Thermal expansion of composite resins and sealants.

Linear thermal coefficients of expansion (alpha) of seven commercial composite resins and four pit and fissure sealants were determined between 0 and 60 degrees C on a thermomechanical analyzer. The thermal expansion curves obtained were nonlinear. Values of alpha ranged from 26.5 to 39.6 x 10(-6) degrees C for the composite and from 70.9 to 93.7 x 10(-6)/degrees C for the sealants.