Composite restorations: anterior and posterior, layering
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
Why is a deep composite filling built in 2 mm layers instead of one thick bulk? Light-curing light penetrates only ~2 mm effectively. A thick bulk would leave the bottom soft and uncured — weak and leaky. Incremental layering ensures each layer fully polymerizes; it also lets the dentist sculpt dentin and enamel shades separately in front teeth for natural translucency. The rule students memorize: cure in layers, never hope light reaches through.
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