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Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications
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Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 6566

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rafael Guerra Lund

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96015560, Brazil
Interests: resins; adhesives; composites; antimicrobial agents; functional polymers; mixed matrix membranes; polymer membranes; biopolymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue focusing on the recent advancements in polymeric materials for dental applications. This issue aims to showcase the transformative impact of biopolymers, 3D printing, and biodegradable polymers on dentistry, and we invite you to submit your research articles for consideration.

The use of biopolymers derived from natural sources has revolutionized dental restorations by offering exceptional biocompatibility and tissue-mimicking properties. Similarly, the advent of 3D printing technology has enabled the fabrication of intricate dental structures with unparalleled precision and efficiency, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Biodegradable polymers have emerged as a sustainable solution, addressing environmental concerns by naturally degrading over time.

We encourage authors to contribute their work in various areas related to polymeric materials in dental applications. Special emphasis will be placed on antibacterial polymeric materials for improved oral health, biomimetic materials to enhance dental technology, polymeric drug delivery systems for targeted treatment, bioactive polymeric materials for tissue regeneration, strategies to improve the wear resistance and longevity of dental polymers, the integration of polymeric materials in digital dentistry, and innovative surface modifications for optimized performance.

By sharing your research findings, we aim to advance the field of dental materials and promote a sustainable and patient-centered approach toward dental procedures. We look forward to receiving your submissions and working together to push the boundaries of polymeric materials in dentistry.

Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Rafael Guerra Lund
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • dental materials
  • polymers
  • biopolymers
  • 3D printing
  • biodegradable polymers
  • dental restorations
  • biocompatibility
  • tissue regeneration
  • orthodontic aligners
  • drug delivery systems

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Clinical Performance of Zirconia Veneers Bonded with MDP-Containing Polymeric Adhesives: A One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
by Viet Anh Nguyen, Truong Nhu Ngoc Vo, Minh Son Tong, Thi Nhu Trang Nguyen and Thu Tra Nguyen
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091213 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Acid-etched zirconia has emerged as a high-strength alternative to traditional glass ceramics for laminate veneers in aesthetic dentistry. This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the one-year clinical performance of zirconia veneers etched with a hydrofluoric-nitric acid mixture and bonded using [...] Read more.
Acid-etched zirconia has emerged as a high-strength alternative to traditional glass ceramics for laminate veneers in aesthetic dentistry. This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the one-year clinical performance of zirconia veneers etched with a hydrofluoric-nitric acid mixture and bonded using a 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) containing polymeric adhesive system, compared to lithium disilicate veneers. Fifty-two patients were treated with either translucent zirconia or lithium disilicate veneers, and restorations were bonded using light-cured resin-based adhesives. Clinical parameters, including veneer survival, esthetics, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, and periodontal health, were assessed using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria and periodontal indexes at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Both materials showed high survival rates with no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes. One zirconia veneer debonded early but was successfully rebonded without fracture, while one lithium disilicate veneer fractured upon debonding. The findings support the viability of acid-etched zirconia veneers bonded with polymer-based adhesives as a durable and esthetic restorative option. The study highlights the clinical relevance of polymeric bonding systems in enhancing zirconia veneer performance and reinforces their role in modern adhesive dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications)
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18 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Release Dynamics of Atorvastatin-Loaded Alginate Particles for Enhanced Periodontal Treatment
by Imke Hlawa, Thomas Reske, Oleksandra Chabanovska, Malte Scholz, Praveen Vasudevan, Stefan Oschatz, Niels Grabow and Hermann Lang
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030427 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium, which often leads to tooth loss. Recently, statins have emerged as potent anti-inflammatory agents with pleiotropic effects that can potentially outperform conventional periodontal treatments. However, the clinical application of statins is limited by the [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium, which often leads to tooth loss. Recently, statins have emerged as potent anti-inflammatory agents with pleiotropic effects that can potentially outperform conventional periodontal treatments. However, the clinical application of statins is limited by the lack of suitable drug carriers that fit the periodontal region and provide a controlled local drug release. In this study, we address the critical gap in localized periodontal drug delivery and introduce an ultrasound-assisted technique to encapsulate atorvastatin within alginate microparticles (10–400 µm in diameter)—a simple, scalable, and biocompatible solution. While ultrasound is widely used in polymer synthesis, its application in alginate polymerization remains underexplored. To mimic physiological conditions, particles were incubated in artificial saliva at 37 °C, with drug release being analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography. A methylcellulose-based hydrogel served as a conventional reference product. Results revealed that alginate particles exhibited at least a 10-fold increase in mean dissolution time compared to the methylcellulose gel, indicating superior stability. Increasing atorvastatin concentration extended the time interval needed for 50% of the drug to be released (t50%) from 1 h to 11 h, maintaining the overall drug diffusion level for several days. Further analysis showed that covalent cross-linking of alginate with divinyl sulfone significantly delayed the initial drug release by 3 h (p < 0.05) due to the additional molecular stabilization. These findings underscore the utility of ultrasonic atomization for the processing of alginate-based formulations. Given the ease of production, biocompatibility, and small size, successfully fabricated alginate particles represent a promising carrier for delivery of statins or other related drugs in clinical dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications)
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11 pages, 9010 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Shear Bond Strengths of 3D Printed Materials for Permanent Restorations with Different Surface Treatments
by Mijoo Kim, Jimin Lee, Chan Park, Deukwon Jo, Bo Yu, Shahed Al Khalifah, Marc Hayashi and Reuben H. Kim
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131838 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2504
Abstract
The development of high-filled 3D printing resin necessitates a bonding protocol for dental indirect restorations to achieve optimal bond strength after cementation. This study evaluates shear bond strengths of high-filler 3D printed materials for permanent restorations with various surface treatments. Rodin Sculpture 1.0 [...] Read more.
The development of high-filled 3D printing resin necessitates a bonding protocol for dental indirect restorations to achieve optimal bond strength after cementation. This study evaluates shear bond strengths of high-filler 3D printed materials for permanent restorations with various surface treatments. Rodin Sculpture 1.0 (50% lithium disilicate fillers) and 2.0 Ceramic Nanohybrid (>60% zirconia and lithium disilicate fillers) were tested, with Aelite All-Purpose Body composite resin as control. Samples were prepared, post-cured, and sandblasted with alumina (25 µm). Surface roughness was analyzed using an optical profilometer. Two bonding protocols were compared. First, groups were treated with lithium disilicate silane (Porcelain Primer) or zirconia primer (Z-Prime Plus) or left untreated without a bonding agent. Beam-shaped resin cement (DuoLink Universal) specimens were bonded and stored in a 37 °C water bath. Second, additional sets of materials were coated with a bonding agent (All-Bond Universal), either followed by silane application or left untreated. These sets were then similarly stored alongside resin cement specimens. Shear bond tests were performed after 24 h. SEM images were taken after debonding. One-Way ANOVA and post hoc Duncan were performed for the statistical analysis. Rodin 1.0 exhibited increased adhesive failure with silane or zirconia primer coating, but significantly improved bond strengths with bonding agent application. Rodin 2.0 showed consistent bond strengths regardless of bonding agent application, but cohesive failure rates increased with bonding agent and filler coating. In all groups, except for Rodin 1.0 without bonding agent, silane coating increased cohesive failure rate. In conclusion, optimal shear bond strength for high-filler 3D printing materials can be achieved with silane coating and bonding agent application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications)
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16 pages, 2165 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Resin-Based Dental Materials’ Composition Depending on Their Clinical Applications
by Claire-Adeline Dantagnan, Sylvie Babajko, Ali Nassif, Sophia Houari, Katia Jedeon, Philippe François, Elisabeth Dursun, Jean-Pierre Attal and Julia Bosco
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081022 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1877
Abstract
The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of bisphenol A (BPA)-derivatives in relation to their applications. A search on manufacturers’ websites was performed to [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of bisphenol A (BPA)-derivatives in relation to their applications. A search on manufacturers’ websites was performed to reference resin-based dental materials currently on the European market (including the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK). Their monomer composition was determined using material-safety data sheets and was completed by a search on the PubMed database. Among the 543 material compositions exploitable, 382 (70.3%) contained BPA derivatives. Among them, 56.2% contained BisGMA and 28% BisEMA, the most frequently reported. A total of 59 monomers, of which six were BPA derivatives, were found. In total, 309 materials (56.9%) contained UDMA and 292 (53.8%) TEGDMA. Less than one third of materials identified contained no BPA derivatives. These proportions vary a lot depending on their applications, with materials dedicated to the dental care of young populations containing the highest proportions of BPA-derivative monomers. The long-term effects on human health of the different monomers identified including BPA-derivative monomers is a source of concern. For children and pregnant or lactating women arises the question of whether to take a precautionary principle and avoid the use of resin-based dental materials likely to release BPA by opting for alternative materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications)
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Review

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12 pages, 691 KiB  
Review
Polymers for Osmotic Self-Inflating Expanders in Oral Surgical Procedures: A Comprehensive Review
by Alejandro Elizalde Hernandez, Natália Link Bahr, Matheus Coelho Blois, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suarez, Evandro Piva, Mateus Bertolini Fernandes dos Santos, Carla Lucia David Peña and Rafael Guerra Lund
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040441 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Soft-tissue expansion is a critical challenge in regenerative oral surgeries. This scoping review maps the research on polymers used in osmotic self-inflating expanders, assessing their applications, characteristics, and potential in oral surgical procedures. The study analyzed 19 articles from the PubMed, Scopus, Web [...] Read more.
Soft-tissue expansion is a critical challenge in regenerative oral surgeries. This scoping review maps the research on polymers used in osmotic self-inflating expanders, assessing their applications, characteristics, and potential in oral surgical procedures. The study analyzed 19 articles from the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, primarily focusing on in vivo research (78.9%) investigating polymeric tissue expanders. The review examined polymer compositions, methodologies, and tissue responses across various animal models. Osmed® hydrogel was the most studied material, with research exploring its expansion capabilities in rabbits, goats, pigs, rats, and beagle dogs. The findings showed diverse tissue expansion ranges and minimal inflammatory responses, indicating the potential for oral surgical applications. Despite promising results, gaps such as inconsistent expansion measurements and the lack of standardized protocols were identified. These findings highlight the need for further research to develop new polymer formulations and optimize device design to enhance safety, efficacy, and clinical predictability. This review provides a foundation for advancing polymeric tissue expander technologies, offering the potential for safer and more effective minimally invasive regenerative oral surgeries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers & Polymer Composites for Dental Applications)
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