{"id":3202,"date":"2026-02-27T01:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T01:47:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:47:11","slug":"polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of polymerization shrinkage(What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage is a small decrease in volume that happens when certain dental resins harden.<br\/>\nIt occurs as liquid-like monomers join together into a solid polymer network during curing.<br\/>\nIt is most commonly discussed with tooth-colored resin composite fillings and bonding materials.<br\/>\nClinically, it matters because shrinkage can create stress at the tooth\u2013restoration interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why polymerization shrinkage used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage itself is not a \u201cfeature\u201d clinicians try to create; it is a predictable side effect of polymer-based dental materials setting (hardening). The reason it is so widely discussed is that resin-based materials are used extensively in modern dentistry for their handling and esthetic advantages, and shrinkage is one of the main trade-offs that must be managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general terms, resin composites and adhesive systems are chosen because they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Restore small-to-moderate areas of tooth structure loss with a natural, tooth-colored appearance.<\/li>\n<li>Bond to enamel and dentin through adhesive steps, helping retain restorations without relying only on mechanical undercuts.<\/li>\n<li>Allow conservative preparation designs in many cases (meaning less tooth removal may be needed compared with some traditional approaches).<\/li>\n<li>Be repaired or added onto in certain situations, depending on the case and clinician approach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cproblem\u201d polymerization shrinkage relates to is the challenge of achieving a tight seal where the restoration meets the tooth. When shrinkage stress is high or bonding is compromised, microscopic gaps may form at margins (edges) or within the bonded interface. These gaps can contribute to issues such as marginal staining, post-operative sensitivity in some cases, or recurrent decay over time. The clinical goal is to reduce shrinkage stress and maintain a durable seal\u2014outcomes that vary by clinician and case, and by material and manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When dentists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage is most relevant when dentists use light-cured or dual-cured resin-based materials and need to plan around shrinkage stress. Common scenarios include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct resin composite fillings for small-to-moderate cavities in front or back teeth  <\/li>\n<li>Bonded repairs of chipped or fractured teeth using composite resin  <\/li>\n<li>Resin-based sealants and preventive resin restorations (small occlusal \u201cpits and fissures\u201d treatments)  <\/li>\n<li>Adhesive cementation of certain indirect restorations (for example, some ceramic restorations) where resin cements polymerize  <\/li>\n<li>Core build-ups performed with resin-based materials prior to crowns (varies by clinician and case)  <\/li>\n<li>Layering techniques in deeper preparations where incremental curing is used to control shrinkage stress  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage is a consideration rather than a diagnosis, but some clinical situations make shrinkage-related stress harder to control or increase the risk of marginal problems. Situations where another material or approach may be preferred include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inability to maintain dry field isolation (moisture contamination can reduce bond effectiveness)  <\/li>\n<li>Very deep or complex cavities where controlling shrinkage stress and achieving predictable bonding is challenging (varies by case)  <\/li>\n<li>Subgingival (below-gumline) margins where access, visibility, and moisture control are limited  <\/li>\n<li>Patients with very high caries risk where a fluoride-releasing material may be considered as part of the plan (material choice varies)  <\/li>\n<li>Situations with heavy occlusal load or severe wear patterns where material selection and design are especially important (varies by clinician and case)  <\/li>\n<li>When a clinician determines that an indirect restoration (inlay\/onlay\/crown) may provide a more predictable outcome for the tooth\u2019s remaining structure (case-dependent)  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Material \/ properties)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage happens because the chemistry of curing pulls molecules closer together. In many resin-based materials, the setting reaction converts relatively mobile monomers into a crosslinked polymer. As that network forms, free volume decreases and the material contracts. If the material is bonded to tooth structure during this contraction, the shrinkage can translate into stress at the bonded interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key material-related factors clinicians consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Flow and viscosity<\/strong><br\/>\n  Viscosity is how \u201cthick\u201d or \u201crunny\u201d a material is. Flowable composites (lower viscosity) can adapt well to small irregularities, but adaptation does not eliminate shrinkage; it changes how the material wets the surface and how it is placed. More highly viscous (packable\/sculptable) composites may resist slumping and are often used for shaping contacts and occlusal anatomy, but they still shrink as they polymerize.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Filler content<\/strong><br\/>\n  Dental composites contain inorganic filler particles (such as glass or ceramic) dispersed in a resin matrix. In general, higher filler content means less resin matrix by volume, which often corresponds to lower volumetric shrinkage potential compared with more resin-rich materials. However, the relationship is not absolute because filler type, particle size distribution, resin chemistry, and manufacturer formulation all influence shrinkage and shrinkage stress.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Strength and wear resistance<\/strong><br\/>\n  Strength and wear resistance relate more to the final cured composite than to shrinkage alone. Highly filled composites tend to have improved wear resistance and stiffness, which can be beneficial in stress-bearing areas. At the same time, stiffer materials may transmit shrinkage stress differently than more flexible materials. Clinicians balance these properties with cavity design, location, and bite forces.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other closely related concepts that influence clinical outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Degree of conversion<\/strong> (how completely monomers polymerize), which affects mechanical properties and stability.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Polymerization rate and curing protocol<\/strong>, which can influence stress development over time.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>C-factor (configuration factor)<\/strong>, a description of how many surfaces are bonded versus unbonded in a cavity; higher C-factor situations can be more shrinkage-stress sensitive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">polymerization shrinkage Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage is managed through material selection and technique during routine adhesive restorative steps. A simplified, general workflow is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Isolation<\/strong><br\/>\n   The tooth is isolated to limit saliva and moisture contamination. Methods vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Etch\/bond<\/strong><br\/>\n   Enamel and\/or dentin are conditioned (often with an etchant and an adhesive system) to promote bonding. The specific system and steps vary by product and technique.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Place<\/strong><br\/>\n   Composite (or another resin-based material) is placed into the prepared area. In many cases, the material is placed in increments (layers) rather than as one large mass, especially in deeper preparations, to help manage curing and shrinkage stress.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Cure<\/strong><br\/>\n   A dental curing light activates the material (for light-cured systems), hardening it through polymerization. Curing time, light output, distance, and access can influence the cure achieved, and recommendations vary by manufacturer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Finish\/polish<\/strong><br\/>\n   The restoration is shaped, adjusted, and polished to refine margins and bite contacts. This step aims to support comfort, function, and cleanability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These steps are broadly representative and not a substitute for clinical training or product instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations of polymerization shrinkage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In dentistry, polymerization shrinkage is discussed across multiple resin-based categories. Common variations include differences in resin chemistry, filler loading, placement technique, and curing approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Low-shrink vs conventional resin composites<\/strong><br\/>\n  Some composites are designed to reduce volumetric shrinkage and\/or shrinkage stress by modifying resin chemistry or filler systems. Performance varies by material and manufacturer, and clinical outcomes depend on many factors beyond shrinkage alone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>High filler vs low filler composites<\/strong><br\/>\n  Higher filler loading often corresponds to reduced shrinkage potential and improved wear resistance, while lower filler loading may improve flow and adaptation in certain scenarios. Clinicians often select a combination (for example, a flowable liner plus a sculptable composite) depending on the cavity design and location.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Bulk-fill composites (including bulk-fill flowable)<\/strong><br\/>\n  Bulk-fill materials are formulated to allow curing in thicker increments compared with conventional composites, within manufacturer limits. Some aim to reduce shrinkage stress through modified photoinitiators, translucency, or resin matrices. Bulk-fill flowables are typically more adaptable but may require a capping layer of a more wear-resistant composite in stress-bearing areas (varies by product and case).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Injectable composites<\/strong><br\/>\n  \u201cInjectable\u201d is a handling description, often referring to warmed or syringe-delivered composite that can flow into anatomy or matrices. These materials still undergo polymerization shrinkage; the clinical focus is often on adaptation and controlled placement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Light-cured vs dual-cured resin materials<\/strong><br\/>\n  Light-cured composites rely on curing light access. Dual-cured resin cements and core materials polymerize through both light activation and chemical cure, which can help in areas where light penetration is limited. Shrinkage can occur in both, with stress development influenced by the cure mechanism and constraints.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supports tooth-colored, aesthetic restorations in many common dental repairs  <\/li>\n<li>Enables adhesive bonding approaches that can be conservative in tooth preparation design  <\/li>\n<li>Allows precise, chairside shaping and contouring for many direct restorations  <\/li>\n<li>Offers a range of viscosities and formulations to match different clinical needs  <\/li>\n<li>Often repairable in a targeted way compared with some fully indirect options (case-dependent)  <\/li>\n<li>Widely studied and familiar to most clinicians, with established placement protocols  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>polymerization shrinkage can generate stress that challenges the tooth\u2013restoration seal  <\/li>\n<li>Marginal gaps or staining can occur over time, depending on technique, material, and case factors  <\/li>\n<li>Technique sensitivity: moisture control, bonding steps, and curing quality can strongly affect outcomes  <\/li>\n<li>Deep or high C-factor cavities can be more difficult to manage for shrinkage stress  <\/li>\n<li>Post-operative sensitivity can occur in some cases and has multiple possible contributing factors  <\/li>\n<li>Wear, chipping, or fracture risk depends on bite forces, material choice, and restoration design  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Longevity of resin-based restorations associated with polymerization shrinkage is influenced by many interacting factors, not shrinkage alone. Common contributors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bite forces and tooth position<\/strong>: Back teeth typically experience higher chewing loads than front teeth, which can influence wear and fracture risk.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Oral hygiene and plaque control<\/strong>: Biofilm around restoration margins can contribute to recurrent decay risk over time.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Dietary habits<\/strong>: Frequent exposure to sugars or acids can increase caries risk and affect the tooth\u2013restoration interface.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Bruxism (clenching\/grinding)<\/strong>: Parafunctional loading can stress restorations and tooth structure, affecting longevity.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular dental checkups<\/strong>: Routine monitoring helps identify early marginal staining, wear, or small defects before they progress.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Material selection and curing quality<\/strong>: Different products have different handling and performance characteristics, and outcomes vary by material and manufacturer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After a filling, people may be given individualized instructions about chewing, sensitivity expectations, and cleaning around the area. Those instructions are tailored to the procedure performed and the clinician\u2019s assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>polymerization shrinkage is mainly a consideration for resin-based materials, so comparisons often focus on how different restorative options handle sealing, durability, and moisture tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Flowable vs packable (sculptable) composite<\/strong><br\/>\n  Flowables adapt well to small grooves and irregularities but often have lower filler content than sculptable composites, which can affect wear resistance. Sculptable composites may be preferred for building occlusal anatomy and contacts. Both can undergo polymerization shrinkage; clinicians may combine them strategically depending on the case.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Glass ionomer (GI) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI)<\/strong><br\/>\n  Glass ionomer materials set primarily via an acid\u2013base reaction (RMGI also includes resin polymerization). GI\/RMGI can be more forgiving with moisture compared with purely resin-based composites in some situations and may release fluoride. They generally have different strength and wear characteristics than composites, so selection depends on location, load, and caries risk considerations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Compomer (polyacid-modified resin composite)<\/strong><br\/>\n  Compomers are resin-based materials with some fluoride release and properties between composites and glass ionomers. They still involve polymerization and can experience shrinkage, with performance varying by product and indication.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Indirect restorations (inlays\/onlays\/crowns) vs direct composite<\/strong><br\/>\n  Indirect options are fabricated outside the mouth and bonded or cemented in place. They can offer advantages in form control for some cases, but they still often involve resin cement polymerization at placement. The best choice depends on remaining tooth structure, occlusion, isolation, and clinician judgment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions (FAQ) of polymerization shrinkage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is polymerization shrinkage a complication or a normal process?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is a normal physical change that occurs when many resin-based dental materials harden. The clinical concern is not that shrinkage happens, but how much stress it creates and how well the bonded seal is maintained. Outcomes vary by material and manufacturer, and by clinician technique and case factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does polymerization shrinkage mean my filling will fail?<\/strong><br\/>\nNot necessarily. Many resin composite restorations function well for years despite shrinkage, because clinicians use bonding protocols, curing strategies, and placement techniques designed to manage shrinkage stress. Failure risk depends on multiple factors, including cavity size, bite forces, and oral hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can polymerization shrinkage cause pain or sensitivity?<\/strong><br\/>\nSome people experience short-term sensitivity after resin-based fillings, and shrinkage-related stress is one possible contributor among several. Sensitivity can also relate to dentin depth, bonding variables, bite adjustment, or pre-existing tooth conditions. The presence or absence of symptoms varies by individual and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How do dentists reduce polymerization shrinkage effects?<\/strong><br\/>\nCommon approaches include selecting materials formulated to reduce shrinkage and placing composite in increments rather than in one large mass. Careful isolation, proper bonding steps, and adequate light curing are also important. Specific techniques vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Are \u201cbulk-fill\u201d materials always better for polymerization shrinkage?<\/strong><br\/>\nBulk-fill materials are designed to cure effectively in thicker layers within manufacturer limits, and some are formulated to reduce shrinkage stress. However, \u201cbetter\u201d depends on the clinical situation, the product\u2019s properties, and how it is used. Clinicians may still layer or cap bulk-fill materials depending on wear demands and anatomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is polymerization shrinkage relevant for tooth-colored sealants too?<\/strong><br\/>\nYes, many sealants and preventive resin restorations involve polymerization, so shrinkage can occur. The clinical context is different because these applications are usually thin layers and low-stress areas compared with large fillings. Technique and moisture control still matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does polymerization shrinkage affect cost?<\/strong><br\/>\nShrinkage itself does not have a direct price, but it can influence material choice and time spent on technique (for example, layering and careful curing). Overall cost varies by clinic, region, tooth location, and complexity of the restoration. Insurance coverage and billing categories also vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long do resin composite fillings last if polymerization shrinkage occurs?<\/strong><br\/>\nLongevity depends on many factors such as cavity size, tooth location, occlusion, hygiene, diet, and bruxism. Material selection and placement quality also matter. Because these variables differ widely, durability varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is polymerization shrinkage a safety concern?<\/strong><br\/>\npolymerization shrinkage is a mechanical\/physical phenomenon, not a toxicity event. Safety discussions for dental resins more often focus on proper curing and following manufacturer instructions so the material reaches intended properties. Material safety profiles and regulatory approvals vary by region and product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can patients feel polymerization shrinkage happening during curing?<\/strong><br\/>\nMost people do not specifically feel shrinkage as it occurs. Some may notice the curing light, mild warmth, or pressure from placement, which are separate from shrinkage itself. Sensations vary widely and are influenced by tooth condition and procedure details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2013restoration interface.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"polymerization shrinkage is a small decrease in volume that happens when certain dental resins harden. 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Clinically, it matters because shrinkage can create stress at the tooth\u2013restoration interface.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-27T01:47:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"name\":\"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-27T01:47:11+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"My blog\",\"description\":\"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\",\"name\":\"drdental\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"drdental\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/polymerization-shrinkage-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"polymerization shrinkage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","og_description":"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. 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