Nanotechnology in Dentistry: Reduction to Practice

Abstract

The speed at which advances are being made in science has catapulted nanotechnology from its theoretical foundations straight into the real world. There are now many examples of commercially available products demonstrating that, in given situations, the technology really does work and that its scope for further application is wide. Healthcare, along with society as a whole, is facing a major revolution in the wake of ongoing technological developments in the field of nanotechnology. Dentistry as an individual healthcare discipline is not exempt, having already been targeted directly with novel 'nano-materials' at the same time as indirectly enjoying the benefits of nano-related advances in the electronics industry through the ongoing computerization of the modern practice. This article examines current practical applications of nanotechnology alongside proposed applications in the future and aims to demonstrate that, as well as a good deal of science fiction, there is some tangible science fact emerging from this novel multi-disciplinary science.

The Latest Developments Related to Composite Resins

“…These composites which are visible at smaller light wavelength values have inorganic filling particle size of 0.005-0.01 μm (2-20 nm) (6). While nanocomposites are used for aesthetic purposes in anterior teeth, they function as stress absorbers in posterior teeth.…”

“…Use is also indicated in Class II restorations in difficult to reach areas. However, despite these advantages, flowable composites are not recommended for use in class IV cavities and there are disadvantages such as the flow being difficult to control and low resistance to pressure (6).…”

“…In comparison with traditional composites, they have better resistance as they contain more resin (6,18).…”

“…As a result of hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions, the alcoxcysil groups of silane form an inorganic Si-O-Si network and the methacrylate groups undergo organic polymerisation using traditional phototriggers (27,28). In ormocers with filling particle size varying from 1µm -1.5µm, the large size of monomer molecules can increase resistance to wear by reducing polymerisation shrinkage and leakage (6). In addition to these properties, the resistance to wear of ormocers, which have biocompatibility and highly effective prevention of decay, is higher than that of traditional composites and in respect of shear bond force they are equal to traditional composites which include Bis-GMA matrix.…”

Nanotechnology in Dentistry

“…There are nowadays many examples of dental composites using nanomaterials, thus demonstrating the practical importance of nanotechnology 17,18 . There are nanofill composites that contain nanomer particles or nanohybrids that contain finely ground glass filler and prepolymerized nanofiller 19 .…”