What is another term for curing in dental materials?

The term "polymerization" refers specifically to the chemical process that occurs when certain dental materials, such as resins or composites, are exposed to a curing light or undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to harden. In the context of dental materials, polymerization is a critical step because it transforms the material from a pliable state to a solid state through the formation of long molecular chains, which creates strong bonds and contributes to the durability and longevity of the restorative material.

While hardening and setting may describe the physical changes that occur during the curing process, they do not fully capture the underlying chemical reaction that is taking place. Adhesion, on the other hand, refers to the ability of the material to bond to the tooth structure or to itself, which is a related concept but distinct from the process of curing. Thus, polymerization is the most accurate term to describe the curing process in dental materials.