Ceramic, Zirconia, and Resin-Based Composite for Restorative Dentistry

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 7296

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dentistry, Dental School, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita Salute University, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: restorative dentistry; dental biomaterials; CAD/CAM; composites
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in dental science, inspiring both seasoned professionals and recent dental graduates to continue to press on with the latest innovations. Among these advancements, dental materials play a pivotal role in the daily practice of clinicians, necessitating ongoing enhancement and innovation to elevate the standard of dental care.

Our objective with this Special Issue is to present the scientific community with emerging trends in dental materials, with a particular emphasis on ceramics, zirconia, and composite resins. We seek research contributions that explore and showcase novel materials and their applications in dental care, specifically focusing on composite resins and ceramics for restorative and aesthetic purposes.

We encourage submissions that demonstrate the utilization of innovative approaches in routine dental material practice, as well as the adoption of new materials in everyday dental procedures. Let us collectively contribute to the evolution and improvement of dental treatment through pioneering research and innovation in dental materials.

Prof. Dr. Gaetano Paolone
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • ceramics
  • composites
  • zirconia
  • adhesive dentistry
  • restorative dentistry

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Correlation Between Polymerization Shrinkage and Filler Content for Universal Shade Flowable Resin-Based Composites
by Nagisa Matsui, Mayumi Maesako, Ahmad Alkhazaleh, Masao Irie and Akimasa Tsujimoto
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050155 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 116
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure the filler content by weight and volume of universal shade flowable resin-based composites and analyze the correlation between polymerization shrinkage and filler content. The filler content by weight of six universal shade flowalble resin-based composites [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to measure the filler content by weight and volume of universal shade flowable resin-based composites and analyze the correlation between polymerization shrinkage and filler content. The filler content by weight of six universal shade flowalble resin-based composites (Bulk Base Hard II Medium Flow, A-Uno Flow Basic, Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Low, Gracefill Low Flow, Omnichroma Flow, Omnichroma Flow Bulk) was measured in accordance with ISO 17304. The filler content by volume of each flowable resin-based composite was determined by measuring the density of the filler using a dry density meter, and the filler content by volume of the composite was calculated from the densities obtained. The correlations between filler content by weight or volume, polymerization shrinkage and filler content by weight ratio, and polymerization shrinkage and filler content by volume were analyzed. The filler content of the universal flowable resin-based composites ranged from 59.40 to 69.81% (by weight) and from 40.61 to 54.84% (by volume), and the correlations between the values for filler content of the composites by weight and volume were weakly negative and not statistically significant. The correlations between polymerization shrinkage (3.15–4.48%) and filler content by weight or volume were also not statistically significant. Full article
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20 pages, 6685 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Properties of Different Zones in Multilayered Translucent Zirconia Used in Monolithic Restorations During Aging Process
by Phil-Joon Koo, Jong-Hyuk Lee, Seung-Ryong Ha, Deog-Gyu Seo, Jin-Soo Ahn and Yu-Sung Choi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030096 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
This study assessed the changes in the mechanical and surface properties of the transition zone in multilayered translucent monolithic zirconia subjected to long-term hydrothermal aging. A total of 360 disk-shaped specimens (diameter: 15.0 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm) were prepared using conventional (3Y-TZP in [...] Read more.
This study assessed the changes in the mechanical and surface properties of the transition zone in multilayered translucent monolithic zirconia subjected to long-term hydrothermal aging. A total of 360 disk-shaped specimens (diameter: 15.0 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm) were prepared using conventional (3Y-TZP in LT; ZL, 4Y-TZP in MT; ZM) and multilayered translucent zirconia (5Y-TZP in MT Multi; ZT, 3Y/5Y-TZP in Prime; ZP) among IPS e.max ZirCAD blocks. Specimens were divided into three groups (n = 30) and aged in the autoclave at 134 °C under 0.2 MPa for 0 h (control group), 5 h (first aged group), and 10 h (second aged group). The mechanical and surface properties of the transition zone in the multilayered translucent zirconia were investigated, followed by statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Before and after aging, ZL (1102.64 ± 41.37 MPa) and ZP (1014.71 ± 139.86 MPa) showed the highest biaxial flexural strength (BFS); ZL showed the highest Weibull modulus (31.46) and characteristic strength (1121.63 MPa); and ZT exhibited the highest nanoindentation hardness (20.40 ± 1.80 GPa) and Young’s modulus (284.90 ± 20.07 GPa). After aging, ZL (116.75 ± 9.80 nm) exhibited the highest surface roughness (Ra); the monoclinic phase contents in ZL and ZP increased; and surface uplifts, microcracks, and irregular defects caused by phase transformation appeared on ZL and ZP surfaces. The 3Y/5Y-TZP transition zone exhibited flexural strength, Vickers hardness, phase distribution changes, and surface microstructure changes similar to those of 3Y-TZP before and after aging; however, the surface roughness was lower than that of 3Y-TZP and higher than those of 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP after aging. The mechanical and surface characteristics, excluding BFS and Vickers hardness, were influenced by the yttrium oxide content in each zone and the aging process. Full article
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11 pages, 4931 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Extra-High Translucent Dental Zirconia: Translucency, Crystalline Phase, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructures
by Hiroto Nakai, Masanao Inokoshi, Hengyi Liu, Motohiro Uo and Manabu Kanazawa
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16010013 - 3 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Highly translucent zirconia (TZ) is frequently used in dentistry. The properties of several highly translucent zirconia materials available in the market require an in-depth understanding. In this study, we assessed the translucency, crystalline phase, mechanical properties, and microstructures of three newly developed highly [...] Read more.
Highly translucent zirconia (TZ) is frequently used in dentistry. The properties of several highly translucent zirconia materials available in the market require an in-depth understanding. In this study, we assessed the translucency, crystalline phase, mechanical properties, and microstructures of three newly developed highly translucent zirconia materials (Zpex 4. m, 4 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia: 4YSZ; Zpex Smile.m, 5YSZ; ZR Lucent ULTRA, 6YSZ). The translucency parameter (TP) was analyzed using the CIELAB system. X-ray diffraction was conducted for the crystalline phase analysis, followed by Rietveld refinement. A biaxial flexural strength test using the Weibull analysis was performed to evaluate the mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy, grain size distribution, and average grain size were used to analyze the microstructures. The TP content of the ZR Lucent ULTRA was the highest among the samples investigated. The Rietveld analysis revealed that the cubic zirconia phase content of the ZR Lucent ULTRA was the highest. The biaxial flexural strength of the ZR Lucent ULTRA was the lowest (622.9 MPa). The average grain size and proportion of large grains (1.0 µm < x) were the highest in ZR Lucent ULTRA. Therefore, extra-high translucent zirconia has the potential for use in anterior monolithic restorations owing to its esthetics and strength. Full article
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15 pages, 4330 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Various Surface Treatment Procedures on the Roughness and Susceptibility to Staining of Provisional Prosthodontic Materials
by Satheesh B. Haralur, Abdullah Turki Albarqi, Abdulellah Gharmallah Alamodi, Abdulmajeed Ali Alamri, Saad Awdah Aldail, Mohammed A. Al-Qarni, Saeed M. AlQahtani and Nasser M. Alqahtani
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(9), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15090256 - 3 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1761
Abstract
Esthetically pleasing temporary prostheses are often necessary for extended periods in a variety of clinical scenarios. Adjustments to the occlusion or margins are commonly needed before cementing the temporary prosthesis. Therefore, it is clinically necessary to repolish the rough surface to avoid biological [...] Read more.
Esthetically pleasing temporary prostheses are often necessary for extended periods in a variety of clinical scenarios. Adjustments to the occlusion or margins are commonly needed before cementing the temporary prosthesis. Therefore, it is clinically necessary to repolish the rough surface to avoid biological and esthetic issues associated with rough surfaces. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the impact of various polishing protocols on the surface roughness and color stability of three resin materials used for provisional crowns. A total of 150 specimens were fabricated from auto-polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate, bis-acryl composite, and Methyl methacrylate-LC resin using a stainless steel mold. Each material group was divided into five groups (n = 10) based on the applied surface treatment: positive control group (G1): no roughening or surface treatment, Negative control group (G2): acrylic bur-roughened surface without any polishing, the different surface treatment groups of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide stone polishing (G3), diamond-coated rubber twist (G4), and Surface Glaze (G5). An optical profilometer was used to assess the surface roughness of all samples. After undergoing 6000 cycles of thermocycling followed by immersion in a coffee solution for 15 days at 37 °C, color parameters were measured using a spectrophotometer both before and after a storage period to evaluate color differences. A two-way ANOVA test with α = 0.05 significance level was carried out to determine the impacts of both the materials utilized and the polishing protocol. Among the three types of resin examined, the bisacryl group exhibited superior surface quality in positive control groups, while PMMA resin demonstrated higher polishability. The diamond-coated rubber twits resulted in lower Ra values of 0.36 (0.01) µm, 0.52 (0.11) µm, and 0.28 (0.05) µm for PMMA, BAMA, and MMLC resins, respectively. The application of photo-polymerized surface glaze led to a plaque accumulation threshold of 0.2 µm across all resin groups. The greatest mean color change occurred in the negative control group, indicating a propensity for more staining on rougher surfaces. The Bisacryl resin exhibited higher ΔE values, whereas PMMA showed better color stability. The lowest ΔE values were found when the surface glaze was applied to all of the provisional crown resins. Untreated Bisacryl resin exhibited the lowest Ra values, while PMMA resins demonstrated superior surface morphology after polishing. PMMA provisional crown resins showed increased resistance to staining. The use of surface glaze enhanced both smoothness and color stability on the surfaces. Full article
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Review

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26 pages, 1128 KiB  
Review
Factors Affecting the Color Change of Monolithic Zirconia Ceramics: A Narrative Review
by Ebru Binici Aygün, Esra Kaynak Öztürk, Ayşe Bilge Tülü, Bilge Turhan Bal, Seçil Karakoca Nemli and Merve Bankoğlu Güngör
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020058 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 978
Abstract
Zirconia restorations are widely used in dentistry due to their high esthetic expectations and physical durability. However, zirconia’s opaque white color can compromise esthetics. Therefore, zirconia is often veneered with porcelain, but fractures may occur in the veneer layer. Monolithic zirconia restorations, which [...] Read more.
Zirconia restorations are widely used in dentistry due to their high esthetic expectations and physical durability. However, zirconia’s opaque white color can compromise esthetics. Therefore, zirconia is often veneered with porcelain, but fractures may occur in the veneer layer. Monolithic zirconia restorations, which do not require porcelain veneering and offer higher translucency, have been developed to address this issue. Zirconia exists in three main crystal phases: monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic. Metal oxides such as yttrium are added to stabilize the tetragonal phase at room temperature. 3Y-TZP contains 3 mol% yttrium and provides high mechanical strength but has poor optical properties. Recently, 4Y-PSZ and 5Y-PSZ ceramics, which offer better optical properties but lower mechanical strength, have been introduced. This review examines the factors affecting the color change in monolithic zirconia ceramics. These factors are categorized into six main groups: cement type and color, restoration thickness, substrate color, sintering, aging, and zirconia type. Cement type and color are crucial in determining the final shade, especially in thin restorations. Increased restoration thickness reduces the influence of the substrate color while the sintering temperature and process improve optical properties. These findings emphasize the importance of material selection and application processes in ensuring esthetic harmony in zirconia restorations. This review aims to bridge gaps in the literature by providing valuable insights that guide clinicians in selecting and applying zirconia materials to meet both esthetic and functional requirements in restorative dentistry. Full article
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Other

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17 pages, 1208 KiB  
Systematic Review
Revolutionizing Restorative Dentistry: The Role of Polyethylene Fiber in Biomimetic Dentin Reinforcement—Insights from In Vitro Research
by Álvaro Ferrando Cascales, Andrea Andreu Murillo, Raúl Ferrando Cascales, Rubén Agustín-Panadero, Salvatore Sauro, Carmen Martín Carreras-Presas, Ronaldo Hirata and Artiom Lijnev
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020038 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Recent advancements in biomimetic dentistry have introduced innovative materials designed to better simulate natural dentin. One such material is Ribbond®, long polyethylene fiber. It is particularly effective in absorbing and redistributing masticatory forces in teeth with substantial dentin loss. This review [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in biomimetic dentistry have introduced innovative materials designed to better simulate natural dentin. One such material is Ribbond®, long polyethylene fiber. It is particularly effective in absorbing and redistributing masticatory forces in teeth with substantial dentin loss. This review aims to analyze the literature on the biomimetic restorative technique using long polyethylene fiber and assess its benefits and indications relative to traditional cusp coverage restorations. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database until March 2024. The authors selected in vitro studies that studied long polyethylene fiber as a dentin reinforcement. Results: From 247 potentially relevant articles, eighteen studies were included in the review. A detailed analysis of the reviewed literature was summarized into three principal sections involving the use of long polyethylene fiber in restorative dentistry. Conclusions: Long polyethylene fibers improve fracture resistance and promote favorable fracture modes, helping to mitigate the shrinkage forces in composite restorations. However, their clinical significance over traditional cusp coverage is unclear. Full article
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