Today’s universal composites may all promise excellent esthetics and strength, but understanding how filler technology, resin chemistry, and photoinitiator systems differ can help clinicians make more informed restorative decisions.

Recent years have witnessed exciting developments in dental restorative technologies, especially in the realms of composites and bioactive materials designed to streamline procedures and improve outcomes.

Bioactive materials are taking restorative dentistry one step further by helping to prevent demineralization, promote remineralization, and, when used as a liner or pulp-capping agent, stimulate the formation of dentin.

Adopting a minimally invasive approach in managing deep caries lesions will help avoid complications with pulpal involvement.

What the evidence says about their clinical application in restorative dentistry.

A review of the scenarios encountered with the use of these agents, and the evidence supporting a case-appropriate choice.