An Update on Bulk-Fill Restorative Materials. Myths, Facts and Guidelines for Predictable Clinical Application

Authors

  • Marcelo Giannini DDS, MSc, Ph.D., Full Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7260-5231
  • Alejandra Brenes Alvarado DDS, MS, MS, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Universidad de Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1487-4123
  • Jorge Soto-Montero DDS, MS, MS, Ph.D. Full Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Universidad de Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2257-7049

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/d770js80

Keywords:

Composite resins; Dental materials; Operative dentistry; Light curing.

Abstract

Bulk-fill materials were developed to facilitate direct restorative procedures, mainly for deep and wide posterior cavities by allowing the placement of increments up to 4-5 mm thick. However, misinformation about the limitations on the technique used to place and polymerize these materials may impair achieving the topmost performance, because the mechanical properties may not be optimal at the deeper regions of the increment. Because the clinical performance of some materials varies according to the cavity depth, polymerization mechanism, chemical composition, this paper presents a general review of the materials available in the market, as a guide for the clinician, to help with the decision-making process and improve the predictability of the restorations made with bulk-fill materials.

References

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Published

2025-08-22