Measuring and modelling residual stresses in polymer-based dental composites

The relevance of residual stresses for the marginal integrity of dental fillings is well known but the level of stress is not. An overview of the experimental and theoretical studies on residual stresses in dental composites is given and the underlying phenomena of the development of residual stresses are specified. The experimental and modelling techniques for assessing residual stresses are discussed. A four-parameter-Burgers-model with conversion dependency is introduced as a case study. Examples of further applications of the modelling approach and future trends in research are given.