A patient has a small incisal fracture of the maxillary incisor. Which material is best to resist fracture at the tooth composite interface?

The hybrid composite is considered the best material to resist fracture at the tooth composite interface for several reasons. It combines the properties of both micro-filled and macro-filled composites, resulting in a material that has improved strength and wear resistance. Hybrid composites contain a blend of filler particles that vary in size, allowing for better aesthetics and polishability while providing added strength due to the larger filler particles.

This balance of aesthetics and durability makes hybrid composites particularly suitable for areas that may experience stress, such as the incisal edges of teeth, which are subject to biting forces and can be prone to fracturing. The enhanced bonding capability of hybrid composites also contributes to their effectiveness at the interface with the tooth structure, helping to minimize the risk of debonding and failure.

In contrast, micro-filled composites, while excellent for aesthetics and smoothness, lack the strength required for areas subjected to high stress. Glass ionomer cements (GIC) offer certain benefits, such as releasing fluoride, but they are generally not as strong as hybrid composites for this application. Silicate materials have largely been superseded in modern dentistry due to their lower strength and fragility compared to more contemporary materials like hybrid composites. Thus, hybrid composites provide the optimal balance of strength and aesthetics needed in this