What is the term for the process that hardens composite material?

The term for the process that hardens composite material is polymerization. This process involves the chemical reaction in which monomers, the small molecular building blocks, link together to form a larger, interconnected network known as a polymer. In dental materials, such as composites, polymerization is initiated by various methods, including light curing or chemical reactions, leading to the material's hardening and achieving its final strength and stability.

While curing refers to the process of hardening a material, polymerization specifically describes the chemical transformation that occurs during this hardening. Therefore, understanding polymerization is essential for dental assistants, as it impacts the performance and longevity of composite restorations in dentistry.