title: A review of polymerization contraction: the influence of stress development versus stress relief.
abstract: The insertion of bonded resin composites into cavity preparations leads to a competition between polymerization contraction forces and the strength of bonds to tooth structure. The degree of stress development can be controlled, to some extent, by the cavity design (C-factor), the use of bases, the size, shape, and position of increments of composite resins placed in the cavity, and whether the resin is light- or chemically cured. Stress relief can be accomplished by maintaining the C-factor as low as possible, using chemical-curing resins, low modulus liners, and, over time, by water sorption. A thorough understanding of these principles permits clinicians to exercise more control over these variables, thereby improving the quality of their bonded restorations.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Biology-Physiology, Augusta, GA 30912-1129, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoshiyama
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Pashley
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water