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Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 13881

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Prof. Dr. Vittorio Checchi

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Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences With Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Interests: restorative dentistry; adhesive dentistry; dental materials; implant dentistry; biomaterials; periodontology; dental hygiene
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building upon the resounding success of the first and second edition of our Special Issue "Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects" in both 2021 and 2022, we are pleased to announce the launch of its third edition. Our goal is to maintain our commitment to publishing cutting-edge scientific research that mirrors the current state of the art in the realm of dental materials.

It is evident that virtually every facet of dentistry is intricately linked to the continuous emergence of novel materials, and clinical progress is invariably intertwined with the innovation and enhancement of materials, instruments, and equipment. The integration of modern dental materials has undeniably propelled clinical dentistry towards unprecedented achievements.

In recent years, the dental landscape has witnessed a dynamic transformation driven by digital technology and the rapid evolution of the dental industry. This transformation has given rise to the development and introduction of new materials across various dental disciplines, including prosthesis, restorative dentistry, endodontics, implantology, and orthodontics. Regrettably, this surge in productivity has not always been paralleled by robust scientific research, resulting in clinicians encountering materials that may not necessarily outperform their predecessors. Consequently, there is a pressing need for further studies to establish substantial evidence for the efficacy of recently introduced dental materials.

Under this backdrop, we are pleased to announce a call for submissions to this Special Issue. We invite high-quality research articles, clinical studies, review articles, and case reports that delve into the latest advances and prospects of dental materials, spanning all fields of dentistry. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of these materials and their impact on the practice of dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Vittorio Checchi
Guest Editor

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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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

dental materials
dental adhesion
ceramics and prosthetic materials
CAD/CAM-related materials
dental implants
biomaterials and materials for bone regeneration
materials for endodontics
materials for orthodontics

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Related Special Issues

Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects in Applied Sciences (20 articles)
Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects - Volume II in Applied Sciences (16 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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16 pages, 6710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Color Evaluation of Pre-Shaded Monolithic Zirconia Restorations on Different Substrates and Resin Cements

by Vanessa Fonseca, Cristina Bettencourt Neves, Jaime Portugal, Vitor Anes, Filipa Chasqueira and João Carlos Roque

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4160; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084160 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 226

Abstract

This study evaluated if the material, the substrate, and the cement have no influence on the color of pre-shaded monolithic zirconia crowns. The specific effect of the cement over each substrate/brand group was also studied. Two commercial brands of zirconia, Amann Girrbach (AG) and Zirkonzahn (ZZ), were used to produce crowns that were placed over three substrates (natural tooth, zirconia, metal) using two different resin cements (Ivoclar AG (Shaan, Liechtenstein) Neutral and Light) or glycerol (as the control) (n = 10). Lightness (L*), chroma (C*), hue (h*), and color difference (ΔE) of each crown were measured using a VITA Easyshade V^® spectrophotometer (VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), following the standardized reference. Since normality was not verified by the Shapiro–Wilk test, data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test for group comparisons and Tukey’s post-hoc test for multifactorial variance analysis (α = 0.05). ΔE medians ranged between 1.3 in the AG/zirconia substrate/glycerol group and 8.0 in the ZZ/metal substrate/light cement group. In general, lower values of ΔE were recorded in AG restorations compared to ZZ (p < 0.05), zirconia, and natural tooth substrates compared to metal (p < 0.001) and neutral compared to light cements (p < 0.05). Specifically, over the metal substrate, AG crowns with neutral cement and ZZ crowns with neutral cement and glycerol showed lower ΔE values (p < 0.05). Over the zirconia substrate, light cement presented higher ΔE values than glycerol in both brands but similar to neutral cement. Over the natural tooth, no significant differences were observed between cements (p > 0.05) in the AG brand, while in the ZZ group, light cement showed higher ΔE values (p < 0.05). The final color of the restorations was significantly influenced by the zirconia brand, substrate type, and resin cement. Light cement led to greater color variations, particularly in ZZ restorations. These findings highlight the importance of material selection in achieving esthetically pleasing zirconia restorations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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11 pages, 2255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Resistance of Different Dental Ceramics and Composite, Milled, or Printed Materials: A Laboratory Study

by Georgi Iliev, Radosveta Vasileva, Dimitar Kirov, Elitsa Deliverska and Janet Kirilova

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11129; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311129 - 29 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1223

Abstract

Contemporary indirect restorative materials vary in their physical and mechanical properties, necessitating additional research. This investigation aims to compare the mechanical properties (such as fatigue and compressive strength) of indirect dental restorative materials. In an in vitro study, the mechanical behaviour of monolithic onlay restorations made from a lithium disilicate glass–ceramic (Group A), a ceramic-infiltrated composite (Group B), a polymer-based composite resin (Group C), and zirconia (Group D), bonded to a prepared tooth model, was evaluated after ageing and mechanical cycling. The average value of compressive strength (stage of cracking) in each group was as follows: Group A, 871 N; Group B, 728 N; Group C, 2655 N; and Group D, 2005 N. Moreover, the results of the compressive strength test (stage of destruction) in each group were as follows: Group A, 2516.5 N; Group B, 2266 N; Group C, 5670 N; and Group D, 3543 N. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s (HSD) post hoc test was conducted to assess pairwise comparisons among group means. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between Groups C and D and the others, highlighting the potential of these materials in clinical applications. Based on the average values, it can be concluded that the 3D-printed ceramic-infiltrated composite onlays exhibited the highest compressive resistance values among the materials evaluated. The lithium disilicate glass–ceramic and the ceramic-infiltrated composite are brittle materials, which should be considered when covering teeth with high occlusal stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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10 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Rosuvastatin Solution in Post-Extraction Alveolar Bone Repair: An In Vivo Research Study

by Tiago Queiroz, Vittorio Moraschini, Suelen Cristina Sartoretto, Adriana Terezinha Neves Novellino Alves, Rodrigo Figueiredo de Brito Resende, Marcelo Uzeda, Kayvon Javid, Ilia Deylami, Monica Diuana Calasans-Maia, Carlos Fernando Mourão and Rafael Seabra Louro

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2415; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062415 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1414

Abstract

Statins have demonstrated positive results in alveolar repair after induced osteoporosis in humans and rats. This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of rosuvastatin (RSV) solution associated with collagen sponge in post-extraction rat alveoli. An experimental study was carried out at the Fluminense Federal University in 30 Wistar rats (female) randomly distributed into three experimental groups: group I—dental sockets filled with a blood clot (CS); group II—dental sockets filled with collagen sponge (EC); and group III—collagen sponge associated with RSV. Slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) were used for histomorphometric analysis to evaluate newly formed bone, connective tissue, and biomaterial in the respective groups, comparing them over different periods (7 and 42 days). The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to evaluate the same experimental period, and the Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the different periods between the groups. At 7 days, the clot group showed greater new bone formation (median 23.27; IQR 10.62–4.74) than the sponge group (median 2.25; IQR 3.42–1.53) and RSV group (median 0; IQR 0–0; p = 0.03), respectively. At 42 days, the clot group (median 63.90; IQR 7.54–3.73) showed better results regarding newly formed bone compared to the RSV group (median 26.33; IQR 4.78–2.24; p = 0.003). The present study demonstrated no advantages in the use of RSV in relation to the control group and no statistical difference between groups II and III. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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13 pages, 18520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Piezosurgery versus Reciprocating Saw: Qualitative Comparison of the Morphology of Cutting Surfaces in Ex Vivo Human Bone

by Alexandre Anesi, Sara Negrello, Marta Checchi, Mattia Di Bartolomeo, Roberta Salvatori, Francesco Cavani, Carla Palumbo and Marzia Ferretti

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052203 - 6 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1994

Abstract

The aim of this study was to morphologically evaluate the differences in the cutting surfaces of bone segments obtained by reciprocating saw (RS) and two piezosurgical devices (Piezosurgery Medical—PM—and Piezosurgery Plus—PP) in ex vivo human fibulae. The ultimate goal was to identify the presence of debris, scratches, and microcracks on the cutting surface that might affect bone healing, a key aspect in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Ten patients who underwent a microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible with a free fibula flap were enrolled. The fibula segments usually discarded after surgery were cut using RS, PM, and PP, obtaining transverse sections to analyze under an environmental scanning electron microscope to perform a histomorphological qualitative evaluation. Bone surfaces cut with the RS presented several scratches, and haversian canals were frequently filled with bone debris/chips. On the contrary, PM and PP devices produced smoother and sharper cutting surfaces, with lower production of bone debris/chips, preventing vascular spaces’ closure. Microcracks were found in both PM and PP cut specimens, and they could be associated with the triggering of bone remodeling, thus improving the formation of new bone, while their presence was rarely observable in RS cut samples. The use of piezosurgical devices showed superior performance, providing cleaner and smoother cutting surfaces that favor vascularization and bone remodeling; altogether, these processes could lead to accelerated bone healing, a fundamental goal in all surgical procedures that involve bone cutting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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14 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Impact of Current Fabrication Methods on the Fit Accuracy of Removable Partial Dentures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Olga Naka, Savvas N. Kamalakidis and Vassiliki Anastassiadou

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11034; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311034 - 27 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Background: The fit accuracy of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is essential for the functionality, patient comfort, and durability of RPDs. Traditional fabrication methods, like lost-wax casting, are reliable, but labor intensive, potentially affecting the fit accuracy of RPDs. Advances in digital fabrication techniques offer new avenues to improve RPD precision. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess the impact of digital fabrication methods on the fit accuracy of RPDs compared to conventional techniques. Objective: To evaluate whether digital fabrication methods, specifically CAD/CAM and additive manufacturing, offer superior fit accuracy for RPD frameworks over conventional methods. Methods: The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42024586891). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE databases, covering publications published up to July 2024. The inclusion criteria comprised in vitro studies comparing the fit accuracy of digital versus conventional RPD fabrication techniques, with quantitative outcomes, such as the mean gap size or seating accuracy. The data were extracted and synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, with seven studies included in the meta-analysis. The mean gap size for digitally fabricated RPDs was 140 µm, compared to 164 µm for conventional methods, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 26.29 µm, favoring digital techniques. The subgroup analysis indicated variability in the fit across different digital techniques, with milling showing the best results, although the differences were not statistically significant. Limitations: The analysis included only in vitro studies, limiting the clinical generalizability of the findings. Additionally, heterogeneity in the study design and measurement methods persisted, which could have impacted the overall conclusions. Conclusions: Digital fabrication methods demonstrated a trend toward improved fit accuracy in comparison to conventional techniques, although the differences were modest. Future research should focus on standardizing digital workflows and conducting clinical trials to confirm these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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11 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Jaw Reconstruction with Scapular Bone Flap and Prosthetic Implant Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

by Danilo Di Giorgio, Riccardo Nocini, Mattia Di Bartolomeo, Matteo Fatiga, Marco Della Monaca, Paolo Priore, Valentina Terenzi, Andrea Battisti, Andrea Cassoni and Valentino Valentini

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7890; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177890 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

A rising demand for prosthetic-driven jaw reconstruction is encountered in maxillo-facial surgery. The free scapula flap is a workhorse of cervico-facial reconstructions, but an implant-based prosthetic rehabilitation on this flap is a debated topic. A systematic review of the papers on this subject has been conducted on Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane libraries following PRISMA guidelines, in order to analyze the results described in the literature. A total of nine papers were eligible for inclusion, with 83 scapula flaps overall being used for an implant-based prosthetic rehabilitation. The mandible was the reconstructed jaw in 58.0% of the cases. Overall, 249 implants were positioned (mean 3.0 implant per flap) with a 3.6% implant failure rate. In 95.2% of the cases, delayed rehabilitation was performed. Radiotherapy and the timing of implant placement did not seem to influence implant failure. Only two papers analyzed the quality of life following the rehabilitation, highlighting a functional improvement. Scapula-based implant-prosthetic rehabilitation is a feasible technique that can also benefit from the new CAD/CAM technologies and digital workflows. Nonetheless, further studies focused on this topic and on its impact on the quality of life are needed in order to analyze risk factors and to optimize the outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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20 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Antibacterial Agents Used in Modifications of Dental Resin Composites: A Systematic Review

by Maja Zalega and Kinga Bociong

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093710 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2482

Abstract

Introduction: Resin-based composites (RBCs) are very common and often applicable in dentistry. Their disadvantage is susceptibility to secondary caries due to the formation of bacterial biofilm at the interface with the patient’s tissues. Antimicrobial additive incorporation into RBCs seems to be a justified method to alleviate the above-mentioned negative phenomenon. The aim of this review is to provide a juxtaposition of strategies and results on the topic of antimicrobial composites. It also provides insights into future research and prospects for clinical applications. Methods: This review summarizes the literature from 2017 to 2024, describing potential antimicrobial agents incorporated into dental composites. The research methodology involved a systematic search using the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) structure and selecting articles from databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier, which allowed for an in-depth review of substances utilized for the antibacterial modification of RBCs. Results: A total of 159 articles were identified, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: This review is a summary of novel approaches in the field of dental materials science. The results show the variety of approaches to modifying composites for antimicrobial efficacy. It is worth underlining that there is a significant difficulty in comparing the studies selected for this review. This is related to the different modifiers used and the modification of composites with different compositions. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of a standardized approach to the modification of dental materials to give them a biocidal character and simultaneously maintain the stability of their mechanical and chemical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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12 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cytotoxicity of Bleaching Products: A Systematic Review

by Mireia Montaner, José Luis Sanz, Carmen Llena, María Melo, Clara Puig-Herreros and James Ghilotti

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3680; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093680 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The high demand for aesthetic treatments among the population has resulted in a wide array of bleaching products available on the market. It is imperative to investigate the potential adverse effects these products may have on dental health. The objective of this systematic review is to assess, based on available experimental in vitro studies in the scientific literature, whether bleaching products exhibit cytotoxic properties against pulp stem cells and fibroblasts. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the Medline, Scopus, and Lilacs databases using the search formula ((Tooth whitening) OR (bleaching agent)) AND cytotoxicity AND ((stem cell*) OR fibroblast). Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were deemed suitable for full analysis. The most utilized assay in the evaluated studies was the MTT cell viability assay. Fibroblasts emerged as the most scrutinized cell type due to the potential adverse effects of bleaching, such as invasive cervical resorption, which primarily affects the periodontal ligament where fibroblasts are located. It was observed that as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide increases, so does the cytotoxicity of the product. Additionally, other factors such as application time, activation methods, and the type of peroxide used also play a significant role. Bleaching products have been shown to exert cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts. Further exploration of the impact of bleaching agents on dental pulp stem cells is warranted to better understand their implications for these cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects, Third Edition)

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