Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for JFB Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 8809

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hyun-jung Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: clinical dentistry; esthetic dentistry; restorative dentistry; dental regeneration; endodontics; composite resins; dental biomaterials; teeth whitening; biomechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to contribute to the Special Issue titled "Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry" in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials. The integration of biomechanics and biomaterials in dentistry has led to significant advancements, resulting in improved patient outcomes and innovative treatment approaches. With the advent of cutting-edge technologies and novel materials, the dental field is experiencing a paradigm shift towards more personalized and effective treatments. This Special Issue aims to feature these advancements by introducing the latest research and developments from around the world, providing a platform for high-quality studies that push the boundaries of current knowledge and practice in dental biomechanics and biomaterials.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest research and developments in this interdisciplinary area. The focus includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Biomechanical analysis: studies on the mechanical properties of dental materials and their behavior under various physiological conditions.
Innovative biomaterials: development and characterization of new biomaterials that enhance dental treatments and patient comfort.
Clinical applications: case studies and clinical trials showcasing the application of biomechanical principles and advanced biomaterials in dental practice.
Computational modeling: use of computational tools to simulate and predict the performance of dental biomaterials in clinical scenarios.
Regenerative dentistry: research on biomaterials that supports tissue regeneration and repair within the oral cavity.
Nanotechnology in dentistry: exploration of nanomaterials and their potential to revolutionize dental treatments.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to bring together researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to share their insights and findings. We invite authors to submit original research articles and comprehensive reviews that align with the theme of this Special Issue. Together, let us advance the frontiers of dental biomaterials and biomechanics for the benefit of patients and the broader medical community.

Prof. Dr. Hyun-jung Kim
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. 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

biomaterials
dental
restorative dentistry
regenerative dentistry
composite resins
nanotechnology in dentistry
biomechanical analysis
computational modeling

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 1487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Physical Properties of Calcium Silicate Cement Modified with Elastin-like Polypeptides and Bioactive Glass

by Jiyoung Kwon and Hyun-Jung Kim

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050188 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 228

Abstract

Conventional calcium silicate cement (CSC) formulations often exhibit insufficient mechanical strength and low initial stability. This study aimed to develop an organic–inorganic hybrid biomaterial by incorporating an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) (V125E8) and bioactive glass (BG) (63S) into CSC to improve its mechanical properties and wash-out resistance during the initial setting. Experimental groups included ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Sirona, USA) as a control (0BG), inorganic hybrids containing BG (2% or 5%; 2BG, 5BG), and organic–inorganic hybrids combining BG (2% or 5%; 2BG-L, 5BG-L) with a 10 wt% ELP solution. The compressive strength, microhardness, and wash-out resistance of the specimens were evaluated. The organic–inorganic hybrid groups (2BG-L and 5BG-L) exhibited significantly higher compressive strength and microhardness than the control (0BG) and inorganic-only groups (2BG and 5BG). Additionally, the incorporation of ELP markedly improved wash-out resistance, minimizing material disintegration during the initial setting in aqueous environments. The organic–inorganic hybrid groups (2BG-L and 5BG-L) exhibited significantly higher compressive strength and microhardness than the control (0BG) and inorganic-only groups (2BG and 5BG). Additionally, the incorporation of ELP markedly improved wash-out resistance, minimizing material disintegration during the initial setting in aqueous environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Simulation of Biomechanical Effects on Periodontal Ligaments During Maxillary Arch Expansion with Thermoformed Aligners

by Gustavo A. Rojas, Jose Isidro García-Melo and Juan S. Aristizábal

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(4), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16040143 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 271

Abstract

Purpose: This paper investigates the biomechanical effect of thermoformed aligners equipped with complementary biomechanical attachments (CBAs) on periodontal ligaments (PDLs) during the expansion process of the maxillary arch. The analysis was conducted using advanced simulations based on the finite element method (FEM). Methods: High-resolution 3D CAD models were created for four tooth types: canine, first premolar, second premolar, and first molar. Additional 3D models were developed for aligners, CBAs, and PDLs. These were integrated into a comprehensive FEM model to simulate clinical rehabilitation scenarios. Validation was achieved through comparative analysis with empirical medical data. Results: The FEM simulations revealed the following: for canine, the displacement was 0.134 mm with a maximum stress of 4.822 KPa in the amelocemental junction. For the first premolar, the displacement was 0.132 mm at a maximum stress of 3.273 KPa in the amelocemental junction. The second premolar had a displacement of 0.129 mm and a stress of 1.358 KPa at 1 mm from the amelocemental junction; and first molar had a displacement of 0.124 mm and a maximum stress of 2.440 KPa. Conclusions: The inclusion of CBAs significantly reduced tooth tipping during maxillary arch expansion. Among the models tested, the vestibular CBA demonstrated superior performance, delivering optimal tooth movement when combined with thermoformed aligners. Significance: FEM techniques provide a robust and cost-effective alternative to in vivo experimentation, offering precise and reliable insights into the biomechanical efficacy of CBAs in thermoformed aligners. This approach minimizes experimental variability and accelerates the evaluation of innovative orthodontic configurations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of Composites for Indirect Restoration to Enamel and Dentin

by Viktoria Petrova, Janet Kirilova and Sevda Yantcheva

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16040138 - 12 Apr 2025

Viewed by 307

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) of two types of composites for indirect restoration, luted to enamel and dentin with self-adhesive cement. Moreover, it aimed to evaluate the impact of thermocycling on bond strength. Sixteen flat enamel and dentin surfaces of human molars were cemented to equal flat specimens of the laboratory composite Signum ceramis and the CAD/CAM block Cerasmart. Half of the specimens of the group underwent thermocycling. After that, the samples were cut into 80 beams for µTBS analysis. The data were analyzed using Levene’s test and the independent sample t-test. The micro-tensile bond strength tests revealed that thermocycling significantly reduced the adhesive bond. Dentin bonds better to conventional laboratory composites. Enamel bonds are better than composite blocks for milling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Dentin Bridge Formation Through N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Application in Rat Molar Pulpotomy: An Experimental Study

by Kota Takagi, Koichi Nakamura, Yoshitaka Yoshimura and Yasutaka Yawaka

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16040117 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 437

Abstract

Pulpotomy is performed when tooth decay reaches the dental pulp or when the crown is fractured due to trauma. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is commonly used in pulpotomy, but its prognosis can be variable. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant amino acid, has garnered attention due to its potential benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MTA and NAC on pulpotomy outcomes. We used Sprague Dawley rat maxillary molars to perform pulpotomy and employed Superbond C&B, MTA, and MTA mixed with NAC (MTA–NAC) for pulp capping. We obtained tissue sections 3 and 7 days postpulpotomy, conducting histological analysis by examining the morphology of pulp tissue and assessing dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteopontin expression levels. At 3 days postpulpotomy, MTA and MTA–NAC reduced the inflammatory response. At 7 days postpulpotomy, dentin bridge formation was observed following MTA–NAC application, and although MTA resulted in DSPP- and osteopontin-positive areas, these areas were more extensive following MTA–NAC application. Given that adding NAC to MTA enhanced dentin bridge formation, MTA–NAC appears to be a superior option for pulp capping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 9752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroxyapatite Dental Inserts for Tooth Restoration: Stress and Displacement Analysis

by Maja Lezaja Zebic, Aleksandar Bodic, Djordje Veljovic, Tamara Matic, Jelena Carkic and Vladimir Milovanovic

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030075 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 699

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) inserts minimize restoration contraction by constituting a major part of the restoration; however, their effect on the relaxation of tooth tissues has not been previously tested. Finite element analysis was employed to estimate stress and displacement when HAP inserts with a thickness of 1.7 mm or 4.7 mm and a diameter of 4.7 mm were used to substitute for dentin. The volumetric contraction of the composite during polymerization, simulated through steady-state heat transfer analysis, yielded a contraction rate of 3.7%. Descriptive statistics revealed that the incorporation of HAP inserts reduced the displacement of dentin, enamel, and restoration caused by contraction by 44.4% to 66.7%, while maximal stress was reduced by 8.1% to 52%. Subsequent loading on the occlusal tooth surface showed that displacement values decreased by 12.1% to 33.3%, while maximum von Mises stress in enamel decreased by 32.8% to 40.6% with the use of HAP inserts. Although the maximum stress values in dentin were not significantly decreased (3% to 8.8%), the stress located at the bottom of the cavity was notably reduced, particularly in deep cavities at root canal entrances. The use of HAP inserts in restorative dentistry provides benefits for the preservation of prepared teeth, especially in preventing irreparable vertical root fractures of endodontically treated teeth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 1217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Implant Survival Rates: Comprehensive Insights from a Large-Scale Electronic Dental Registry

by Guy Tobias, Tali Chackartchi, Doron Haim, Jonathan Mann and Mordechai Findler

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020060 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1376

Abstract

Background: This descriptive study aimed to assess the survival rates and outcomes of dental implants in one of the four national HMOs in Israel. Data are provided for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized electronic medical records of patients who underwent dental implant placement during the specified period. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests, Student’s t-tests, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses to identify potential risk factors associated with early and late implant failures. Results: A total of 158,824 dental implants were placed in 53,874 patients. The overall implant failure rate was 2.21%, while the early failure rate during the osseointegration phase—before prosthetic reconstruction—was 1.56%. Significant associations with implant failure were observed for male patients (2.53% failure rate), implants in the maxillary molar region (3%), and the central incisor region (3.37%), approximately double the failure rates seen in other implant sites (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This extensive data analysis demonstrates a low overall failure rate for dental implants. The highest failure incidence occurred within the first year post-implantation, declining in subsequent years irrespective of rehabilitation status. Early failure risk factors differ based on various factors and should be carefully integrated into presurgical planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mechanical Surface Treatment on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to 3D Printed and Milled CAD/CAM Provisional Materials: An In Vitro Study

by Abdulaziz A. Alzaid, Khalid K. Alanazi, Lulu A. Alyahya, Maha N. Alharbi, Hatem Alqarni, Mohammed Alsaloum, Hayam A. Alfallaj and Ghada S. Alotaibi

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120358 - 25 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of mechanical surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to three-dimensional (3D) printed and milled CAD/CAM provisional materials. Sixty cylindrical samples were fabricated for each provisional material. Samples were treated with one of the following surface treatments: aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion, diamond bur rotary instrument roughening, and phosphoric acid etching (control). Stainless steel brackets were bonded to the samples, and then SBS was tested using a universal testing machine. SEM and digital microscopy were utilized to examine the bonding interface and the failure modes. Two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results revealed significant differences in SBS between 3D printed and milled samples and significant differences in SBS among most surface treatments, with rotary instrument roughening resulting in the highest values for 3D printed, while airborne particle abrasion leading for milled samples. Digital microscopy indicated that more adhesive remained on 3D-printed samples. SEM analysis revealed varying surface roughness across treatments. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that different surface treatments improve the bonding of orthodontic brackets to provisional crowns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancing the Biological Properties of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Calcium Silicate Cements: An In Vitro Study

by Minji Choi, Jiyoung Kwon, Ji-Hyun Jang, Duck-Su Kim and Hyun-Jung Kim

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110337 - 10 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1428

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to enhance the biological properties of hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) by incorporating organic and inorganic components, specifically elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and bioactive glass (BAG). We focused on the effects of these composites on the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs). (2) Methods: Proroot MTA was supplemented with 1–5 wt% 63S BAG and 10 wt% ELP. The experimental groups contained various combinations of HSCS with ELP and BAG. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and transwell assays, and osteogenic activity was determined through Alizarin Red S staining and a gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX-2, OCN, and Col1A2). (3) Results: The combination of ELP and BAG significantly enhanced the viability of hPDLFs with an optimal BAG concentration of 1–4%. Cell migration assays demonstrated faster migration rates in groups with 2–4% BAG and ELP incorporation. Osteogenic activity was the highest with 2–3% BAG incorporation with ELP, as evidenced by intense Alizarin Red S staining and the upregulation of osteogenic differentiation markers. (4) Conclusions: The incorporation of ELP (organic) and BAG (inorganic) into HCSC significantly enhances the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLFs. These findings suggest that composite HCSC might support healing in destructed bone lesions in endodontics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 8184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Assessment of Denture Polymers Processing Technologies

by Cristina Modiga, Andreea Stoia, Marius Traian Leretter, Ana Codruţa Chiş, Andreea-Violeta Ardelean, Edward-Ronald Azar, Gabriel Kapor, Daniela-Maria Pop, Mihai Romînu, Cosmin Sinescu, Meda-Lavinia Negruţiu and Emanuela-Lidia Petrescu

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(8), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15080234 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Background: Removable prostheses have seen a fundamental change recently because of advances in polymer materials, allowing improved durability and performance. Despite these advancements, notable differences still occur amongst various polymer materials and processing technologies, requiring a thorough grasp of their mechanical, physical, and therapeutic implications. The compressive strength of dentures manufactured using various technologies will be investigated. Methods: Traditional, injection molding, and additive and subtractive CAD/CAM processing techniques, all utilizing Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the main material, were used to construct complete dentures. The specimens underwent a compressive mechanical test, which reveals the differences in compressive strength. Results: All the specimens broke under the influence of a certain force, rather than yielding through flow, as is characteristic for plastic materials. For each specimen, the maximum force (N) was recorded, as well as the breaking energy. The mean force required to break the dentures for each processing technology is as follows: 4.54 kN for traditional packing-press technique, 17.92 kN for the injection molding technique, 1.51 kN for the additive CAD/CAM dentures, and 5.9 kN for the subtractive CAD/CAM dentures. Conclusions: The best results were obtained in the case of the thermoplastic injection system and the worst results were recorded in the case of 3D printed samples. Another important aspect depicted is the standard deviation for each group, which reveal a relatively unstable property for the thermoplastic injected dentures. Good results here in terms of absolute property and stability of the property can be conferred to CAD/CAM milled group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI