Optimization of compressive strength of zirconia based dental composites

Dental composites are tooth-coloured restorative material used by dentists for various applications. Restoration of a lost tooth structure requires a material having mechanical as well as aesthetic properties similar to that of tooth. This poses challenges to engineers and the dentist alike. Dental composites consist of a matrix and a dispersed phase called filler, which are mainly responsible for its mechanical properties. Most commonly used matrix is bisphenol glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGMA). Silica and glass are conventional fillers used in the past. Recently, zirconia is being used due to its improved mechanical properties. A study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of zirconia to the mechanical properties in general and compressive strength in particular. We have attempted to make an experimental dental composite with a conglomerate of nanofillers, namely, zirconia, glass and silica, and optimize this filler volume percentage and obtain an optimum compressive strength for the experimental dental composite.