Fiber reinforced composites in pediatric dentistry

The dental restorative materials have been the focus of a great deal of research in recent years with the goal of improving restoration performances by changing the initiation systems (composite), fillers (GIC) and by developing novel polymerization strategies (composites) etc.
Despite better understanding of the materials and chemistry, and recent improvements in physical properties, no material has been found that is ideal for any dental application. For example, silver amalgam has been used for dental restoration for more than a century; however, there has been a major concern about mercury toxicity from the amalgam restorations for many years. Another major issue is the color of amalgam for aesthetic considerations and alternative materials are being sought to replace. The composite restorative materials have promising aesthetics however these materials are very technique sensitive and mechanical properties are not as good as of amalgam. Restorative dentistry is constantly evolving as a result of innovative treatment solutions based on new materials, treatment techniques and technologies, with composite materials being a prime example.1 The advent of fibre reinforcement has further increased the potential uses of composites within restorative dentistry. Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) are composite materials with three different components: the matrix (continuous phase), the fibers (dispersed phase), and the zone in between (interphase). FRC materials present high stiffness and strength per weight when compared with other structural materials along with adequate toughness. The development of the fiber-reinforced composite technology has brought a new material into the realm of metal-free adhesive esthetic dentistry.3