A classification of dental composites according to their morphological and mechanical characteristics.

The on-going search for a biologically acceptable restorative material has brought a confusing variety of composites on the dental market. In the present study, commercially available composites are categorized as a function of their mean particle size, filler distribution, filler content, Young's modulus, surface roughness, compressive strength, surface hardness, and filler morphology. Out of this information, it can be concluded that the materials of choice for restoring posterior cavities at present are the Ultrafine Compact-Filled Composites because their intrinsic surface roughness, Young's modulus and, indirectly, their filler content, compressive strength, and surface hardness are comparable to the same properties of enamel and dentin. The Ultrafine Midway-Filled Composites seem to be very satisfactory materials for anterior use.