What best describes a compomer?

A compomer is best described as a polyacid-modified composite. This material combines the properties of both composites and glass ionomer cements, using polymerizable resins along with polyacid that can bond to dentin and enamel. This unique combination allows compomers to offer enhanced physical properties, such as improved strength and wear resistance, while still providing some benefits of glass ionomers, such as the ability to release fluoride over time.

Compomers are often used in restorative dentistry, particularly in areas where aesthetics and adhesion to tooth structure are important. Their formulation allows them to bond effectively to both enamel and dentin, which is essential for long-term success in dental restorations. The polyacid component helps to create a chemical bond with the tooth structure, similar to that seen in glass ionomer interactions, while the composite aspect contributes to improved mechanical strength and aesthetics.

In contrast, metal-based restorative materials lack the properties associated with polyacid bonding and are generally not used in aesthetic applications. Resin-modified glass ionomers, while similar, are distinct from compomers due to their different composition and bonding mechanisms. Lastly, a type of orthodontic appliance is unrelated to the characteristics that define a compomer. Thus, the definition as a polyacid-modified