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Polymeric 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 May 2026 | Viewed by 819

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Interests: restorative dentistry; prosthodontics; ceramics

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Guest Editor Assistant
Division of Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Interests: dental materials, adhesive dentistry; resin composite, resin cement; ceramic

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric composites are widely used in restorative dentistry due to their excellent mechanical properties, esthetics, and biocompatibility. They typically consist of a polymer matrix, such as Bis-GMA or UDMA, reinforced with inorganic fillers like silica or glass particles. This combination provides strength, wear resistance, and reduced polymerization shrinkage.

Recent developments in nanotechnology have led to the design of nanocomposites with improved polishability, optical properties, and filler dispersion. Furthermore, bioactive and antibacterial modifications have enabled the creation of composites that release beneficial ions or inhibit bacterial growth, extending their functional lifespan.

However, challenges such as polymerization shrinkage, hydrolytic degradation, and limited long-term stability remain. Ongoing research in the field of dental materials aims to enhance filler–matrix bonding, introduce novel curing systems, and develop self-healing materials; meanwhile, polymeric composites are continuing to evolve, representing durable, esthetic, and multifunctional materials for a wide range of dental applications.

Prof. Dr. Boonlert Kukiattrakoon
Guest Editor

Dr. Awiruth Klaisiri
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • dental material sciences
  • restorative dentistry
  • operative dentistry
  • prosthodontics
  • esthetic dentistry
  • adhesive dentistry
  • resin composite
  • ceramics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

10 pages, 2418 KB  
Article
Effect of Coconut Milk, Cow Milk, and Soybean Oil on the Surface Roughness of Milled (PICN, RNC) and 3D-Printed Hybrid Resin–Ceramic: An In Vitro Study
by Seelassaya Leelaponglit, Awiruth Klaisiri, Chayanit Angkananuwat and Nantawan Krajangta
Polymers 2026, 18(6), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18060670 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 438
Abstract
This in vitro study assessed the impact of coconut milk, cow milk, and soybean oil on the surface roughness (Ra) of two milled (polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), Vita Enamic (EN) and resin nanoceramic (RNC), Cerasmart (CS)) and 3D-printed (VarseoSmile Crown plus (VS)) hybrid [...] Read more.
This in vitro study assessed the impact of coconut milk, cow milk, and soybean oil on the surface roughness (Ra) of two milled (polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), Vita Enamic (EN) and resin nanoceramic (RNC), Cerasmart (CS)) and 3D-printed (VarseoSmile Crown plus (VS)) hybrid resin–ceramic materials. Standardized rectangular specimens were prepared and subjected to cyclic immersion in the test media at 37 °C for 30 days to simulate dietary exposure. Surface roughness was measured pre- and post-aging, and statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). All media significantly increased Ra across all materials (p < 0.001). While coconut milk and soybean oil caused comparable roughening (Ra up to 0.155 µm), cow milk exhibited a material-specific impact. It roughened milled materials (EN and CS) (Ra: 0.147–0.154 µm) significantly more than the 3D-printed material (VS) (Ra: 0.126 µm) (p < 0.05). Notably, all post-aging Ra values remained below the clinical bacterial adhesion threshold of 0.2 µm. In conclusion, while all tested dietary media significantly degraded the surface topography of hybrid resin–ceramics, the 3D-printed hybrid resin–ceramic material demonstrated superior resistance to cow milk compared to milled alternatives. Nonetheless, plaque retention risks remain clinically acceptable for all tested materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Dental Applications)
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