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Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications
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Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 4425

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Özkurt Kayahan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
Interests: prosthodontics; dental materials; esthetic dentistry; zirconia; 3D printing
Prof. Dr. Ender Kazazoglu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
Interests: fixed prosthodontics; removable prosthodontics; dental materials; implantology; 3D Printing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over recent decades, continuous advancements and important changes have occurred in the clinical applications of polymer-based materials in dentistry. These materials have received increased attention and play a major role in different aspects of dentistry, such as preventive, restorative, and regenerative treatments. The increased use of engineering and nanotechnology in medicine and dentistry has led to the development of improved polymers for dental applications. The recent advancements, fabrication technology, and implementation of polymer-based materials in dentistry are the subject of this Special Issue, titled “Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications”. I invite you to submit original articles or review papers on any subject related to polymers in dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Özkurt Kayahan
Prof. Dr. Ender Kazazoglu
Guest Editors

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

  • polymers
  • 3D-printed resins
  • restorative treatments
  • preventive treatments
  • regenerative treatments

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 9330 KB  
Article
Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Acid Resistance of 3D-Printed Provisional Restorations Under Simulated Gastroesophageal Reflux Conditions
by Khanaphan Lebkrut, Atikom Surintanasarn, Tool Sriamporn, Awiruth Klaisiri, Taweesak Boonsod, Supachai Yanarueng, Kanoktip Boonkerd and Niyom Thamrongananskul
Polymers 2026, 18(7), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18070865 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Recurrent acidic exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) accelerates the degradation of provisional restorative materials, whereas approaches to enhance the acid resistance of 3D-printed restorations remain inadequately characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) incorporation on [...] Read more.
Recurrent acidic exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) accelerates the degradation of provisional restorative materials, whereas approaches to enhance the acid resistance of 3D-printed restorations remain inadequately characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) incorporation on the surface properties and acid resistance of 3D-printed provisional restorative materials under simulated gastroesophageal reflux conditions. GO was synthesized using the Hummers’ method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. XRD analysis demonstrated a pronounced shift in the characteristic peak (2θ) from 26° to 12°, consistent with an expansion of interlayer spacing after oxidation. FTIR confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, and epoxy), while Raman spectroscopy identified the characteristic D and G bands, confirming successful GO synthesis. Temporary Crown & Bridge resin (TC100) was modified with GO at six concentrations (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %) using a planetary ball milling technique. Standardized 3D-printed specimens (n = 24 per group) were fabricated. Surface roughness and Vickers microhardness were measured before and after 45 h of immersion in simulated gastric acid (pH 2). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). After acid exposure, the control group (0 wt % GO) exhibited significant surface deterioration, showing the highest surface roughness and a marked reduction in hardness (p < 0.05). Conversely, GO-modified groups demonstrated a concentration-dependent improvement in resistance to acid-induced degradation. The 0.5 wt % GO group showed the most favorable performance, maintaining both surface roughness and hardness with no significant difference from baseline values (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that GO incorporation enhances the surface integrity and acid resistance of 3D-printed provisional resins, with 0.5 wt % identified as the optimal concentration for minimizing acid-induced surface deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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16 pages, 1761 KB  
Article
Effects of Gastric Acid and Antiacid Medications on Surface Roughness, Morphology, and Optical Properties of Resin-Based Materials
by Ezgi Tüter Bayraktar, Ayşe Aslı Şenol, Elif Alkan, Bengü Doğu Kaya and Dilek Tağtekin
Polymers 2026, 18(6), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18060756 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 419
Abstract
Effects of gastric acid and antiacid medications on the surface and optical properties of resin-based restorative materials were evaluated. A hybrid-CAD/CAM block, a 3D-printed resin, a paste-type composite, and a flowable composite were investigated (n = 9). Samples were prepared (1 mm thickness) [...] Read more.
Effects of gastric acid and antiacid medications on the surface and optical properties of resin-based restorative materials were evaluated. A hybrid-CAD/CAM block, a 3D-printed resin, a paste-type composite, and a flowable composite were investigated (n = 9). Samples were prepared (1 mm thickness) and polished. All samples were exposed to gastric acid for 6 days, followed by a second exposure to distilled water, antiacid medication, or gastric acid for 56 min. Surface roughness, translucency, and fluorescence were assessed at baseline (T0), after gastric acid exposure (T1), and after the second exposure (T2). Surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed with a significance level of p < 0.05. Gastric acid exposure caused a significant increase in surface roughness and a significant reduction in translucency in all materials (p < 0.05). CAD/CAM and paste-type composites exhibited significantly higher roughness values than the 3D-printed and flowable composites (p < 0.001). Fluorescence changes were observed in all groups, but the highest ΔE00 values were observed in the 3D-printed and flowable composites (p < 0.001). Gastric acid adversely affected the surface and optical properties of resin-based restorative materials, while antiacid medication showed limited, material-dependent protective effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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20 pages, 2033 KB  
Article
Effect of Preheating of Resin Luting Materials on Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Intraradicular Dentin
by Burcu Dikici, Nazlı Şirinsükan, Emre Alp Tüzüner and Esra Can
Polymers 2026, 18(4), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040444 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 447
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating on the push-out bond strength (PBS) and microhardness (HV) of fiber-reinforced flowable and injectable composites and to compare them with dual-cure resin–cement for post cementation. Fifty premolars were endodontically treated, and post spaces were [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating on the push-out bond strength (PBS) and microhardness (HV) of fiber-reinforced flowable and injectable composites and to compare them with dual-cure resin–cement for post cementation. Fifty premolars were endodontically treated, and post spaces were prepared. Specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10) based on the resin luting material. After adhesive application, fiber posts were luted with dual-cure resin–cement (LinkForce), fiber-reinforced flowable composites (EverX Flow; non-heated/preheated), and injectable composites (G-aenial Universal Injectable; non-heated/preheated). After 24 h, roots were sectioned (coronal, middle, apical) for PBS testing (Instron). For HV, 10 specimens per resin luting material were prepared, and top/bottom microhardness was measured to assess the depth of cure. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (p < 0.05). Both types of resin luting material and preheating significantly affected PBS and HV (p = 0.0001). Preheated EverX Flow showed significantly higher PBS and HV than LinkForce, while G-aenial Injectable exhibited the lowest values (p < 0.05). Within each resin luting material, PBS significantly decreased from the coronal to the apical region (p = 0.0001). Preheated fiber-reinforced flowable composites demonstrate improved microhardness and adhesion, offering a reliable alternative to the dual-cure resin–cements for fiber post cementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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13 pages, 1834 KB  
Article
Effect of pH and Temperature on the Surface Roughness of 3D-Printed and Milled Dental Hybrid Resin–Ceramic
by Seelassaya Leelaponglit, Awiruth Klaisiri, Chayanit Angkananuwat and Nantawan Krajangta
Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3308; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243308 - 14 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 696
Abstract
Chemical and thermal shifts in the oral cavity can damage the surface of 3D-printed hybrid resin–ceramic materials, and research on these effects is still limited. This study investigated the effects of pH and temperature variations on the surface roughness (Ra) of two milled [...] Read more.
Chemical and thermal shifts in the oral cavity can damage the surface of 3D-printed hybrid resin–ceramic materials, and research on these effects is still limited. This study investigated the effects of pH and temperature variations on the surface roughness (Ra) of two milled materials, a resin nanoceramic (Cerasmart®; CS) and a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic®; EN), and a 3D-printed (VarseoSmile Crown plus®; VS) material. A total of 135 rectangular specimens (12 × 14 × 2 mm), 45 per material, were aged for 30 days under acidic (pH 5), alkaline (pH 9), cold (5 °C), and hot (60 °C) conditions, with neutral (pH 7, 37 °C) as a control. Ra was measured before and after aging using an optical micro-coordinate system. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test assessed the effects of material type and aging condition. Paired t-tests evaluated changes over time. Variations in pH did not significantly increase Ra for any materials. Cold and hot temperatures increased Ra for the milled materials (p < 0.001). VS showed greater stability than the milled materials (CS and EN) despite its higher Ra both before and after aging under all conditions. All Ra values remained below the clinical threshold for biofilm accumulation (0.2 µm) under all conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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17 pages, 5520 KB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of Plant Antimicrobials Against Candida albicans Biofilm on Denture Base Materials: A Comparison with Chemical Denture Cleansers
by Nurdan Polat Sagsoz, Figen Orhan, Ozlem Baris and Omer Sagsoz
Polymers 2025, 17(21), 2869; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17212869 - 28 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1442
Abstract
Denture hygiene is crucial for preventing oral infections, with Candida albicans being a common fungal pathogen that can colonize denture surfaces. This in vitro study evaluated the adherence of C. albicans on two denture base materials—polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—and assessed the antifungal [...] Read more.
Denture hygiene is crucial for preventing oral infections, with Candida albicans being a common fungal pathogen that can colonize denture surfaces. This in vitro study evaluated the adherence of C. albicans on two denture base materials—polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—and assessed the antifungal efficacy of various chemical and natural cleansers. A total of 100 polished specimens were inoculated with C. albicans and treated with chemical agents (Listerine at 2%, 20%, 50%; Corega®, Block Drug Company, Jersey City, NJ, USA); Protefix®, Queisser Pharma, Flensburg, Germany and natural products (15% apple vinegar, 2% tea tree oil, 2% peppermint oil) for different durations (5, 15, 30, 480 min). Chlorhexidine (2%) and untreated samples served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Corega® and 15% vinegar eliminated C. albicans within 5 min on both materials. 50% Listerine was effective after 5 min on PMMA but required 480 min on polyamide. Protefix® showed full efficacy in 5 min on PMMA and 30 min on polyamide. Tea tree oil required 30–480 min for activity, while peppermint oil showed minimal effect throughout. Under the tested conditions, Corega® appeared most effective. Natural cleansers, particularly vinegar and tea tree oil, also showed considerable anticandidal potential, suggesting they may serve as alternative agents for denture hygiene applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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Review

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24 pages, 1404 KB  
Review
Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: Evolution, Technologies, and Clinical Application
by Citra Dewi Sahrir, Chin-Wei Wang, Yung-Kang Shen and Wei-Chun Lin
Polymers 2026, 18(7), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18070785 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has become increasingly integrated into dentistry because of its high precision, efficiency, and ability to fabricate patient-specific devices. This review comprehensively discusses the historical development of 3D printing and outlines the fundamental principles of [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has become increasingly integrated into dentistry because of its high precision, efficiency, and ability to fabricate patient-specific devices. This review comprehensively discusses the historical development of 3D printing and outlines the fundamental principles of the most widely used technologies in dentistry, including stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and liquid crystal display (LCD). These technologies enable the accurate and efficient fabrication of dental models, crowns, bridges, dentures, surgical guides, orthodontic appliances, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Current clinical applications are systematically summarized across major dental disciplines, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Despite existing challenges, such as limited long-term clinical data for certain materials, high initial equipment costs, and post-processing requirements, 3D printing offers substantial advantages in terms of customization, workflow efficiency, and clinical predictability of the final product. Future developments in advanced biomaterials, artificial intelligence-assisted workflows, bioprinting, and four-dimensional (4D) printing are expected to further expand the role of additive manufacturing in personalized and regenerative dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Dental Applications)
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