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Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2025) | Viewed by 5339

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Operative Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: resin composites; CAD/CAM; polymers; aesthetic dentsitry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: endodontics; pediatric dentistry; restorative dentistry; esthetic dentistry; clinical dentistry; root canal treatment; dental caries; dental materials; composite resins; dental education; aesthetic dentistry; periodontology; teeth whitening; periodontics and oral pathology; fixed prosthodontics; dental prosthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Operative Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: composite resins; dental materials; restorative dentistry; operative dentistry; dental cariesc; teeth whitening; preventive dentistry; dental biomaterials; cariology; laser in dentistry; adhesives; conservative dentistry; glass Ionomer cements; tooth erosion; tooth bleaching; bleaching agents; fluoride
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the most evolutionary fields in Dentistry is the area of dental materials. The development of polymer restorative materials produced aesthetic restorations with minimal cutbacks of dental tissue. The mixing of organic monomers with inorganic fine glass-reinforced fillers produced dental materials with strong, highly polished, durable aesthetic materials. In addition to the first-introduced polymer restorative materials, more choices were added to the armamentarium of the clinician. Flowable resin or packable resin composites, CAD/CAM resin and resin-ceramics blocks, and bulk fill resin composites were well adapted to the remaining dental tissues and, along with the adhesive systems, were able to provide dental restorations with high survival rates. Research on dental polymer materials and their application is a demanding field which will have an impact on their further development. This Special Issue aims to report on high-quality research on the recent progress of polymers in the field of Dentistry.

Dr. Petros Mourouzis
Dr. Arhakis Aristidis
Dr. Dimitrios Dionysopoulos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dental materials
  • restorative materials
  • Flowable resin
  • packable resin composites

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 607 KB  
Article
Shear Bond Strength of Biointeractive Restorative Materials to NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine
by Zübeyde Uçar Gündoğar, Gül Keskin and Merve Yaman Küçükersen
Polymers 2025, 17(22), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17223070 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Background: The bonding compatibility between calcium silicate-based bioceramic cements and restorative materials is critical for long-term success in pediatric dentistry. This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) of contemporary biointeractive restorative materials to two widely used bioceramics, NeoMTA Plus (NM) and Biodentine [...] Read more.
Background: The bonding compatibility between calcium silicate-based bioceramic cements and restorative materials is critical for long-term success in pediatric dentistry. This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) of contemporary biointeractive restorative materials to two widely used bioceramics, NeoMTA Plus (NM) and Biodentine (BD). Methods: Eighty acrylic resin blocks with standardized cavities were filled with either NM or BD (n = 40 each) and subdivided into four restorative groups: nanohybrid composite (Filtek Ultimate), giomer (Beautifil II), bioactive restorative (Activa BioActive Restorative), and high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (Fuji IX GP Extra) (n = 10 each). All restorations followed a standardized etch-and-bond protocol. SBS was measured using a universal testing machine, and failure modes were assessed under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD (p < 0.05). Results: BD exhibited significantly higher SBS values than NM (p < 0.001). In the BD group, Filtek Ultimate and Beautifil II achieved the highest and statistically comparable SBS, outperforming Activa BioActive Restorative and Fuji IX GP Extra (p < 0.05). In the NM group, no significant differences were found among materials. Adhesive failures predominated in NM (85%), while BD showed more cohesive failures (50%). Conclusions: Biodentine demonstrated superior bonding stability to restorative materials, with composite resin and giomer performing best. Giomer’s bioactivity and ion release make it a viable alternative to composite resin in suitable clinical contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1215 KB  
Article
Effect of Acidic Environment and Tooth Brushing on the Color and Translucency of 3D-Printed Ceramic-Reinforced Composite Resins for Indirect Restorations and Hybrid Prostheses
by Sarah M. Alnafaiy, Nawaf Labban, Alhanoof Saleh Aldegheishem, Saleh Alhijji, Refal Saad Albaijan, Saad Saleh AlResayes, Rafa Abdulrahman Alsultan, Abeer Mohammed Alrossais and Rahaf Farhan Alanazi
Polymers 2025, 17(20), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17202772 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 764
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of acidic environment and tooth brushing on the color stability and translucency of stained 3D-printed ceramic-reinforced composite (CRC) resins for indirect restorations and hybrid prostheses. Twelve specimens were prepared from each 3D-printing resin material: Ceramic Crown (CC), OnX [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effect of acidic environment and tooth brushing on the color stability and translucency of stained 3D-printed ceramic-reinforced composite (CRC) resins for indirect restorations and hybrid prostheses. Twelve specimens were prepared from each 3D-printing resin material: Ceramic Crown (CC), OnX (ONX), and Tough 2 (T2), and one CAD/CAM milling resin, Lava Ultimate (LU). After preparation, all specimens were stained, then immersed in either water or citric acid. Subsequently, the specimens underwent simulated tooth brushing for 3650 cycles. Color stability (ΔE) and translucency parameter (TP) were measured using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, post hoc Tukey tests, and independent Student t-tests (α = 0.05). Material type, immersion medium, and their interaction did not significantly influence the mean ΔE (p > 0.05). The lowest ΔE value was for LU in acid (ΔE = 1.11 ± 0.39), and the highest for T2 in water (ΔE = 2.09 ± 1.47). Except for ONX and LU in acid, all materials had ΔE values above the perceptibility threshold (ΔE = 1.2). The mean TP was significantly affected by material type, immersion medium, and their interaction (p < 0.05). The lowest TP value was for group CC in acid (0.91 ± 0.26); the highest was for group LU in acid (6.24 ± 0.56). After immersion and subsequent tooth brushing, TP values decreased for all materials. Exposure to an acidic environment and tooth brushing did not affect color stability but significantly reduced translucency. Both the 3D-printed CRCs and milled resin material displayed comparable color stability below clinically acceptable thresholds, though the translucency of 3D-printed materials remained lower compared to milled material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1808 KB  
Article
Effect of Simulated Gastric Acid on Surface Characteristics and Color Stability of Hybrid CAD/CAM Materials
by Handan Yıldırım-Işık and Mediha Büyükgöze-Dindar
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192591 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 745
Abstract
Hybrid computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials have gained prominence in restorative dentistry due to their advantageous mechanical and esthetic properties; however, their long-term performance may be adversely affected by acidic oral environments, such as those associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). [...] Read more.
Hybrid computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials have gained prominence in restorative dentistry due to their advantageous mechanical and esthetic properties; however, their long-term performance may be adversely affected by acidic oral environments, such as those associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This in vitro study aimed to investigate the effects of simulated gastric acid exposure on the surface roughness, gloss, color stability, and microhardness of two hybrid CAD/CAM materials: Vita Enamic and Cerasmart. Standardized rectangular specimens (2 mm thickness) were prepared and polished using a clinically relevant intraoral protocol. Baseline measurements were obtained for surface roughness, gloss, color change (ΔE), and Vickers microhardness. All specimens were then immersed in hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2) for 24 h to simulate prolonged gastric acid exposure, after which the same properties were re-evaluated. Post-immersion analysis revealed significant increases in surface roughness and reductions in gloss and microhardness for both materials (p < 0.05), with Vita Enamic demonstrating greater susceptibility to degradation. Color changes remained below the clinically perceptible threshold, with no significant differences between materials. These findings highlight the potential vulnerability of hybrid CAD/CAM materials to acidic environments and underscore the importance of careful material selection in patients predisposed to acid-related challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1679 KB  
Article
Effect of Surface Treatments and Thermal Aging on Bond Strength Between Veneering Resin and CAD/CAM Provisional Materials
by Ali Robaian, Abdullah Mohammed Alshehri, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdulellah Almudahi, Khalid K. Alanazi, Mohammed A. S. Abuelqomsan, Eman Mohamed Raffat, Ali Elkaffas, Qamar Hashem and Tarek Ahmed Soliman
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050563 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1256
Abstract
The oral environment significantly influences the esthetic appearance of CAD/CAM provisional restorative materials. Therefore, a veneering layer is required. Bonding veneering resin composites to these materials presents challenges, particularly under conditions of thermal aging. This study evaluated the impact of various surface treatments [...] Read more.
The oral environment significantly influences the esthetic appearance of CAD/CAM provisional restorative materials. Therefore, a veneering layer is required. Bonding veneering resin composites to these materials presents challenges, particularly under conditions of thermal aging. This study evaluated the impact of various surface treatments and thermal aging on the bond strength between veneering resin and CAD/CAM provisional materials. Fifty disk-shaped specimens of each CAD/CAM material (CAD-Temp, Everest C-Temp, and PEEK), measuring 10 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height, were fabricated. After being ultrasonically cleaned, specimens were embedded in acrylic resin blocks, leaving one surface exposed for surface treatments. Specimens were assigned to five groups at random. Group C: no surface treatments applied; DB: mechanically roughened with a diamond bur; DB + TC: DB group subjected to 5000 cycles of thermocycling; SB: treated with aluminum oxide airborne abrasion; SB + TC: SB group subjected to 5000 cycles of thermocycling. After the surface treatments, the primer and resin veneering composite were applied to the specimens. The shear bond strength (SBS) was calculated using a universal testing machine and the mode of failure was evaluated with an optical stereomicroscope with 40× magnification. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation was conducted to examine the surface topography of the materials’ surfaces after surface treatments. C-Temp in the SB group exhibited the highest SBS values (20.38 ± 1.04 MPa), while CAD-Temp in the C group showed the lowest values (4.60 ± 0.54 MPa). PEEK recorded significantly higher SBS values in DB + TC and SB + TC groups (9.26 ± 1.07 and 12.92 ± 0.97 MPa, respectively) compared to CAD-Temp in DB + TC and SB + TC groups (6.04 ± 0.76 and 8.82 ± 0.86 MPa, respectively). C-Temp exhibited higher SBS without surface treatment (13.11± 0.55 MPa), whereas PEEK showed higher SBS after diamond bur roughening and air particle abrasion (10.87 ± 1.02 MPa, and 14.37 ± 0.98 MPa, respectively). The thermocycling significantly reduced SBS values for C-Temp in the DB + TC and SB + TC groups (11.18 ± 0.92, 15.56 ± 0.87 MPa, respectively) and CAD-Temp in the DB + TC and SB + TC (6.04 ± 0.76 MPa and 8.82 ± 0.86 MPa, respectively). Conversely, the thermocycling had no significant effect on SBS values for PEEK material in the air particle abrasion group (12.92 ± 0.97 MPa). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 3412 KB  
Article
Bonding Performance of a New Resin Core System with a Low-Polymerization-Shrinkage Monomer to Root Canal Dentin
by Takashi Hatayama, Tomoko Tabata, Kota Kibe, Masaomi Ikeda, Yasunori Sumi and Yasushi Shimada
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3389; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233389 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Resin core build-ups following root canal treatment still have many issues. This study evaluated whether a new low-polymerization-shrinkage resin core system (LC2) could address these issues by assessing its bonding performance to root canal dentin using microtensile bond strength tests and gap formation [...] Read more.
Resin core build-ups following root canal treatment still have many issues. This study evaluated whether a new low-polymerization-shrinkage resin core system (LC2) could address these issues by assessing its bonding performance to root canal dentin using microtensile bond strength tests and gap formation using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Twenty-four extracted human lower premolars were used for bonding performance tests, while forty-eight sound extracted human wisdom teeth were used for gap observation. Four systems were compared: Luminous Core LC flow (LC1), LC2, MI Core LC flow (MIC), and Filtek Fill & Core (FFC). Cylindrical cavities were prepared, bonded, and filled with resin cores, and gap formation was evaluated. The results showed significant differences in bond strength between the coronal and apical sides: LC1 (coronal: 29.9 ± 3.8 MPa; apical: 12.4 ± 2.0 MPa), LC2 (coronal: 31.2 ± 3.6 MPa; apical: 17.8 ± 3.6 MPa), MIC (coronal: 28.7 ± 3.8 MPa; apical: 8.8 ± 2.1 MPa), and FFC (coronal: 29.0 ± 4.2 MPa; apical: 9.5 ± 1.9 MPa). LC2 exhibited significantly higher bond strength at the apical side compared to the other systems (p < 0.05). Gap formation was significantly reduced in LC2 (10.9 ± 5.0%) and FFC (11.9 ± 5.0%) compared to LC1 (31.8 ± 10.5%) and MIC (32.0 ± 5.6%) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that LC2 is advantageous for resin core build-ups, particularly in improving adhesion to root canal dentin and reducing gap formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Restorative Dentistry: 2nd Edition)
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