The double-torsion technique has been used to determine critical stress intensity factor (K1c) values for a range of composites and glass ionomer cements used in restorative dentistry. From these values and determined elastic modulus (E) and tensile strength (sigma T) values, two other fracture properties: G1c, the critical strain energy release rate and a0, the inherent flaw size, have been evaluated. Glass ionomers have low K1c and high a0 values, coarse particle composites high K1c and high a0 values, microfine materials low K1c and low a0 values and fine particle composites medium to high K1c values and medium to low a0 values. Light curing materials have K1c values according to their group but tend to have lower a0 values than their chemically curing analogues. Glass ionomers have very low G1c values; however, there is no significant difference between the G1c values of the composite groups. The K1c and a0 values have been used to predict relative performance of the materials in highly stressed restorations and wear.