause discoloration of the dental tissue in contact with it; traditional amalgam cannot be bonded to the teeth ; In order to fill amalgam, a box-shaped cavity needs to be prepared. For this purpose, the dentist may have to remove more tooth tissue.

2. Cast gold: gold alloy, which is a mixture of gold and other metals.

Advantages: Does not corrode; has good durability and lasts longer than other filling materials.

Disadvantages: At least two treatments are required; because gold is more expensive and production requires craftsmanship, the cost is more expensive; if two adjacent teeth have gold alloy and silver amalgam fillings, it is possible An electric current is generated between them, which can cause discomfort to the human body; does not match the color of the teeth.

3. Ceramics: Porcelain.

Advantages: Close to tooth color; not easy to stain and wear.

Disadvantages: More fragile than composite resin materials; ceramic inlays or onlays require greater volume to avoid fracture, which means more teeth need to be ground away.

4. Glass ionomer: acrylic, glass and fluoride.

Advantages: Close to the color of teeth; glass ionomers can release fluorine, which can prevent further caries; glass ionomers can bond with teeth, which helps prevent the formation of gaps between fillings and tooth tissues and further caries.

Disadvantages: Traditional glass ionomer materials are significantly weaker than resin materials and are more likely to be worn or broken; traditional glass ionomer materials are not as good as composite resins in color matching with teeth; resin-modified ones Glass ionomer needs to be filled in layers, and each layer needs to be illuminated or cured, which is stronger, but also prolongs the operation time.

Baidu Encyclopedia--Tooth Filling

Baidu Encyclopedia--Composite Resin