State of the Art in Dental Materials

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 13986

Special Issue Editors

Division of Clinical Cariology and Endodontology, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu-cho, Hokkaido, Japan
Interests: carioligy; preventive dentistry; remineralization; dental materials; fluoride; adhesive dentistry; antibacterial effects; derntin degradation
Department of Dental Materials Science, Division of Oral Functional Sciences and Rehabilitation, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Japan
Interests: cariology; preventive dentistry; remineralization; dental materials; fluoride; adhesive dentistry; dentin hypersensitivity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, technological innovations and advancements in bioengineering have led to the development of biomaterials and diagnostic devices, which have various applications in dentistry.

New biomaterials are constantly being developed. Recent technological developments are expected to have future applications in methods to prevent infectious diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease, regenerative therapy, maxillofacial reconstruction, and implant therapy. In addition, advancements in analytical and research methods have provided new insights into materials already used in clinical dentistry, such as bioactive glasses, resins, and polymers.

This Special Issue solicits current research that examines approaches to developing new or improved biomaterials in preventive medicine, bioengineering, health sciences, materials science, basic science, and clinical science. In addition, researchers are also invited to submit reports regarding new perspectives on dental materials using novel analytical methods.

Dr. Yasuhiro Matsuda
Dr. Katsushi Okuyama
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • carioligy
  • preventive dentistry
  • adhesive dentistry
  • dental materials
  • biomaterials
  • periodontorgy
  • dental restorative materials

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1969 KiB  
Article
Bonding Pretreatment of Aesthetic Dental CAD-CAM Materials through Surface Etching with a Mixed Aqueous Solution of Ammonium Fluoride and Ammonium Hydrogen Sulfate
by Yusaku Nishizawa, Tatsuo Kawamoto and Hiroshi Ikeda
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15030071 - 14 Mar 2024
Viewed by 514
Abstract
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is commonly used as an etchant for the pretreatment of dental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials, such as glass-ceramics and resin composites. Despite its effectiveness, the harmful and hazardous nature of HF has raised significant safety concerns. In contrast, ammonium [...] Read more.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is commonly used as an etchant for the pretreatment of dental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials, such as glass-ceramics and resin composites. Despite its effectiveness, the harmful and hazardous nature of HF has raised significant safety concerns. In contrast, ammonium fluoride (AF) is known for its relatively low toxicity but has limited etching capability. This study explored the potential of ammonium hydrogen sulfate (AHS), a low-toxicity and weak acid, to enhance the etching ability of aqueous AF solutions for the bonding pretreatment of CAD-CAM materials. This study investigated five types of aesthetic CAD-CAM materials: lithium disilicate glass, feldspathic porcelain, polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks, resin composites, and zirconia. Seven experimental etchants were prepared by varying the amount of AHS added to aqueous AF solutions, with each etchant used to etch the surfaces of the respective CAD-CAM materials. The treated surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Additionally, the shear bond strength (SBS) of the CAD-CAM materials treated with a luting agent (resin cement) was evaluated. The results indicated that the AF1/AHS3 (weight ratio AF:AHS = 1:3) etchant had the most substantial etching effect on the surfaces of silica-containing materials (lithium disilicate glass, feldspathic porcelain, polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks, and resin composites) but not on zirconia. The SBS of the materials treated with the AF1/AHS3 etchant was comparable to that of the commercial HF etchant. Hence, an AF/AHS mixed solution could effectively etch silica-containing CAD-CAM materials, thereby enhancing their bonding capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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16 pages, 4886 KiB  
Article
Color Stability, Gloss Retention, and Surface Roughness of 3D-Printed versus Indirect Prefabricated Veneers
by Arwa Daghrery
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(10), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14100492 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1266
Abstract
The long-term color stability and surface properties of anterior laminate veneers are among the crucial factors affecting the clinical longevity of aesthetic restorations. Novel 3D-printed materials are being introduced as definitive restorative treatment. In light of the existing variety of indirect yet minimally [...] Read more.
The long-term color stability and surface properties of anterior laminate veneers are among the crucial factors affecting the clinical longevity of aesthetic restorations. Novel 3D-printed materials are being introduced as definitive restorative treatment. In light of the existing variety of indirect yet minimally invasive composite resin veneers, research on their surface properties is warranted. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of artificial aging by immersion in different staining solutions on the color changes, gloss, and surface roughness (Ra) of 3D-printed veneers compared to the prefabricated resin composite veneer systems (PRCVs) manufactured by Componeer and Edelweiss. Moreover, this study compared the effects of two methods for stain removal: repolishing with Sof-Lex disks and in-office bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide. The veneers (n = 24) were randomly divided according to the immersion solutions used, i.e., tea and coffee. Colorimetric measurements, surface roughness, and surface gloss were determined before and after staining and surface treatment with either in-office bleaching or surface polishing. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Artificial aging with immersion in staining solutions led to significant color changes, increased surface roughness, and gloss reduction in all materials (p  <  0.05). The 3D-printed veneers showed higher ΔE values (coffee = 10.112 ± 0.141) and (tea = 10.689 ± 0.771) compared to baseline after 7 days of aging. The 3D-printed veneers had a statistically significant surface roughness Ra (0.574 µm ± 0.073). The gloss was >70% in all groups at baseline; these values dropped in all groups after 7 days of artificial aging. After the stain-removing procedures, the ΔE values decreased in all tested veneers. That being said, they failed to return to the baseline values, and both stain-removing methods were found to have an adverse effect on surface roughness and gloss retention in all tested veneers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 3213 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Novel Pre-Polymerized BisGMA/Silica Nanocomposites: Physio-Mechanical Considerations
by Ali Alrahlah, Rawaiz Khan, Abdel-Basit Al-Odayni, Waseem Sharaf Saeed, Leonel S. Bautista, Sajjad Haider, Merry Angelyn Tan De Vera and Abdulrahman Alshabib
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(6), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14060323 - 17 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1182
Abstract
Resin composite mimics tooth tissues both in structure and properties, and thus, they can withstand high biting force and the harsh environmental conditions of the mouth. Various inorganic nano- and micro-fillers are commonly used to enhance these composites’ properties. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Resin composite mimics tooth tissues both in structure and properties, and thus, they can withstand high biting force and the harsh environmental conditions of the mouth. Various inorganic nano- and micro-fillers are commonly used to enhance these composites’ properties. In this study, we adopted a novel approach by using pre-polymerized bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) ground particles (XL-BisGMA) as fillers in a BisGMA/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin system in combination with SiO2 nanoparticles. The BisGMA/TEGDMA/SiO2 mixture was filled with various concentrations of XL-BisGMA (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.%). The XL-BisGMA added composites were evaluated for viscosity, degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, and thermal properties. The results demonstrated that the addition of a lower concentration of XL-BisGMA particles (2.5 wt.%) significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the complex viscosity from 374.6 (Pa·s) to 170.84. (Pa·s). Similarly, DC was also increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) by the addition of 2.5 wt.% XL-BisGMA, with the pristine composite showing a DC of (62.19 ± 3.2%) increased to (69.10 ± 3.4%). Moreover, the decomposition temperature has been increased from 410 °C for the pristine composite (BT-SB0) to 450 °C for the composite with 10 wt.% of XL-BisGMA (BT-SB10). The microhardness has also been significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) from 47.44 HV for the pristine composite (BT-SB0) to 29.91 HV for the composite with 2.5 wt.% of XL-BisGMA (BT-SB2.5). These results suggest that a XL-BisGMA could be used to a certain percentage as a promising filler in combination with inorganic fillers to enhance the DC and flow properties of the corresponding resin-based dental composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 3639 KiB  
Article
Fluoride Retention in Root Dentin following Surface Coating Material Application
by Katsushi Okuyama, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Hiroko Yamamoto, Kohtaku Suzuki, Kohei Shintani, Takashi Saito, Mikako Hayashi and Yukimichi Tamaki
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14030171 - 22 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1211
Abstract
This study aimed to use an in-air micro-particle-induced X-ray/gamma emission (in-air µPIXE/PIGE) system to evaluate tooth-bound fluoride (T-F) in dentin following the application of fluoride-containing tooth-coating materials. Three fluoride-containing coating materials (PRG Barrier Coat, Clinpro XT varnish, and Fuji IX EXTRA) and a [...] Read more.
This study aimed to use an in-air micro-particle-induced X-ray/gamma emission (in-air µPIXE/PIGE) system to evaluate tooth-bound fluoride (T-F) in dentin following the application of fluoride-containing tooth-coating materials. Three fluoride-containing coating materials (PRG Barrier Coat, Clinpro XT varnish, and Fuji IX EXTRA) and a control were applied to the root dentin surface of human molars (n = 6, total 48 samples). Samples were stored in a remineralizing solution (pH 7.0) for 7 or 28 days and then sectioned into two adjacent slices. One slice of each sample was immersed in 1M potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution for 24 h and rinsed with water for 5 min for the T-F analysis. The other slice did not undergo KOH treatment and was used to analyze the total fluoride content (W-F). The fluoride and calcium distributions were measured in all the slices using an in-air µPIXE/PIGE. Additionally, the amount of fluoride released from each material was measured. Clinpro XT varnish demonstrated the highest fluoride release among all the materials and tended to show high W-F and T-F and lower T-F/W-F ratios. Our study demonstrates that a high fluoride-releasing material shows high fluoride distribution into the tooth structure and low conversion from fluoride uptake by tooth-bound fluoride. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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16 pages, 5691 KiB  
Article
Structural Integrity of Anterior Ceramic Resin-Bonded Fixed Partial Denture: A Finite Element Analysis Study
by Mas Linda Mohd Osman, Tong Wah Lim, Hung-Chih Chang, Amir Radzi Ab Ghani, James Kit Hon Tsoi and Siti Mariam Ab Ghani
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14020108 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1982
Abstract
This study was conducted as a means to evaluate the stress distribution patterns of anterior ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures derived from different materials and numerous connector designs that had various loading conditions imposed onto them through the utilization of the finite element [...] Read more.
This study was conducted as a means to evaluate the stress distribution patterns of anterior ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures derived from different materials and numerous connector designs that had various loading conditions imposed onto them through the utilization of the finite element method. A finite element model was established on the basis of the cone beam computed tomography image of a cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial denture with a central incisor as an abutment and a lateral incisor as a pontic. Sixteen finite element models representing different conditions were simulated with lithium disilicate and zirconia. Connector height, width, and shape were set as the geometric parameters. Static loads of 100 N, 150 N, and 200 N were applied at 45 degrees to the pontic. The maximum equivalent stress values obtained for all finite element models were compared with the ultimate strengths of their materials. Higher load exhibited greater maximum equivalent stress in both materials, regardless of the connector width and shape. Loadings of 200 N and 150 N that were correspondingly simulated on lithium disilicate prostheses of all shapes and dimensions resulted in connector fractures. On the contrary, loadings of 200 N, 150 N, and 100 N with rectangular-shaped connectors correspondingly simulated on zirconia were able to withstand the loads. However, two of the trapezoidal-shaped zirconia connectors were unable to withstand the loads and resulted in fractures. It can be deduced that material type, shape, and connector dimensions concurrently influenced the integrity of the bridge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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14 pages, 4537 KiB  
Article
Biocompatibility of Subperiosteal Dental Implants: Effects of Differently Treated Titanium Surfaces on the Expression of ECM-Related Genes in Gingival Fibroblasts
by Marco Roy, Alessandro Corti, Silvia Dominici, Alfonso Pompella, Mauro Cerea, Elisa Chelucci, Barbara Dorocka-Bobkowska and Simona Daniele
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14020059 - 20 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
Introduction: Titanium alloys currently are the most used material for the manufacture of dental endosseous implants. However, in partially or totally edentulous patients, varying degrees of maxillary bone resorption usually occur, making the application of these devices difficult or even impossible. In these [...] Read more.
Introduction: Titanium alloys currently are the most used material for the manufacture of dental endosseous implants. However, in partially or totally edentulous patients, varying degrees of maxillary bone resorption usually occur, making the application of these devices difficult or even impossible. In these cases, a suitable alternative is offered by subperiosteal implants, whose use is undergoing a revival of interest following the introduction of novel, computer-assisted manufacturing techniques. Several procedures have been developed for the modification of titanium surfaces so to improve their biocompatibility and integration with bone. Information is, however, still incomplete as far as the most convenient surface modifications to apply with subperiosteal implants, in which an integration with soft mucosal tissues is just as important. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating whether different treatments of titanium surfaces can produce different effects on the viability, attachment, and differentiation of gingival fibroblasts, i.e., the cell type mainly involved in osteointegration as well as the healing of soft tissues injured by surgical procedures, in order to verify whether any of the treatments are preferable under these respects. Methodology: The human immortalized gingival fibroblast (CRL-4061 line) were cultured in the presence of titanium specimens previously treated with five different procedures for surface modification: (i) raw machined (Ti-1); (ii) electropolished (Ti-2); (iii) sand-blasted acid-etched (Ti-3); (iv) Al Ti Color™ proprietary procedure (Ti-4); and (v) anodized (Ti-5). At different times of incubation, viability and proliferation of cells, was determined along with the changes in the expression patterns of ECM-related genes involved in fibroblast attachment and differentiation: vinculin, fibronectin, collagen type I-alpha 1 chain, focal adhesion kinase, integrin β-1, and N-cadherin. Three different experiments were carried out for each experimental point. The release from fibroblasts of endothelin-1 was also analyzed as a marker of inflammatory response. The proliferation and migration of fibroblasts were evaluated by scratch tests. Results: None of the five types of titanium surface tested significantly affected the fibroblasts’ viability and proliferation. The release of endothelin-1 was also not significantly affected by any of the specimens. On the other hand, all titanium specimens significantly stimulated the expression of ECM-related genes at varying degrees. The proliferation and migration abilities of fibroblasts were also significantly stimulated by all types of titanium surface, with a higher-to-lower efficiency in the order: Ti-3 > Ti-4 > Ti-5 > Ti-2 > Ti-1, thus identifying sandblasting acid-etching as the most convenient treatment. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that the titanium alloys used for manufacturing subperiosteal dental implants do not produce cytotoxic or proinflammatory effects on gingival fibroblasts, and that sandblasting acid-etching may be the surface treatment of choice as to stimulate the differentiation of gingival fibroblasts in the direction of attachment and migration, i.e., the features allegedly associated with a more efficient implant osteointegration, wound healing, and connective tissue seal formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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13 pages, 14495 KiB  
Article
Acid-Triggered Release of Eugenol and Fluoride by Desensitizing Macro- and Nanoparticles
by Grigoriy Sereda, Abu Ahammadullah, Nisitha Wijewantha and Yulia Almiron Solano
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14010042 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1705
Abstract
The modern dentifrice industry needs non-toxic materials able to adhere to dentin, occlude dentinal tubules, hold pharmacons at the surface of dentin, and release them on demand to the location the tooth needs them most. Novel dental materials loaded with eugenol or fluoride-ions [...] Read more.
The modern dentifrice industry needs non-toxic materials able to adhere to dentin, occlude dentinal tubules, hold pharmacons at the surface of dentin, and release them on demand to the location the tooth needs them most. Novel dental materials loaded with eugenol or fluoride-ions examined for the release of the pharmacon in an aqueous suspension efficiently adhere to the surface of human dentin and occlude dentinal tubules as evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy and a fluoride-selective electrode quantified the release of pharmacons. The surface modification with casein stabilizes micro- and nanoparticles of calcium carbonate in aqueous suspensions, enabling their application in dentifrices. The ability of particles to hold and release eugenol depends on their morphology and composition, with the casein-coated calcium carbonate microspheres being the most acid-sensitive and most promising for dentifrice applications. The novel material releases fluoride under physiologically low pH, regardless of the presence of other ingredients of the artificial saliva, which sustains the bulk fluoride concentration comparable with most fluorinated toothpastes. Low pH-triggered release mechanisms selectively supply the drug to the areas that need it most, reducing the overall dose and ushering in a new type of targeted dentifrices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 5924 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties of Ti-Nb-Cu Alloys for Dental Machining Applications
by Masatoshi Takahashi, Kotaro Sato, Genichi Togawa and Yukyo Takada
J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040263 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1464
Abstract
Titanium has excellent biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance and is extensively used in dental implants and denture bases. However, pure titanium lacks the strength for use in dental prostheses that require relatively high strength. We developed 15 different types of Ti-Nb-Cu alloys and [...] Read more.
Titanium has excellent biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance and is extensively used in dental implants and denture bases. However, pure titanium lacks the strength for use in dental prostheses that require relatively high strength. We developed 15 different types of Ti-Nb-Cu alloys and investigated their alloy phases and mechanical properties, including tensile and yield strength, elongation after fracture, and Vickers hardness. The alloy phases of Ti-8%Nb-2%Cu and Ti-13%Nb-2%Cu were α + β, while those of Ti-5%Nb-5%Cu and Ti-10%Nb-5%Cu were α + Ti2Cu. The tensile strength and hardness of these alloys were significantly higher than those of titanium; however, their elongation was less. In particular, the yield strength of these alloys was more than twice that of titanium. These differences in mechanical properties are attributable to solid–solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening. Other compositions with an alloy phase of α + β + Ti2Cu or β + Ti2Cu had high hardness but not high strength. These results suggest that the Ti-8%Nb-2%Cu, Ti-5%Nb-5%Cu, Ti-13%Nb-2%Cu, and Ti-10%Nb-5%Cu alloys can be applied to dental prostheses, which are subject to very high forces from accessories such as long-span bridges, clasps, implant-retained superstructures, and narrow-diameter implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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11 pages, 2590 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Demineralization of Dentin by Fluoride-Containing Hydrogel Desensitizers: An In Vitro Study
by Yasuhiro Matsuda, Bayarchimeg Altankhishig, Katsushi Okuyama, Hiroko Yamamoto, Katsuaki Naito, Mikako Hayashi, Hidehiko Sano, Sharanbir K. Sidhu and Takashi Saito
J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040246 - 16 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1797
Abstract
Several desensitizers routinely used clinically for dentin hypersensitivity are expected to inhibit demineralization. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sealing materials in inhibiting demineralization and increasing fluorine (F) uptake by acid-treated root surfaces. Five noncarious extracted human teeth were used to [...] Read more.
Several desensitizers routinely used clinically for dentin hypersensitivity are expected to inhibit demineralization. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sealing materials in inhibiting demineralization and increasing fluorine (F) uptake by acid-treated root surfaces. Five noncarious extracted human teeth were used to produce specimens. Three different fluoride-containing materials, namely “MS Coat F” (MS), “MS Coat Hys Block Gel” (HS), and CTX2 Varnish (FV), were used herein. Each material was applied to the demineralized root surface. Single sections were obtained from each specimen. All surfaces of each specimen, except the polished surface, were covered with wax and immersed in an automatic pH cycling system for 2 weeks. Fluorine and calcium distributions in the carious lesions of each specimen were evaluated using proton-induced gamma emission (PIGE) and X-ray (PIXE) techniques, respectively. Dentin demineralization was analyzed using transverse microradiography (TMR) before and after pH cycling. µPIXE/PIGE analysis demonstrated that all sample groups showed increased fluoride uptake on the root surface. TMR analysis revealed that both HS and FV showed significantly lower integrated mineral loss values than the control group. All three samples demonstrated a tendency towards increased fluoride uptake from fluoride-containing hypersensitivity desensitizers and a demineralization inhibition effect on root dentin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Dental Materials)
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