Composite resin restorations are widely used in dentistry, but their long-term success is often limited by secondary caries and fractures of the material. Flowable resin composites, known for their esthetics and ease of handling, are commonly used to restore teeth. However, their mechanical properties, particularly their fracture toughness and flexural strength, vary significantly among the commercially available products.

Dr. Hiromi Saisho, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has received a Clinical/Dental Education Research Initiative Support Program (CRISP) award to investigate these critical performance factors. Her project, Evaluation of Fracture Toughness and Flexural Strength of Flowable Resin Composites: An In-Vitro Study, will assess a wide range of commercially available flowable composites using standardized laboratory protocols.

The study aims to identify products that have superior mechanical performance and to provide evidence-based guidance for selecting restorative material. By linking laboratory evidence with clinical practice, the research addresses a key need for reliable restorative materials that can withstand functional stresses that are commonly experienced by patients. This work will lay a foundation for more informed choices among dentists that will ultimately reduce failure rates of restorations, thereby increasing the longevity of restorations and improving patient outcomes.

“I am honored to receive the CRISP award and grateful for the opportunity to advance research in restorative materials,” said Dr. Saisho. “By evaluating the performance of flowable composites, this project aims to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance to improve restoration longevity and patient care.”

The CRISP program supports faculty-led research that addresses clinically relevant or dental education-focused questions. 

Dr. Saisho’s research team includes Drs. Marcela Hernandez, Anvita Maharishi, Franciele Floriani, Anna Zak, and Marcos Vargas.