Posterior composites. State-of-the-art clinical applications.

Composite resins have undergone a continuous evolution since the first patent developed by Bowen in the middle 1960s. Some current formulations are an order of magnitude more wear resistant than those first used in posterior teeth. In fact, some of them are nearly as wear resistant as amalgam with respect to generalized wear. Unfortunately, however, disproportionally little effort has been expended in improving the resins' manipulative characteristics. Consequently, posterior composite resins presently fall short as an overall substitute for amalgam as a restoration material.