marginal integrity describes how well a dental restoration meets and seals against the edge (margin) of a tooth. In plain terms, it is the “tightness” and continuity of the seam where a filling, crown, or inlay/onlay joins the tooth. Dentists and researchers use marginal integrity to discuss fit, sealing, and long-term performance of restorations. It is commonly evaluated in tooth-colored fillings (composites), crowns, and bonded restorations.

shrinkage stress is the internal pulling force that can develop when some dental resins harden and shrink. It most often relates to tooth-colored fillings (resin composite) and resin cements used for bonding. It matters because the tooth and the restoration are bonded together while the material is trying to contract. Clinicians plan around it to help maintain a tight seal at the tooth–restoration interface.

C-factor is short for “configuration factor,” a way to describe the shape of a dental cavity in terms of bonding surfaces. It is the ratio of bonded surfaces to unbonded (free) surfaces in a tooth preparation. It is most commonly discussed when placing tooth-colored resin composite fillings and other bonded restorations. Clinicians use it to anticipate polymerization shrinkage stress and reduce the risk of gaps at the tooth–restoration interface.

polymerization shrinkage is a small decrease in volume that happens when certain dental resins harden. It occurs as liquid-like monomers join together into a solid polymer network during curing. It is most commonly discussed with tooth-colored resin composite fillings and bonding materials. Clinically, it matters because shrinkage can create stress at the tooth–restoration interface.

depth of cure describes how deeply a dental material becomes adequately hardened after it is cured. It is most often discussed for light-cured resin materials, such as composite fillings, sealants, and bonding resins. In simple terms, it helps answer: “How thick of a layer can be cured reliably?” It matters because uncured or undercured material can perform differently than properly cured material.

radiant exposure is the total light energy delivered to a surface area over a set time. In dentistry, it most commonly describes the “light dose” used to cure (harden) resin-based materials. It is especially relevant when dentists use blue curing lights for tooth-colored fillings, sealants, and bonding. It helps clinicians think beyond “seconds of curing” and focus on whether enough energy reached the material.

An LED curing light is a handheld dental device that shines a specific blue light to harden (“cure”) resin-based dental materials. It is commonly used during tooth-colored fillings, sealants, bonding, and some cementation steps. The light triggers a chemical reaction inside the material so it sets quickly in the mouth. You will most often see it in general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics.

A curing light is a dental device that emits focused light to harden certain tooth-colored materials. It is commonly used when placing composite (resin) fillings, sealants, and some bonding agents. The light triggers a chemical reaction inside the material so it sets quickly in the mouth. You will most often see it in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and cosmetic procedures.

light curing is a dental technique that uses a curing light to harden certain tooth-colored materials. It is most commonly used with resin-based composites, bonding agents, and sealants. The light triggers a chemical reaction so the material changes from a moldable paste or liquid into a solid. It is widely used for fillings, small repairs, and protective coatings in modern dentistry.

polymerization is a chemical reaction that links small molecules (monomers) into long chains (polymers). In dentistry, it helps turn soft, moldable resin materials into firm, durable restorations. It is commonly used for tooth-colored fillings, sealants, bonding agents, temporary materials, and some denture and orthodontic plastics. It can be started by a curing light, by mixing components, or by a combination of both.