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Special Issue "Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II"

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2024 | Viewed by 5464

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Márk Fráter

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Department of Esthetic and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
Interests: endodontic treatments; success and restoration of endo treated teeth
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Dr. Edina Lempel

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Guest Editor

Department of Restorative Dentistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 5. Dischka St., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: resin composite; polymerization; monomer conversion; monomer elution; bulk-fill; pre-heated composite; adhesive rehabilitation
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Dr. Daniel Palkovics

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Guest Editor

Department of Periodontology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Interests: 3D printing; digital dentistry; guided surgery; periodontology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, numerous polymeric dental materials have been developed with the aim of reconstructing and maintaining the oral function, health, and aesthetics of patients. Although, among these materials, resin-based composites are possibly the most important from the perspective of aesthetics and performance, these synthetic materials are utilized in all aspects of the field of dentistry. The latest developments in new bioactive polymers and the ongoing advancements in both digitalization and guided treatments have further broadened the fields of their application.

Thus, the subject of advanced dental polymeric materials is quite interdisciplinary and may comprise a wide range of research topics.

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather the latest original research studies that involve polymer materials in the field of dentistry. We look forward to receiving your manuscripts concerning this field. Research articles, review articles, and short communications are all welcome.

Dr. Márk Fráter
Dr. Edina Lempel
Dr. Daniel Palkovics
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

resin composite
direct restorations
indirect restoration
fiber reinforcement
dental polymers
material science
biomechanical testing
monomer
polymerization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanical, Thermal, and Biological Properties of Materials Intended for Dental Implants: A Comparison of Three Types of Poly(aryl-ether-ketones) (PEEK and PEKK)

and

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183706 - 08 Sep 2023

Viewed by 277

Abstract

Regarding the dynamic development of 3D printing technology, as well as its application in a growing part of industries, i.e., in the automotive industry, construction industry, medical industry, etc., there is a notable opportunity for its application in producing dental implants, which presents a promising alternative to traditional implant manufacturing methods. The medical industry is very restrictive regarding the applied materials, and it is necessary to use materials that exhibit very good mechanical and thermal parameters, show clinical indifference and biocompatibility, are non-allergenic and non-cancerous, and are likely to sterilize. Such materials are poly(aryl-ether-ketone)s (PAEK)s, mainly poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) and poly(ether-ketone-ketone) (PEKK), that are found to be high-performance polymers and can be defined as materials that retain their functionality even in extreme conditions. In the present paper, two types of PEEKs and PEKK were compared regarding their structural, mechanical, and thermal properties along with the biological activity toward selected strains. The tested samples were obtained with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. The PEKK, after heat treatment, exhibits the most promising mechanical properties as well as less bacterial adhesion on its surface when compared to both PEEKs. Consequently, among the evaluated materials, PEKK after heat treatment stands out as the optimal selection for a dental prosthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Dental Cement Bond Strength with Autofocus-Laser-Cutter-Generated Grooves on Polyetheretherketone Surfaces

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Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183670 - 06 Sep 2023

Viewed by 441

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely used in dentistry owing to its exceptional properties, including its natural appearance; however, existing surface treatment methods for bonding PEEK have limitations. Autofocus laser cutters, known for their precise engraving and cutting capabilities, offer potential for surface treatment of PEEK; thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the creation of laser groove structures on PEEK to enhance its bonding capability with dental resin cement. A dental computer-aided design and manufacturing system was used to fabricate PEEK samples, and three groove patterns (circle, line, and grid) were generated on PEEK surfaces, with air-abrasion used as the control group. The surface characteristics, cell viability, and bond strength were evaluated, and the data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). Laser-treated PEEK exhibited a uniform texture with a groove depth of approximately 39.4 µm, hydrophobic properties with a contact angle exceeding 90°, a surface roughness of 7.3–12.4 µm, consistent topography, and comparable cell viability compared with untreated PEEK. Despite a decrease in bond strength after thermal cycling, no significant intergroup differences were observed, except for the line-shaped laser pattern. These findings indicate that the autofocus laser cutter effectively enhances the surface characteristics of PEEK by creating a uniform texture and grooves, showing promise in improving bonding properties, even considering the impact of thermal cycling effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessArticle

Oriana Karolina Ribera

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Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3411; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163411 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 369

Abstract

Implant-supported provisional restorations are critical for improving the esthetics and shaping of the peri-implant tissue. The mechanical properties of these provisional materials can be influenced by saliva, food, beverages, and interactions between these materials in the oral environment. Therefore, the integrity of provisional restorations should be preserved throughout the treatment period. This study aimed to evaluate the fracture strength of implant-supported polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) provisional restorations made of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing when immersed in different solutions at a controlled temperature of 37 °C for 7 days. Each analog-pillar-crown set was submerged in different liquids: 10 pieces were placed in distilled water then in tea, coffee, red wine, and Coca Cola^® for 1 week at a controlled oral temperature of 37 °C. The samples were then subjected to fracture forces. The moment of fracture of the crown was recorded and compared with those of the other samples. Specimens immersed in distilled water (control group) had the highest fracture resistance (mean [M] = 1331.00 ± 296.74 N), while those immersed in tea had the lowest mean resistance to fracture (mean [M] = 967.00 ± 281.86 N). Nutritional deficiency and inappropriate eating habits influence the fracture strength of temporary crowns, thereby rendering them more elastic or less resistant to fractures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Cross-Linking Agents on the Mechanical Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Resin

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Polymers 2023, 15(10), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102387 - 19 May 2023

Viewed by 987

Abstract

Cross-linking agents are incorporated into denture base materials to improve their mechanical properties. This study investigated the effects of various cross-linking agents, with different cross-linking chain lengths and flexibilities, on the flexural strength, impact strength, and surface hardness of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The cross-linking agents used were ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), tetraethylene glycol diacrylate (TEGDA), and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA). These agents were added to the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer component in concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by volume and 10% by molecular weight. A total of 630 specimens, comprising 21 groups, were fabricated. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were assessed using a 3-point bending test, impact strength was measured via the Charpy type test, and surface Vickers hardness was determined. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov Test, Kruskal–Wallis Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and ANOVA with post hoc Tamhane test (p ≤ 0.05). No significant increase in flexural strength, elastic modulus, or impact strength was observed in the cross-linking groups compared to conventional PMMA. However, surface hardness values notably decreased with the addition of 5% to 20% PEGDMA. The incorporation of cross-linking agents in concentrations ranging from 5% to 15% led to an improvement in the mechanical properties of PMMA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antibacterial and Physicochemical Properties of Orthodontic Resin Cement Containing ZnO-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes

Jeong-Hye Seo

Kwang-Mahn Kim

and

Jae-Sung Kwon

Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092045 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 804

Abstract

Demineralized white lesions are a common problem when using orthodontic resin cement, which can be prevented with the addition of antibacterial substances. However, the addition of antibacterial substances such as zinc oxide alone may result in the deterioration of the resin cement’s functions. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are known to be biocompatible without adversely affecting the mechanical properties of the material while having the ability to load different substances. The purpose of this study was to prepare orthodontic resin cement containing HNT fillers loaded with ZnO (ZnO/HNTs) and to investigate its mechanical, physical, chemical, and antibacterial properties. A group without filler was used as a control. Three groups containing 5 wt.% of HNTs, ZnO, and ZnO/HNTs were prepared. TEM and EDS measurements were carried out to confirm the morphological structure of the HNTs and the successful loading of ZnO onto the HNTs. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and antibacterial properties of the prepared orthodontic resin cement were considered. The ZnO group had high flexural strength and water absorption but a low depth of cure (p < 0.05). The ZnO/HNTs group showed the highest shear bond strength and film thickness (p < 0.05). In the antibacterial test, the ZnO/HNTs group resulted in a significant decrease in the biofilm’s metabolic activity compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). ZnO/HNTs did not affect cell viability. In addition, ZnO was cytotoxic at a concentration of 100% in the extract. The nanocomposite developed in this study exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans while maintaining the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of orthodontic resin cement. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as an orthodontic resin cement that can prevent DWLs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessArticle

Fracture Resistance Analysis of CAD/CAM Interim Fixed Prosthodontic Materials: PMMA, Graphene, Acetal Resin and Polysulfone

Cristian Abad-Coronel

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Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071761 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1018

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of temporary restorations made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), graphene-modified PMMA (GRA), acetal resin (AR) and polysulfone (PS) obtained by a subtractive technique (milling) using a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system of a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). Methods: Four groups of ten samples were fabricated for each material. Each specimen was characterized by a compression test on a universal testing machine, all specimens were loaded to fracture and the value in Newtons (N) was recorded by software connected to the testing machine. The fracture mode was evaluated on all samples using a stereomicroscope. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p value < 0.005) between PMMA and the other three materials (PMMA: 1302.71 N; GRA: 1990.02 N; RA: 1796.20 N; PS: 2234.97). PMMA presented a significantly lower value than the other materials, and PS showed the highest value. GRA and RA presented a similar range of values but they were still higher than those of PMMA. Conclusions: GRA, RA and PS are presented as valid options within the range of interim milled restorative materials and as alternatives to PMMA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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Open AccessArticle

Micro-CT Marginal and Internal Fit Evaluation of CAD/CAM High-Performance Polymer Onlay Restorations

Flavia Roxana Toma

Lavinia Cristina Moleriu

and

Liliana Porojan

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071715 - 30 Mar 2023

Viewed by 990

Abstract

(1) Background: The use of high-performance polymers for fixed restorations requires additional studies regarding their adaptability and processing with CAD/CAM technology. This in vitro study aims to assess the marginal and internal fit of PEEK and PEKK materials using microcomputed tomography. (2) Methods: Twenty-four (n = 8) MOD onlays made of PEKK (Pekkton ivory), unmodified PEEK (Juvora medical), and modified PEEK (BioHPP) were investigated. A typodont mandibular left first molar was scanned to achieve 24 resin, 3D printed abutment teeth. The onlays were fabricated with a five-axis milling machine, and after cementation of the specimens, the marginal (MG) and internal gaps (IG) were evaluated at twelve points in the mesio-distal section and thirteen points in the bucco-lingual section using microcomputed tomography. For statistical data analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank/paired Student t-Test, Mann–Whitney/unpaired Student t-Test, and one-way ANOVA test were applied. (3) Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05; α = 0.05) were reported between the MG and IG for each material for all three polymers and also among two materials in terms of the MG and IG (except Juvora-BioHPP). The highest IG values were recorded in angular areas (axio-gingival line angle) in the mesio-distal section for all the polymers. (4) Conclusions: For all the materials, MG < IG. The type of polymer influenced the adaptability; the lowest marginal and internal gap mean values were recorded for BioHPP. The analyzed polymer used for onlays are clinically acceptable in terms of adaptability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications II)

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