Failure rates of direct composite versus GIC/Composite sandwich restorations [November 12, 2016]

Search result: Four clinical trials were found. The limited number of clinical trials is surprising considering that the topic of GIC/Composite sandwich restorations was very popular 20 years ago. However, the bulk of research studies appeared to be limited to a very large number of laboratory (in-vitro) trials, only. Although important to clarify material characteristics, laboratory trials are unable to provide information how well these restorations really perform in the clinic, particularly in comparison to direct composite restorations.

Clinical outcomes: The results indicate no difference between sandwich restorations (with RM-GIC or conventional GIC) after 2 years. Post-operative sensitivity appears to be a lesser problem with RM-GIC/Composite restorations. The current level of clinical evidence to this topic is still limited in quantity and quality and more trials are needed in order to confirm these results.

[‘Preliminary Systematic Literature Searches’ are based on SYSTEM’s periodic systematic searches of the dental literature and provide first overviews over existing clinical evidence but are limited in the number of databases searched, as well as the assessment of precision and internal validity of results and thus do not replace the need for a full systematic review report to the topic]