Dental material

Dental material refers to the natural or synthetic substances used to replace missing teeth or parts of the tooth structure. Dental materials are specially fabricated materials, designed for use in dentistry. There are many different types of dental materials, and their characteristics vary according to their intended purpose.

Types of Dental Materials

Direct Restorative Materials

Direct restorative materials are materials that are used directly in cavities and other defects in the teeth. These include dental amalgam, composite resins, and glass ionomer cement.

Indirect Restorative Materials

Indirect restorative materials are materials used on prepared tooth structures during indirect dental restorations. These include ceramics, metals, and polymer materials.

Preventive Materials

Preventive materials are substances that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These include fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, and mouth rinses.

Properties of Dental Materials

Dental materials must have certain properties to be effective. These include biocompatibility, aesthetics, and mechanical properties such as strength and durability.

Safety and Biocompatibility

The safety and biocompatibility of dental materials are of utmost importance. Dental materials should not have any harmful effects on the body, and should be compatible with the tissues in the mouth.

See Also

• Dental restoration
• Dental prosthetics
• Dental implants
• Dental braces

References

Dental material Resources
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