AbstractThis paper surveys the most important developments in resin‐based dental composites and focuses on the deficits (e.g. polymerization shrinkage) and strengths of the materials and their clinical implications. Moreover, differences between composite categories, such as hybrid, nanohybrid, microfilled, packable, ormocer‐based, silorane‐based, polyacid‐modified composites (compomers) and flowable composites are highlighted, especially in view of their mechanical behaviour. In addition to the classical dimethacrylate‐based composites, special attention is given to alternative monomers, such as siloranes, ormocers or high‐molecular‐weight dimethacrylate monomers (e.g. dimer acid‐based dimethacrylates and tricyclodecane (TCD)‐urethane), analysing their advantages, behaviour and abilities. Finally, the paper attempts to establish the needs and wishes of clinicians for further development of resin‐based composites.