Do External Factors Affect Materials’ Evaluation and Preferences? Comments Related to Observations from a Focus Group

Purpose of Review To discuss if external factors can affect materials’ evaluation and preferences. Restorations were placed by a group of dentists in standardized cavities in typodont teeth under two conditions: the double-blind test, with unidentified composites, and the conscious test, with materials available in the original packages. Viscosity, adherence to the instrument, ease of sculpture, and general handling were evaluated. Recent Findings Ease of use and literature were the most considered criteria, while material’s cost and peer opinion were the ones with the greatest disagreement. Both the degree of satisfaction and the selection of the preferred material were dependent on the condition of the evaluation. Summary External factors affect materials’ evaluation and preferences.