Summary in 1 minute
A report published in Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (February 2026) identifies the most relevant innovations in direct restorations for current clinical practice.
Bioactive composites contain ion-releasing fillers — such as bioactive glass or calcium phosphate — that release therapeutic ions (fluoride, calcium, phosphate) at the restoration margin, aiming to reduce secondary caries and marginal breakdown, two of the leading causes of restoration failure. Long-term clinical data remain limited.
The new bioactive adhesive systems go beyond mechanical bonding: by incorporating ion-releasing fillers and antimicrobial monomers, they aim to promote remineralization and inhibit bacterial invasion at the adhesive interface.
Regarding digital workflows, the intraoral scanner improves cavity visualization, shade management and clinical documentation. Future applications of additive manufacturing may extend to direct restorations, reducing chairtime and improving precision.
The authors emphasize that conventional composites with validated adhesive protocols remain the clinical reference. New materials are promising but require further long-term studies.
Source: Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Vol. 47, Issue 1 — Read report