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Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 January 2026) | Viewed by 10844

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Guest Editor
Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Interests: nano surface; surface analyses; biocompatibilty; composites; ceramics; metal and alloys; implants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are currently inviting submissions to this Special Issue, titled “Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials”. The mechanical properties of dental materials play a crucial role in determining the longevity and performance of dental restorations. Attributes such as durability, strength, wear resistance, and biocompatibility are essential for withstanding the forces of mastication and the harsh oral environment.

We welcome the submission of manuscripts that explore the mechanical properties of materials used in dental restorations, including, but not limited to, amalgam, composites, ceramics, and alloys. Topics of interest include tensile strength, compressive strength, elasticity, fatigue resistance, and thermal expansion coefficients, as well as their impact on the performance and longevity of dental materials.

We encourage authors to submit original research, review articles, and case studies that contribute to our understanding of how mechanical properties influence the clinical success of dental restorations. Submissions that address the relationship between mechanical properties and biocompatibility are particularly welcome.

We look forward to receiving your manuscripts and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this important area of dental materials science.

Dr. Rodrigo França
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • tensile strength
  • shear bond strength
  • Young’s modulus
  • ductility
  • wear resistance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1328 KB  
Article
Effect of Ultrasonic Condensation Time on Void Formation and Microhardness of Well-RootTM PT Apical Plugs in 3D-Printed Immature Teeth
by Krasimir Hristov and Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova
Materials 2025, 18(21), 4835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18214835 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 632
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying durations of ultrasonic condensation on the formation of internal and external voids and the microhardness of apical plugs created with premixed bioceramic putty Well-RootTM PT in standardized 3D-printed immature permanent teeth using [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying durations of ultrasonic condensation on the formation of internal and external voids and the microhardness of apical plugs created with premixed bioceramic putty Well-RootTM PT in standardized 3D-printed immature permanent teeth using micro-CT imaging and Vickers microhardness testing. Methods: Forty-eight 3D-printed upper incisors with simulated open apices (2 mm canal diameter) were divided into four groups (n = 12 each) based on apical plug condensation technique as follows: Group 1 (control, manual condensation), Group 2 (3-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz), Group 3 (9-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz), and Group 4 (15-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz). Well-RootTM PT was used to form 5 mm apical plugs under a microscope. Samples were stored at 37 °C and 100% humidity for one week. Micro-CT imaging was used to quantify internal, external, and total void volumes (% of total material volume), while microhardness was measured using a Vickers tester (1 kgf load, 10 s) on polished apical plug sections. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: Group 4 (15-s Ultrasonic) exhibited significantly higher external and total void volumes compared to Groups 1–3 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences in internal voids across groups (p > 0.05). Microhardness was highest in Group 1 (mean VHN: 76.95 ± 3.73), followed by Group 2 (73.11 ± 4.82), Group 3 (55.11 ± 5.28), and Group 4 (51.25 ± 7.73) (p < 0.05). Shorter ultrasonic durations (3-s Ultrasonic) resulted in fewer voids and higher microhardness compared to longer durations (15-s Ultrasonic). There was no statistically significant difference in void size among the groups compared (p > 0.05). Fractal dimension analysis showed that prolonged ultrasonic condensation results in less complex voids compared to shorter activation. Conclusion: Manual condensation of premixed bioceramic putty, by promoting denser particle packing without ultrasonic-induced disruptions, leads to higher microhardness. Brief ultrasonic activation (3-s Ultrasonic) optimizes the quality of Well-RootTM PT apical plugs by minimizing voids and maintaining higher microhardness, thus enhancing the apical seal. Prolonged ultrasonic activation (15-s Ultrasonic) increases void formation and reduces microhardness, potentially compromising the long-term integrity of the apical barrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 517 KB  
Article
Influence of Human Blood Contamination on Microhardness of Glass-Ionomer Cements and Glass-Hybrid Material
by Katarina Franić, Ana Brundić, Jurica Matijević, Ana Ivanišević, Ivana Miletić and Anja Baraba
Materials 2025, 18(17), 4075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174075 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 873
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human blood contamination, before and after hardening of the materials, on microhardness of high-viscosity Fuji IX GP Extra (Fuji IX) and resin-modified Fuji II LC (Fuji II) glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and glass-hybrid [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human blood contamination, before and after hardening of the materials, on microhardness of high-viscosity Fuji IX GP Extra (Fuji IX) and resin-modified Fuji II LC (Fuji II) glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and glass-hybrid material EQUIA Forte HT (EQUIA), with and without protective coating EQUIA Forte Coat (Coat), before and after thermocycling. Four groups (n = 40): 1. Fuji IX; 2. Fuji II; 3. EQUIA and 4. EQUIA + Coat were further subdivided into 3 subgroups: (1) Control; (2) blood contamination before hardening; (3) blood contamination after hardening, resulting in a total of 12 groups of 10 samples each. Samples were prepared using teflon molds (5 mm × 2 mm). Microhardness was measured using a Vickers microhardness tester before and after thermocycling (10,000 cycles), and data were statistically analyzed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA, Scheffe’s test). In the control groups, the highest microhardness was measured for EQUIA+Coat before thermocycling (70.71 ± 8.79) and after thermocycling (68.6 ± 7.65). Within the groups exposed to blood after hardening, the highest microhardness was recorded in the thermocycled EQUIA+Coat group (73.07 ± 8.85). Blood contamination before hardening negatively affected the microhardness of Fuji II, Fuji IX, and EQUIA+Coat. Exposure to blood after hardening increased the microhardness of Fuji IX and EQUIA, thermocycled Fuji IX and thermocycled EQUIA + Coat samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 1143 KB  
Article
Adaptation and Bonding of Bulk-Fill Composites in Deep Preparations
by Juman Al-Haddad, Nafiseh Najmafshar, Andre V. Ritter and Alireza Sadr
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163790 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2892
Abstract
Polymerization shrinkage in resin-based composites can lead to gap formation at the tooth–restoration interface, potentially compromising the long-term success of restorations. Bulk-fill composites have been developed to reduce shrinkage stress, but their adaptation and bond strength—especially in deep cavities—remain areas of concern. This [...] Read more.
Polymerization shrinkage in resin-based composites can lead to gap formation at the tooth–restoration interface, potentially compromising the long-term success of restorations. Bulk-fill composites have been developed to reduce shrinkage stress, but their adaptation and bond strength—especially in deep cavities—remain areas of concern. This study investigated the adaptation and bond strength of a newly developed dual-cure bulk-fill composite in 4 mm deep preparations compared to light-cured and self-adhesive bulk-fill composites in six groups. Standard composite molds were used to observe and measure sealed floor area (SFA%) of the composite after the polymerization process under optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) testing was conducted in extracted human teeth. OCT showed that the prototype dual-cure composites had the lowest gap formation during polymerization (SFA 91%), while the self-adhesive composite demonstrated the highest debonding from the cavity floor (SFA 26%, p < 0.001). For MTBS analysis, the lowest mean bond strength was recorded for the self-adhesive composite (~21 MPa) and the highest for a light-cured bulk-fill (~50 MPa, p < 0.05). Overall, the dual-cure bulk-fill composites exhibited less gap formation than the light-cured ones. The prototype dual-cure material with 90 s waiting before light-curing showed the best adaptation. However, these differences were not reflected in the bond strength values to the cavity floor dentin using the universal adhesive used in the current study, as the light-cured composite showed the highest bond strength values. The self-adhesive composite showed the poorest results in both experiments, indicating that the application of a bonding system is still necessary for better adaptation and bonding to the cavity floor dentin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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13 pages, 1089 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Oral Mucosa Elastomers for a 3D Oral Simulation Model
by Joana Mendes, José Manuel Mendes, Lara Coelho, Carlos Aroso, Aritza Brizuela-Velasco, José L. Esteves and Maria Cristina Manzanares-Céspedes
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112490 - 26 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1331
Abstract
(1) Background: In order to conduct in vitro studies regarding muco-supported dentures, it is necessary to have a simulation model that simulates the oral mucosa, as it is the main influencing factor for their retention and stabilisation. The aim of this study is [...] Read more.
(1) Background: In order to conduct in vitro studies regarding muco-supported dentures, it is necessary to have a simulation model that simulates the oral mucosa, as it is the main influencing factor for their retention and stabilisation. The aim of this study is to perform tensile and wettability tests in three different elastomers to identify the best material for simulating the oral mucosa. (2) Methods: A tensile test was performed according to ISO 527-1 and a compressive test was performed according to ISO 604:2002, at a constant speed of 10 mm/min. The E-modulus was calculated. A wettability test was performed according to ISO 19403-2. Shore A hardness was measured according to ISO 868:2003. All values were compared with the oral mucosa data. (3) Results: Tensile E-modulus calculation revealed no significant difference between Molloplast® B and EXA’lenceTM Light Body. The mean drop angle calculation revealed no significant difference between Ufi Gel® SC and Molloplast® B. The compression E-modulus showed significant differences for Ufi Gel® SC and EXA’lenceTM Light Body, while Molloplast® B showed no significant deviation. Ufi Gel® SC has a similar Shore A hardness to the other materials. (4) Conclusions: Molloplast® B and Ufi Gel® SC are the most similar elastomers to the alveolar mucosa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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14 pages, 11689 KB  
Article
Compression Behavior of Dental Flowable Composites—Digital Image Correlation and Numerical Analysis
by Agnieszka Chojnacka-Brożek, Aneta Liber-Kneć and Sylwia Łagan
Materials 2024, 17(23), 5853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235853 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2275
Abstract
In the development of restorative materials, it is important to evaluate the elastic properties of the material in order to achieve good clinical results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compression behavior of two dental flowable materials (EverX Flow and [...] Read more.
In the development of restorative materials, it is important to evaluate the elastic properties of the material in order to achieve good clinical results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compression behavior of two dental flowable materials (EverX Flow and Flow-Art) using experimental methods and numerical simulation. The Poisson’s ratio was determined using two methods of strain measurement: the electrical strain gauge method (ESG) and digital image correlation (DIC). Material constants determined in experimental studies were implemented in a numerical model, and displacement analysis was conducted using the finite element method (FEM). The tests showed higher compressive strength and modulus of elasticity for EverX Flow compared to Flow-Art. The values of the Poisson’s ratio were similar for both measurement methods, ranging from 0.27 to 0.28 for EverX Flow and from 0.30 to 0.32 for Flow-Art. This demonstrated the feasibility of the DIC method for obtaining the Poisson’s ratio values for this type of composites. Compression test conditions were reproduced in the numerical analysis. The obtained distributions of the displacement field on the surface of the sample from the DIC and numerical analyses were compared. A good match was observed between DIC displacement measurements and displacement values obtained in FEM analysis. The comprehensive approach used in the study allows us to analyze whether the results obtained in the numerical simulation correspond to the material response to the applied load and validate the model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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13 pages, 2186 KB  
Article
An Approach to Improve Specimen Processing for the Flexural Strength Testing of Zirconia
by Nashib Pandey, Sabrina Karlin, Michael Marc Bornstein and Nadja Rohr
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143479 - 14 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
Measuring the flexural strength of restorative materials such as zirconia is crucial for providing proper indications for clinical applications and predicting performance. Great variations in specimen preparation for flexural strength measurements exist among laboratories. The aim was to evaluate how the processing method, [...] Read more.
Measuring the flexural strength of restorative materials such as zirconia is crucial for providing proper indications for clinical applications and predicting performance. Great variations in specimen preparation for flexural strength measurements exist among laboratories. The aim was to evaluate how the processing method, surface treatment, and test method of the specimens affect the flexural strength of zirconia. Zirconia specimens (VITA YZ HT) (n = 270) were processed using CAD/CAM or were conventionally milled with three different surface treatments (machined, ground, polished) and were measured with three-point bending (non-chamfered/chamfered) or biaxial flexural strength test. Weibull statistics were conducted. The mean flexural strength values ranged from 612 MPa (conventional, machined, three-point bending non-chamfered) to 1143 MPa (CAD/CAM, polished, biaxial flexural strength). The highest reliability is achieved when specimens are prepared using thoroughly controllable processing with CAD/CAM and subsequently polished. Higher strength values are achieved with the biaxial flexural strength test method because the stress concentration in relation to the effective volume is smaller. Polishing reduces surface microcracks and therefore increases the strength values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials)
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