Polyacid-Modified Composite
A tooth-coloured restorative material containing both resin monomer and polyacid components, positioned intermediately between composite resin and glass ionomer cement in composition and behaviour.
Full Definition
Polyacid-modified composites, colloquially known as compomers, incorporate polyacid groups grafted onto resin monomers, giving the material some capacity for fluoride release while retaining the light-cured handling characteristics of composite resin. Unlike true glass ionomers, they do not undergo an acid-base setting reaction in their primary cure. Editors should note that 'compomer' is a portmanteau trade term and 'polyacid-modified composite resin' is the preferred scientific descriptor in formal manuscripts. The distinction from conventional composites lies in the polyacid component, and from glass ionomers in the absence of a primary ionic setting reaction.
Usage
Usage note: In formal scientific writing, prefer 'polyacid-modified composite resin' over 'compomer'. Flag 'compomer' in peer-reviewed manuscripts for possible replacement unless retained for stylistic or reader-familiarity reasons per journal style.
In Context
- "The authors compared fluoride release from polyacid-modified composite resin with that of conventional glass ionomer cement over 12 months." — Journal abstract
- "Polyacid-modified composites occupy a hybrid category and must not be conflated with resin-modified glass ionomers in the materials and methods section." — Peer review comment