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Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition)
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Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 December 2026 | Viewed by 5283

Editor

Dr. Ines Despotović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Physical Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: theoretical modeling; quantum chemical calculations; bioactive coating; surface functionalization; surface characterization; structure–property relationship in dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of novel dental biomaterials, which play a crucial role in restorative and regenerative dentistry. However, there is still a growing demand for new biocompatible, durable, and highly efficient dental materials that meet the requirements of modern dentistry. The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together cutting-edge research and advances in the field of dental biomaterials. Original papers and review articles that explore the development, characterization, and application of modern biomaterials in dentistry are highly encouraged.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include but are not limited to dental coatings, composites, ceramics, adhesives, dental implants, tissue engineering approaches, and bioactive materials. In addition, papers that explore novel fabrication techniques, mechanical properties, and computational modeling of biomaterials for dental applications are also welcome.

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Dr. Ines Despotović
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials 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 2600 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

  • multifunctional dental biomaterials
  • bone tissue engineering approaches
  • mechanical behavior of dental biomaterials
  • biocompatibility
  • osteoinductivity
  • osteoconductivity
  • dental coatings
  • surface modification and surface characterization methods
  • anticorrosion protection
  • computational modeling

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 5798 KB  
Communication
Antibacterial PET-G/ZnO Composites: A New Approach to Relaxation Splint Materials in the Treatment of Bruxism
by Sandra Wąsik, Rafał Bielas, Roksana Wygoda, Mateusz Wojciechowski, Magdalena Tarnacka, Krzysztof Aniołek, Anna Mertas, Maciej Zubko, Karsten Manterys, Izabela Barszczewska-Rybarek, Stefan Baron and Małgorzata Karolus
Materials 2026, 19(14), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19143033 - 14 Jul 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Bruxism-induced wear and microbial colonization of oral splints remain significant challenges in restorative dentistry. In this study, we developed a series of antibacterial nanocomposites based on a poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PET-G) matrix incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) particles (3, 7, and 10 wt%), [...] Read more.
Bruxism-induced wear and microbial colonization of oral splints remain significant challenges in restorative dentistry. In this study, we developed a series of antibacterial nanocomposites based on a poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PET-G) matrix incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) particles (3, 7, and 10 wt%), designed for the next generation of oral appliances. The composites were fabricated via a solvent-casting method followed by thermal processing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the amorphous nature and glass transition temperature (Tg ≈ 80 °C) of the PET-G matrix remained stable, ensuring excellent processability. While a minor decrease in Shore D hardness and flexural strength (up to 15%) was observed due to filler-induced structural discontinuity, the mechanical integrity remained within clinically acceptable limits. Crucially, the PET-G/ZnO composites exhibited potent antimicrobial activity; the 7 and 10 wt% loadings achieved a 100% reduction in Streptococcus oralis viability and significant inhibition of Candida albicans. These findings demonstrate that ZnO integration provides a dual-functional advantage—maintaining the thermoplastic versatility of PET-G while introducing critical bioactive properties, positioning these materials as a superior alternative for effective long-term bruxism therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 1803 KB  
Article
Impact of Printing Orientation and Printer Type on the Accuracy of 3D-Printed Dental Splints
by Mohammed Hammamy, Neeraj Surathu, Nitish Surathu, Nathaniel C. Lawson and Andrea C. Dardashtian
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112266 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has expanded the fabrication of occlusal splints; however, the influence of printing technology and build orientation on accuracy remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of printing technology (Liquid Crystal Display [LCD] and Digital Light Processing [DLP]) and build orientation (0°, [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing has expanded the fabrication of occlusal splints; however, the influence of printing technology and build orientation on accuracy remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of printing technology (Liquid Crystal Display [LCD] and Digital Light Processing [DLP]) and build orientation (0°, 45°, and 90°) on the trueness of additively manufactured occlusal splints under standardized conditions. A maxillary occlusal splint was digitally designed from a scanned typodont and used as the reference model. Specimens (n = 10/group) were fabricated using two LCD printers (Ackuretta SOL, Phrozen Mini 8K S) and one DLP printer (SprintRay Pro 95S) with a single photopolymer resin (KeySplint Soft). All samples were printed at 100 µm layer thickness and subjected to standardized post-processing. Trueness was assessed by comparing scanned splints to the reference STL using Geomagic Control X and expressed as root mean square (RMS) values. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Printing technology and build orientation significantly affected trueness (p < 0.001), with RMS values increasing as build orientation increased, and no significant interaction between factors (p > 0.05). LCD systems demonstrated lower RMS values than the DLP system across all orientations. Within the limitations of this study, both factors influenced trueness; however, all systems produced clinically comparable results, supporting the use of LCD technology as a cost-effective option for occlusal splint fabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 1719 KB  
Article
Debonding Behavior of Resin-Cemented Attachment-Housing Denture-Base Complexes Under Cyclic Mechanical Loading
by Evangelos V. Skondras, Savvas N. Kamalakidis, Eftychia Skondra, Antonios Bouzakis, Lambrini Papadopoulou, Eleana Kontonasaki and Olga Naka
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112246 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Implant-supported overdentures improve denture retention and patient satisfaction, but debonding of attachment housings from the denture base remains a frequent prosthetic complication. This in vitro study evaluated the influence of attachment-housing and denture-base materials on debonding occurrence and maximum tensile force in resin-cemented [...] Read more.
Implant-supported overdentures improve denture retention and patient satisfaction, but debonding of attachment housings from the denture base remains a frequent prosthetic complication. This in vitro study evaluated the influence of attachment-housing and denture-base materials on debonding occurrence and maximum tensile force in resin-cemented attachment housing denture-base complexes subjected to cyclic mechanical loading. Thirty standardized specimens were digitally designed and fabricated from three denture-base materials—polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (n = 12), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (n = 12), and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) (n = 6)—and combined with either titanium or PEEK attachment housings, which were bonded with a dual-polymerized resin cement. The specimens were subjected to 1100 cycles of alternating tensile and compressive loading, and debonding occurrence and maximum tensile force were recorded. Debonding occurred in 60% of the specimens and differed significantly among denture base materials. No debond-ing was observed in the Co-Cr specimens, whereas debonding occurred in 75% of the PMMA and PEEK specimens. The Co-Cr specimens also demonstrated significantly higher maximum tensile force values than the PMMA and PEEK groups, while regarding the attachment-housing material, no significant main effect was detected. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the denture-base material, fabrication, and surface treatment combinations significantly influenced debonding and tensile force during cyclic loading, whereas the attachment-housing material did not demonstrate a significant main effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 5615 KB  
Article
Toothbrush Resistance of Resin-Based Stain and Glaze Materials Applied to 3D-Printed Denture Resins
by Panisa Homyai, Ting-Chia Liu, Princy Thakkar, Chin-Chuan Fu, Nathaniel C. Lawson and Rama Kiran Chavali
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112190 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed dentures are often fabricated from a single tooth-colored resin and externally characterized using stains and glaze coatings to enhance gingival esthetics and surface properties. However, routine toothbrushing may degrade these coatings, potentially affecting surface gloss and roughness. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed dentures are often fabricated from a single tooth-colored resin and externally characterized using stains and glaze coatings to enhance gingival esthetics and surface properties. However, routine toothbrushing may degrade these coatings, potentially affecting surface gloss and roughness. This study evaluated the effects of stain timing and glaze application on the gloss and surface roughness of a 3D-printed denture resin following simulated toothbrushing. Eighty disc-shaped specimens (12 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated and assigned to two staining systems (OPTIGLAZE Color and Palette 2.0), with subgroups based on stain timing (before or after post-curing) and glaze application (with or without glaze) (n = 10). Specimens underwent 20,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing, and gloss and surface roughness were measured before and after brushing. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Glaze application significantly improved gloss retention for both staining systems (p < 0.001), while stain timing had no independent effect. Glaze application with Palette 2.0 demonstrated improved gloss retention when post-cured in a post-curing unit. Toothbrushing increased surface roughness in all groups, with no significant effects of stain timing or glaze. Within the limitations of this study, glaze improves gloss stability, whereas stain timing has minimal influence and does not affect surface roughness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 2832 KB  
Article
Do Collagenated Xenogenic Bone Substitutes Enhance Gingival Healing and Angiogenesis Through a Barrier Membrane? An In Vitro Study
by Jean-Hugues Catherine, Charlotte Jeanneau, Romain Iasio, Romain Lan, Thomas Giraud and Imad About
Materials 2026, 19(4), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040680 - 10 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 789
Abstract
Research in implant dentistry has predominantly focused on bone regeneration, osseous volume maintenance, and successful osseointegration. However, soft tissue healing, which influences implant functional sealing, long-term stability, and esthetic integration, remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of three xenogenic bone substitutes on [...] Read more.
Research in implant dentistry has predominantly focused on bone regeneration, osseous volume maintenance, and successful osseointegration. However, soft tissue healing, which influences implant functional sealing, long-term stability, and esthetic integration, remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of three xenogenic bone substitutes on gingival healing in vitro. Three experimental groups were established using extracts from bone substitutes diffusing through the OsteoBiol® Evolution collagen membrane: two collagenated substitutes, OsteoBiol® Gen-Os® (Gen-Os) and OsteoBiol® GTO® (GTO), and one inorganic substitute, Bio-Oss® (Bio-Oss). The substitutes were prepared in test tubes, and the extracts diffusing through the collagen membrane were used to evaluate human gingival cell (hGC) proliferation (MTT assay), migration (scratch assay), and growth factor release (ELISA). Angiogenic potential was assessed by endothelial cell proliferation, recruitment (Boyden chambers), and organization (Matrigel® assays). The indirect interaction between stimulated gingival cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) was investigated by analyzing hMSC recruitment and osteogenic BMP-2 secretion. Collagenated GTO and Gen-Os significantly enhanced hGC proliferation and migration in the scratch assay, with 1.8-fold and 1.6-fold increases, respectively, compared to control. All three substitutes enhanced neoangiogenesis in vitro. VEGF and FGF-2 secretion was significantly higher with GTO, showing 5-fold and 5.7-fold increases, respectively, resulting in a 3.7-fold increase in tube formation compared to control. Collagenated materials promoted hMSC recruitment, whereas BMP-2 secretion was not affected by any material. The observed effects were higher with the collagenated Gen-Os and GTO, with 2.5-fold and 2.8-fold increases, respectively, than with the non-collagenated Bio-Oss, which showed a 1.5-fold increase. These findings demonstrate that collagenated bone substitutes enhance gingival healing and angiogenic potential through barrier membranes and confirm that stimulated gingival cells indirectly promote hMSC recruitment, indicating that bone substitute effects extend beyond bone regeneration to include soft tissue healing and inter-tissue communication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 3214 KB  
Article
Dimensional Accuracy of Regular- and Fast-Setting Vinyl Polysiloxane Impressions Using Customized Metal and Plastic Trays—An In Vitro Study
by Moritz Waldecker, Karla Jetter, Stefan Rues, Peter Rammelsberg and Andreas Zenthöfer
Materials 2025, 18(9), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18092164 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the dimensional accuracy of vinyl polysiloxane impressions differing in terms of curing time (regular-setting (RS) or fast-setting (FS)) in combination with different tray materials (metal (M) and plastic (P)). A typodont reference model simulated a [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to compare the dimensional accuracy of vinyl polysiloxane impressions differing in terms of curing time (regular-setting (RS) or fast-setting (FS)) in combination with different tray materials (metal (M) and plastic (P)). A typodont reference model simulated a partially edentulous maxilla. Reference points were given by center points of either precision balls welded to specific teeth or finishing-line centers of prepared teeth. These reference points enabled the detection of dimensional deviations between the digitized reference and the scans of the models achieved from the study impressions. Twenty impressions were made for each of the following four test groups: RS-M, RS-P, FS-M and FS-P. Global scan data accuracy was measured by distance and tooth axis deviations from the reference, while local accuracy was determined based on the trueness and precision of the abutment tooth surfaces. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA accompanied by pairwise Tukey post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Most of the distances tended to be underestimated. Global accuracy was favorable; even for long distances, the mean absolute distance deviations were < 100 µm. Local accuracy was excellent for all test groups, with trueness ≤ 11 µm and precision ≤ 9 µm. Within the limitations of this study, all impression and tray materials were suitable to fabricate models with clinically acceptable accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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Review

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11 pages, 387 KB  
Review
Potential Cytotoxicity of Orthodontic Aligners in the Oral Environment: A Scoping Review
by Joanna Laskowska, Anna Paradowska-Stolarz and Marcin Mikulewicz
Materials 2026, 19(9), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091774 - 27 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 743
Abstract
Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is increasingly popular due to aesthetic and functional advantages. Recent advances allow direct 3D printing of aligners, raising questions about their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility under intraoral conditions. Objectives: To review and synthesize current evidence on the cytotoxicity and [...] Read more.
Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is increasingly popular due to aesthetic and functional advantages. Recent advances allow direct 3D printing of aligners, raising questions about their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility under intraoral conditions. Objectives: To review and synthesize current evidence on the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of 3D-printed and thermoformable orthodontic aligners, and to identify factors affecting cellular responses. Eligibility criteria: Original research published from 2021 to 2026 evaluating the safety of orthodontic aligners; conference abstracts, editorials, and review papers were excluded. Sources of evidence: Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library; search terms “aligner” AND “biocompatibility”; last search conducted on 31 January 2026. Charting methods: Data on authors, publication year, material type, experimental model, cytotoxicity assessment (extraction solvent, incubation period, cell line, and cell exposure), and main results were extracted independently by two reviewers. Results: Fourteen in vitro studies were included, seven on thermoformable aligners and seven on directly 3D-printed aligners; no clinical trials were identified. Material composition, post-processing, and oral environmental factors influenced cytotoxicity. Some materials exhibited acceptable biocompatibility, whereas others showed varying cytotoxic effects, indicating inconsistencies across studies. Conclusions: Directly 3D-printed and thermoformable aligners show potential for safe intraoral use, but evidence is limited to in vitro studies. Further standardized in vitro and in vivo research is needed to reliably assess cytotoxicity and ensure patient safety before widespread clinical implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))
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