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Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 8167

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Dr. Márk Fráter

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Department of Esthetic and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
Interests: resin composite; fiber-reinforced composite; root canal-treated teeth; fracture resistance; direct restoration; adhesive restoration
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Dr. Edina Lempel

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Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Pécs, Medical School, 5. Dischka St., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: resin composite; polymerization; monomer conversion; monomer elution; bulk fill; pre-heated composite; adhesive rehabilitation
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Dr. Daniel Palkovics

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Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: 3D-printing; digital dentistry; guided surgery; periodontology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, numerous polymeric dental materials have been developed with the aim of reconstructing and maintaining the oral function, health, and aesthetics of patients. Although, among these materials, resin-based composites are possibly the most important on the basis of aesthetics and performance, these synthetic materials are utilized in all aspects of the field of dentistry. The latest developments in new bioactive polymers and the ongoing advancements in both digitalization and guided treatments have further broadened the fields of their application.

Thus, the subject of advanced dental polymeric materials is interdisciplinary and may comprise a wide range of research topics.

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather the latest original research studies that involve polymer materials in the field of dentistry. We look forward to receiving your manuscripts concerning this field. Both research articles and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Márk Fráter
Dr. Edina Lempel
Dr. Daniel Palkovics
Guest Editors

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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

resin composite
direct restorations
indirect restoration
fiber reinforcement
dental polymers
material science
biomechanical testing
monomer
polymerization

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Multivitamins on the Color Stability of Dental Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry: An In Vitro Study

by María Arregui, Josefina del Pilar Contreras Arellano, Ana Veloso Durán and Francisco Guinot Jimeno

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202948 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 526

Abstract

The longevity and acceptance of aesthetic dental materials are directly proportional to color stability. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the use of multivitamins and the color stability of dental restorative materials. A total of 45 discs of nanohybrid composite, 45 of Reinforced Glass Ionomer (RGI), and 45 of Giomer were prepared. Subsequently, the samples were randomly divided into three solution groups (n = 15): Group 1—Sambucol Pediatric Syrup, Group 2—Hidropolivital Baby Drops, and Group 3—artificial saliva, which is preparation for patients with xerostomia. For 28 days, the specimens were immersed in 10 mL of each multivitamin for two minutes every 24 h. Color measurements were repeated on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Statistical analysis was performed using the Jamovi software version 2.2.5, employing the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Kruskal–Wallis test for non-parametric data. When comparing materials, statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between RGI and Giomer, and RGI and composite, but not between Giomer and composite (p = 0.716). The highest change was observed in RGI–Hidropolivital ΔE₀₀ = 3.27 (2.38–4.59) and the least in composite–Sambucol ΔE₀₀ = 0.72 (0.30–1.18). In conclusion, the exposure time and the multivitamin influence the color change of restorative materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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11 pages, 3215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Bulk Polymeric Resin Composite and Hybrid Glass Ionomer Cement in Adhesive Class I Dental Restorations: A 3D Finite Element Analysis

by Alessandro E. di Lauro, Stefano Ciaramella, João P. Mendes Tribst, Angelo Aliberti and Pietro Ausiello

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172525 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 767

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical behavior of resin composites and hybrid glass ionomer cement in class I adhesive dental restorations under loading and shrinkage conditions. Three CAD models of a mandibular first molar with class I cavities were created and restored with different techniques: a bi-layer of Equia Forte HT with Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative composite (model A), a single layer of adhesive and Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative (model B), and a single layer of Equia forte HT (model C). Each model was exported to computer-aided engineering software, and 3D finite element models were created. Models A and B exhibited a similar pattern of stress distribution along the enamel–restoration interface, with stress peaks of 12.5 MPa and 14 MPa observed in the enamel tissue. The sound tooth, B, and C models showed a similar trend along the interface between dentine and restoration. A stress peak of about 0.5 MPa was detected in the enamel of both the sound tooth and B models. Model C showed a reduced stress peak of about 1.2 MPa. A significant stress reduction in 4 mm deep class I cavities in lower molars was observed in models where non-shrinking dental filling materials, like the hybrid glass ionomer cement used in model C, were applied. Stress reduction was also achieved in model A, which employed a bi-layer technique with a shrinking polymeric filling material (bulk resin composite). Model C’s performance closely resembled that of a sound tooth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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12 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties of a Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement

by Rafael Ubaldo Moreira e Moraes, Marcos Andre Pinheiro Abreu, Mayara Cristina Abas Frazão, Paulo Vitor Campos Ferreira, José Bauer, Ceci Nunes Carvalho and Edilausson Moreno Carvalho

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172401 - 24 Aug 2024

Viewed by 763

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating different concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). A commercial RMGIC (Resiglass R, Biodinâmica) was modified by incorporating 0.1% and 0.5% (by weight) of GO into the powder’s material. An unmodified RMGIC was used as a control group. Powder samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Specimens were fabricated and subjected to flexural strength (n = 15), modulus of elasticity (n = 15), Vicker’s microhardness (n = 10), and surface roughness tests (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 5%). Experimental groups’ powder demonstrated a homogeneous dispersion of GO. No statistically significant difference was observed in flexural strength (p = 0.067) and modulus of elasticity (p = 0.143) tests. The groups containing 0.1% and 0.5% GO showed significantly higher microhardness and lower surface roughness values (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The incorporation of GO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% improved the microhardness and surface roughness without negatively affecting the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of an RMGIC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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13 pages, 3154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbiological Evaluation of Thermoplastic PETG Dental Appliances Related to Surface Characteristics

by Liliana Porojan, Flavia Roxana Bejan, Emil Tirziu, Cristina Mirabela Gașpar, Alex Cristian Moza, Mihaela Ionela Gherban, Roxana Diana Vasiliu and Anamaria Matichescu

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2354; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162354 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 733

Abstract

(1) Background: The adhesion and microbiological behaviour of thermoplastic PETG dental appliance surfaces is governed by roughness parameters. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant in Candida albicans biofilms on thermoplastic PETG, related to artificial ageing and surface characteristics, on multiscale levels. (2) Methods: In the present study, two PETG materials were investigated: Crystal^® (Bio Art Dental Equipment, Sao Carlos, Brazil), noted as C, and Duran^® (Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany)—noted as D. Half of the specimens were thermally cycled (TC), resulting in four sample groups, as follows: C, CTC, D, and DTC. Surface roughness was evaluated on different scale topographies. The biofilms were grown on the surfaces. An alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant was used. Statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: Related to nanoroughness, there are insignificant differences among materials or related to thermocycling. More irregular surfaces are associated with larger grain sizes. After thermocycling, micro-roughness values increase. Disinfectant activity decreases the amount of biofilm developed on the surfaces, significantly in the two groups, but is not correlated to the material and artificial ageing. (4) Conclusion: The impact of surface roughness (Ra) on biofilm constitution is controlled by different scale topographies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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14 pages, 11987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Color Stability of Dental Resin Composites for Chairside Provisional Restorations

by Haikun Yu, Jiaqi Yao, Zhili Du, Jingmei Guo and Wenlong Lei

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142089 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1186

Abstract

Resin composites have become the preferred choice for chairside provisional dental restorations. However, these materials may undergo discoloration, changes in surface roughness, and mechanical properties with aging in the oral cavity, compromising the aesthetics, functionality, and success of dental restorations. To investigate the color and mechanical stability of chairside provisional composite resins, this study evaluated the optical, surface, and mechanical properties of four temporary restoration resin materials before and after aging, stimulated by thermal cycling in double-distilled water. Measurements, including CIE LAB color analysis, three-point bending test, nanoindentation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were conducted (n = 15). Results showed significant differences among the materials in terms of optical, surface, and mechanical properties. Revotek LC (urethane dimethacrylate) demonstrated excellent color stability (ΔE₀₀ = 0.53-Black/0.32-White), while Artificial Teeth Resin (polymethyl methacrylate) exhibited increased mechanical strength with aging (p < 0.05, FS = 68.40 MPa-non aging/87.21 MPa-aging). Structur 2 SC (Bis-acrylic) and Luxatemp automix plus (methyl methacrylate bis-acrylate) demonstrated moderate stability in optical and mechanical properties (Structur 2 SC: ΔE₀₀ = 1.97-Black/1.38-White FS = 63.20 MPa-non aging/50.07 MPa-aging) (Luxatemp automix plus: ΔE₀₀ = 2.49-Black/1.77-White FS = 87.72 MPa-non aging/83.93 MPa-aging). These results provide important practical guidance for clinical practitioners, as well as significant theoretical and experimental bases for the selection of restorative composite resins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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17 pages, 6802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties of a Dental Adhesive Containing Graphene and DOPA-Modified Graphene

by Renata Pereira, Rodrigo Barros Esteves Lins, Elton Faria de Souza Lima, Maria do Carmo Aguiar Jordão Mainardi, Stephani Stamboroski, Klaus Rischka and Flávio Henrique Baggio Aguiar

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142081 - 21 Jul 2024

Viewed by 752

Abstract

Graphene is a promising biomaterial. However, its dispersion in aqueous medium is challenging. This study aimed to modify graphene nanoparticles with L-dopa to improve the properties of experimental dental adhesives. Adhesives were formulated with 0% (control), 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% of graphene, modified or not. Particle modification and dispersion were microscopically assessed. Degree of conversion was tested by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were evaluated by a 3-point flexural test. Bond strength was tested by shear. To test water sorption/solubility, samples were weighed during hydration and dehydration. Antibacterial activity was tested by Streptococcus mutans colony-forming units quantification. Cytotoxicity on fibroblasts was evaluated through a dentin barrier test. The modification of graphene improved the particle dispersion. Control presented the highest degree of conversion, flexural strength, and bond strength. In degree of conversion, 0.25% of groups were similar to control. In bond strength, groups of graphene modified by L-dopa were similar to Control. The modulus of elasticity was similar between groups. Cytotoxicity and water sorption/solubility decreased as particles increased. Compared to graphene, less graphene modified by L-dopa was needed to promote antibacterial activity. By modifying graphene with L-dopa, the properties of graphene and, therefore, the adhesives incorporated by it were enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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12 pages, 1257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Rapid High-Intensity Light-Curing on Increasing Transdentinal Temperature and Cell Viability: An In Vitro Study

by Samille Biasi Miranda, Rodrigo Barros Esteves Lins, Marina Rodrigues Santi, Giovanna Corrêa Denucci, Cleyton Cézar Souto Silva, Silvana de Fátima Ferreira da Silva, Daniela de Araújo Viana Marques and Marcos Antônio Japiassú Resende Montes

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111466 - 22 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 959

Abstract

Background: This study investigated effects of rapid high-intensity light-curing (3 s) on increasing transdentinal temperature and cell viability. Methods: A total of 40 dentin discs (0.5 mm) obtained from human molars were prepared, included in artificial pulp chambers (4.5 × 5 mm), and subjected to four light-curing protocols (n = 5), with a Valo Grand light curing unit: (i) 10 s protocol with a moderate intensity of 1000 mW/cm² (Valo-10 s); (ii) 3 s protocol with a high intensity of 3200 mW/cm² (Valo-3 s); (iii) adhesive system + Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow bulk-fill composite resin in 10 s (FBF-10 s); (iv) adhesive system + Tetric PowerFlow bulk-fill composite resin in 3 s (TPF-3 s). Transdentinal temperature changes were recorded with a type K thermocouple. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests for comparison between experimental groups (p < 0.05). Results: The 3 s high-intensity light-curing protocol generated a higher temperature than the 10 s moderate-intensity standard (p < 0.001). The Valo-10 s and Valo-3 s groups demonstrated greater cell viability than the FBF-10s and TPF-3 s groups and statistical differences were observed between the Valo-3 s and FBF-10 s groups (p = 0.023) and Valo-3 s and TPF-3 s (p = 0.025), with a potential cytotoxic effect for the FBF-10 s and TPF-3 s groups. Conclusions: The 3 s rapid high-intensity light-curing protocol of bulk-fill composite resins caused a temperature increase greater than 10 s and showed cell viability similar to and comparable to the standard protocol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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20 pages, 4813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conventional Dental Impressions vs. Impressions Reinforced with Rigid Mouthguards

by Andreea Codruta Novac, Anca Tudor, Daniela Maria Pop, Carina Sonia Neagu, Emanuela Lidia Crăciunescu, Mihai Romînu, Meda Lavinia Negruțiu, Virgil-Florin Duma and Cosmin Sinescu

Polymers 2024, 16(7), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070994 - 4 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1472

Abstract

The impression materials utilized today in dental medicine offer a good reproducibility and are easily accepted by patients. However, because they are polymer-based, they have issues regarding their dimensional stability. In this respect, the present work proposes a new type of dental impression, which is reinforced with rigid mouthguards. The aim of the study is to test the performances of such new impressions by comparing them to conventional ones—from this critical point of view, of the dimensional stability. Three types of polymeric materials were considered for both types of impressions: alginate, condensation silicone, and addition silicone. In order to obtain the new type of impressions, a manufacturing technique was developed, comprising the following phases: (i) conventional impressions were made; (ii) a plaster model was duplicated, and 15 rigid mouthguards were obtained; (iii) they were inserted in the impression technique, with each mouthguard positioned on the cast before the high-consistency material was inserted in the tray and the practitioner took the impression; (iv) the mouthguard remained in the tray and the low-viscosity material was inserted over the mouthguard; (v) the impression was positioned on the model, and after the material hardened, the mouthguard-reinforced impression was analyzed. In the evaluation of the dimensional stability, rigorous statistical analysis was essential to discern the performance differences between conventional and mouthguard-reinforced dental impressions. Statistical analyses employed non-parametric Mann–Whitney U tests because of the non-normal distribution of the data. They indicated a statistically significant improvement in the dimensional stability of addition silicone impressions when reinforced with mouthguards (p < 0.05), showcasing superior performance over conventional methods. Conversely, alginate and condensation silicone reinforced impressions did not exhibit the same level of stability improvement, suggesting the need for further optimization of these materials. In conclusion, from the three considered elastomers, addition silicone was found to be the prime candidate for high-precision dental impressions, with the potential to improve their quality from conventional impressions by utilizing the proposed reinforcing technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Materials for Dental Applications III)

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