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The myth of composite filler content
The Quadrant composites are mainly known because of their high aesthetic quality. By using barium glass technique and by adding fluorescence pigment, Quadrant Anterior Shine and Quadrant Universal LC have an unprecedented natural and lively appearance. Many people have the impression that a high aesthetic quality is often achieved at the expense of the strength of the material, but in the case of Quadrant, strength and beauty actually goes hand in hand. However, in order to prove this, the measurement of the filler content needs to be objectively determined.
Making a comparison of the filler content in different composites is extremely difficult. This is complicated further by the fact that the values manufacturers provide for the filler contents (w/w %) are not always equally reliable. Manufacturers often create the impression that the composites are highly filled because the perceptions of strength and durability are positively related.
One of the reasons that composites cannot be easily compared has to do with the silanation of the fillers. Before the fillers are incorporated into the monomer matrix, they are provided with a thin layer of silane. This is done to improve attachment and to prevent separation. Very often, the quantity of the silane in the indicated filler weight is not corrected, whereas the silane should really be attributed to the monomer content.
Anterior composites
A reliable method to determine the actual percentages of the filler is to combust the composite. The monomers are then burnt, after which only pure filler remains (Ash%). In the diagram below, we compare different anterior composites.
Anterior composites |
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|
|
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|
Durafill |
Heraeus Kulzer |
56 |
52 |
Anterior |
Microfine |
SiO2 |
Silux |
3M/ESPE |
56 |
55 |
Anterior |
Microfine |
SiO2 |
A110 |
3M/ESPE |
56 |
55 |
Anterior |
Microfine |
SiO2 |
Quadrant Anterior Shine |
Cavex Holland BV |
74 |
59 |
Anterior |
Micro-hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Bright |
Kuraray |
82 |
59 |
Anterior |
Hybrid |
Quartz |
Product |
Manufacturer |
w/w % |
Ash % |
Indication |
Type |
Filler |
This diagram shows that in all cases a higher weight percentage (w/w %) is indicated by the manufacturers. If we compare the actual values, we see that Quadrant Anterior Shine (QAS) scores very well. In this regard, it should also be noted that Bright, for example, is filled with quartz, which has a higher density, which means that Quadrant Anterior Shine actually has the highest filler material content.
Universal composites
If we compare the universal composites with one another, we see that the weight percentages indicated by the manufacturers vary from 73% to 87%. This shows a clear distinction between composites based upon BaAI-glass variants and the quartz-zirconium group.
Universal composites |
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Charisma classic |
Heraeus Kulzer |
75 |
75 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Quadrant Universal LC |
Cavex Holland BV |
75 |
75 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Point 4 |
Kerr |
76 |
73 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAlSi-glass |
Spectrum TPH |
Dentsply |
77 |
75 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Esthet-X |
Dentsply |
77 |
73 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Herculite |
Kerr |
78 |
77 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAlSi-glass |
Charisma 2 |
Heraeus Kulzer |
78 |
75 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Venus |
Heraeus Kulzer |
78 |
78 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Tetric Ceram |
Vivadent |
80 |
76 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
BaAL glass |
Z100 |
3M/ESPE |
84 |
79 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
Zirkoniumsilicaat |
Z250 |
3M/ESPE |
85 |
78 |
Universal |
Hybrid |
Zirkoniumsilicaat |
Product |
Manufacturer |
w/w % |
Ash % |
Indication |
Type |
Filler |
Manufacturer information and Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 2004 31; 1090-1101 |
“Characterization of the inorganic fraction of resin composites” - J Sabbagh et al. |
On average, the BaAI-glass variants have about 75% filler after combustion. The average for the weight percentages for the quartz/zirconium group lies around 83%. Again, the higher density determines the difference. Besides, major disadvantages of the quartz/zirconium are an increased wear to the antagonists and the fact that they cannot be polished to such a high gloss.
In conclusion, we can therefore confidently state that with the Composites Quadrant Anterior Shine and Quadrant Universal LC, Cavex has succeeded in producing composites with a very high aesthetic quality without making any concessions to the strength of the material. The aesthetic quality of the material is not only determined by the filler content, but mainly by the technologies applied.
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