Bio-Smart Materials in Dentistry -A Modern Approach to Materials and Review

Abstract

Material in dentistry is not ideal in nature. As the hunt  for an “ideal restorative material” continues, a newer  materials was introduced. These are termed as “smart’’ as these materials support the remaining tooth structure. These materials may be altered in a controlled fashion by stimulus such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic field.  These are “Biomimetic” in nature as their properties mimic natural tooth. The use of smart materials has revolutionized dentistry which includes the use of restorative materials such as smart composites, smart ceramics, compomers, resin modifed glass ionomer, amorphous calcium phosphate releasing pit and fissure sealants, etc. and other materials such as orthodontic shape memory alloys, smart impression material, smart suture, smart burs, etc. This article attempts to highlights the use of “smart materials” in conventional restorative techniques in dentistry.