What is C-Factor?

Six Lessons Approach Podcast by Dr. David Alleman

C-factor is more than the ratio of bonded to unbonded surfaces. Understanding C-factor, or Configuration Factor, is essential to understanding how composites behave in a tooth, but this topic was still being researched as manufacturers were trying to bond to dentin. Eventually, c-factor and its role in composite bonding showed the potential for a strong bond to dentin, but overcoming the c-factor stresses was the key element that Dr. David Alleman studied in his search for predictable adhesive dentistry.

Articles referenced in this episode:

• Cho BH. Effect of interfacial bond quality on the direction of polymerization shrinkage flow in resin composite restorations. Oper. Dent. 2002;27:297-304.
• Alleman DS. The protocols of biomimetic restorative dentistry: 2002 to 2017. Inside Dent. 2017;June 64-73.
• Nakajima M. Bonding to caries-affected dentin using self-etching primers. Am. J. Dent. 1999;12(6)309-314
• Nikaido T. Evaluation of thermal cycling and mechanical loading on bond strength of self-etching primer system to dentin. Dent. Mater. 2002;18 269-275.
• Fusayama T. Clinical guide for removing caries using a caries-detecting solution. Quintessence Int. 1988;19(6)397-401.
• Deliperi S. An alternative method to reduce polymerization shrinkage in direct posterior composite restorations. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 2002;133 1387-1398.

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Study with Dr. David Alleman in 2025:
Biomimetic Mastership - class starts September 15. Learn more and register at allemancenter.com/mastership
In-Person SLA Workshop Dates:

• October 24-25
• December 12-13

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