USE OF EPOXY RESINS IN RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

¹ San Diego, Calif.

One of the relatively new synthetic resins now commercially available is the epoxy resin. This is a completely different type of resin from the methacrylate resin now being used in dentistry. The epoxy resins will cure at room temperature to produce a strong, chemically stable, thermoset solid with outstanding adhesiveness.

In this study, an epoxy resin is used as a binder for fine particles of fused silicon dioxide and porcelain.

With this mixture the following properties may be obtained in a dental filling material: (1) thermal expansion equal to that of tooth structure or 11 ppm per degree centigrade linear. (2) adhesive properties; (3) color stability; (4) apparent stability and insolubility in the oral environment.

Further investigation and development of this approach to dental restoration materials is indicated.