Täiteained

Täiteained are materials added to another substance to occupy volume and modify its properties. In Estonian, the plural täiteained refers to substances used as fillers or filling materials. The term is used mainly in dentistry and materials science, where these additives alter characteristics such as strength, stiffness, wear resistance, and thermal behavior.

In dentistry, täiteained are used to restore tooth structure and to fill cavities. Typical dental filling materials include composite resins that contain inorganic filler particles, such as silica or glass, which can be radiopaque for imaging. Fillers help control shrinkage, polishability, and aesthetic appearance, and they influence the material’s longevity in the oral environment.

In polymer science and materials engineering, fillers are added to a matrix to improve mechanical properties, reduce thermal expansion, and lower cost. Common fillers include silica, glass, calcium carbonate, talc, alumina, and carbon-based materials, which can be micro- or nano-sized. Surface treatments, such as silanization, are often applied to improve bonding between the filler and the surrounding matrix. The filler content affects viscosity, curing behavior, strength, hardness, and thermal properties of the final product.

Selection of a täiteaine depends on the matrix, desired performance, processing needs, and safety or regulatory requirements. In dentistry, biocompatibility and radiopacity are important considerations, while in industrial applications, cost and processability are frequently guiding factors. Overall, täiteained play a central role in tailoring the performance and economics of many composite materials.