Influence of filler characteristics on the performance of dental composites: A comprehensive review

In restorative dentistry, dental composites have become a popular material of choice due to the increasing aesthetic demands and address challenges like recurrent cavities and restorative bulk fracture, which are the most common causes of dental composite failure. To address these issues, various types and shapes of reinforcement fillers were researched to enhance the mechanical properties of composite formulations over conventional composites. Furthermore, antibacterial agents and ion-releasing fillers are used to prevent secondary caries and promote the remineralisation of dental tissue. This review article aims to review the literature of dental resin composites, focusing on various filler categories and their impact on the materials' performance, to aid future development of dental resin composites for clinical applications with optimal properties that can overcome current limitations.