POLYMERIZATION SHRINKAGE OF COMPOSITE RESINS - A REVIEW

The greatest limitation in the use of composite resins as a posterior restorative material seems to be shrinkage during polymerization, which often leads to marginal fracture , subsequent secondary caries , marginal staining , restoration displacement , tooth fracture and, or post operative sensitivity. The objectives of this article are to throw light on the origin of polymerization shrinkage, the clinical factors affecting polymerization stress, and methods advocated to reduce shrinkage stress and the effectiveness of these methods.