Compomer: Applications, Composition, Advantages and Disadvantages

Compomer

 

Compomers are composites modified with polyacid groups and are used for restoration in low-stress-bearing areas.

• They are a combination of composites and glass ionomers.
• This class of restorative material combines some of the chemical and mechanical properties of composite resin and ion-leachable glass particles of GICs as filers.
• By adding aluminosilicate, it was thought that a better composite resin with fluoride-releasing properties is achieved.

Applications of Compomers:

• As restorative material in pedodontics
• As restorative material in non-stress bearing areas.
• In Class V lesions
• As bases
• In permanent luting.

Compomer In Dentistry

Composition of Compomers:

These materials have two main constituents: Dimethacrylate monomer with two carboxylic groups present in their structure and a filer that is similar to the ion-leachable glass present in

GICs. The ratio of carboxylic groups to backbone carbon atoms is approximately 1:8. There is no water in the composition of these materials and the ion-leachable glass is partially silanized to ensure some bonding with the matrix.

Single component system—silicate glass, sodium fluoride, and polyacid modified monomer, photoinitiator.

• Double component system
• Powder—glass filers, accelerators, initiators, TiO2
• Liquid—acrylic monomers, photoinitiator, water, carboxylic acid methacrylate.

Supplied As Compomers:

• These materials are sensitive to moisture and they are usually supplied as:
• Light-cured single paste in moisture-proof packets (direct, compoglass)
• Powder/liquid (principle)
• Two-paste static mixing system (permanent)

Compomer Definition

Manipulation of Compomers:

• For the single-component system, the tooth is etched and a bonding agent is applied. The material is injected into the cavity and cured by light.
• For the powder/liquid system, the powder and liquid is dispensed and mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for 30 seconds.
• For the static mixing system, the material comes out mixed when it is extruded through spirals in the mixing tips.

Properties of Compomers:

• Tensile strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance are superior to GIC but inferior to resin composite.
• Fluoride release: Though these materials release fluoride, they have significantly lower levels of fluoride release as compared to GICs.
• Although low, the level of fluoride release has been reported to last at least 300 days.

Compomer Applications

• Adhesion: Unlike glass ionomers, they do not have the ability to bond to hard tooth tissues. Like composite; acid etching and the use of bond agents are necessary.
• Biocompatibility: With the exception of concern about the release of HEMA from these materials, no other biocompatibility issues are present.

Compomer Advantages And Disadvantages

Advantages of Compomers:

• Low heat release during curing
• Less shrinkage on curing
• Higher flexural strength
• Better wear resistance
• Excellent tissue biocompatibility.

Disadvantages of Compomers:

• Harder, more Britte
• Expensive.