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Dental Materials Summary: Composite, GIC & Amalgam

A clean, exam-focused comparison of the most commonly tested restorative materials.

Quick Answers

Which posterior material has the best longevity?

High-copper amalgam still shows the highest long-term survival in high-load areas.

Which material bonds chemically to tooth structure?

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) through ionic bonding with calcium.

Which material provides the best esthetics?

Composite resin — excellent color match and polishability.

Which material releases fluoride?

GIC and resin-modified GIC (RMGIC).

1. Why dental materials appear so often in exams

Examiners love materials questions because they test understanding, not memorisation. If you can explain when and why you choose a material, you already earn high marks.

2. Composite resin — key points

Composite is the most common restorative material in modern clinical dentistry.

Composite (exam summary)

• Excellent esthetics
• Micromechanical bonding (etch + adhesive)
• Polymerisation shrinkage → post-op sensitivity
• Technique sensitive — dry field required
• Layering reduces shrinkage stress

Avoid composite in uncontrollable moisture, heavy occlusion, or patients with poor compliance.

3. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

GIC is valued for its chemical bond and fluoride release.

  • Chemical adhesion to tooth (ionic bond)
  • Fluoride release — anti-caries effect
  • Biocompatible
  • Poor wear resistance compared to composite
  • Sensitive to early moisture contamination

Where GIC is ideal

• ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment)
• High-caries risk patients
• Temporary restorations
• Cervical lesions
• Bases/liners under composite

4. Resin-Modified GIC (RMGIC)

RMGIC improves strength and working time by adding resin components.

  • Better physical properties than pure GIC
  • Still releases fluoride
  • Less moisture sensitivity
  • Not as esthetic or strong as composite

5. Amalgam — high durability

Despite reduced use, amalgam retains excellent long-term performance.

Amalgam (exam summary)

• Very strong and wear resistant
• Best for high-load posterior sites
• No bonding — requires mechanical retention
• Marginal breakdown if moisture contamination
• Esthetics poor; mercury controversy

6. High-yield comparison table

  • Esthetics: Composite > RMGIC > GIC > Amalgam
  • Strength: Amalgam > Composite > RMGIC > GIC
  • Fluoride: GIC/RMGIC
  • Bonding: Composite (micromechanical), GIC (chemical), Amalgam (none)

7. Clinical decision summary

Best material per scenario

• Posterior load: Amalgam or composite
• High-caries risk: GIC/RMGIC
• Cervical lesions: GIC
• Moisture issues: GIC/RMGIC
• Esthetics required: Composite

8. How DentAIstudy helps

DentAIstudy can transform this topic into:

  • Flashcards for quick revision
  • OSCE-style comparisons
  • Material selection scenarios
  • Viva-style structured answers

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References

  • Craig’s Restorative Dental Materials, 13th ed.
  • Mount GJ. Glass ionomer cements: clinical applications. J Appl Oral Sci.
  • Ferracane JL. Resin-based composite performance. J Dent Res.