What characteristic of bonded restorations contributes to their stability in function?

Bonded restorations are designed to provide enhanced stability during functional use, and frictional resistance plays a crucial role in this aspect. When a restoration is bonded to the tooth structure, the intimate contact and the bonding material used create friction at the interface. This frictional resistance helps to keep the restoration securely in place during activities such as chewing and speaking, thereby reducing the likelihood of dislodgment or failure.

The stable bond formed by the restoration minimizes the movement of the restoration relative to the tooth structure, which is essential for maintaining function and longevity. The increased surface area engagement between the bonded materials and the teeth contributes to this resistance, making it a key characteristic for the performance of bonded restorations.

Other factors mentioned, such as thermal conductivity, elastic modulus, and wear rate, while important in their own contexts, do not directly address the specific aspect of stability in function due to the design of bonded restorations. Thus, frictional resistance stands out as the primary characteristic contributing to their stability.