The main difference between dental materials science and mechanical materials science is that the materials used in dentistry for patient treatment must be completely safe.
Only after confirming their safety are other important characteristics evaluated. In dentistry, the materials used are typically divided into four main groups: basic, structural, clinical, and auxiliary.
Basic dental materials are used in prosthodontics for making dental prostheses, appliances, and fillings. Structural dental materials are classified based on their composition and function:
- Metals and alloys: crowns and bridges;
- Ceramics: glass-ceramics and porcelain for creating veneers;
- Composites and filling materials: fillings and posts;
- Polymers: base materials, veneer materials, and quick-setting plastics.
Auxiliary materials are used at various stages of dental prosthesis fabrication.
They are divided into several categories depending on the stage of application:
- Impression materials: for taking measurements of the jaw and teeth where the prosthesis will be placed;
- Modeling materials: for creating an exact copy of the future prosthesis;
- Abrasive materials: for preparing the tooth surface before prosthetics;
- Polishing materials: for restoring the integrity of tooth enamel;
- Insulating materials: for separating healthy teeth from the prosthesis.
Additional materials, such as alloys, solders, fluxes, and bleaching agents, are also widely used in dentistry.
Clinical dental materials include those used by dentists directly during appointments. They can be:
- Impression materials;
- Wax materials;
- Filling materials.
Dentists use all groups of materials in their practice, but distinguishing a separate category of clinical materials is essential because these materials come into direct contact with the patient's oral cavity and must meet the strictest standards.
Materials used in dentistry must meet the following criteria:
- They must not contain toxic substances, provoke tumor development, or cause allergic reactions;
- They must comply with hygiene standards: they should not have indentations or cracks where food particles can accumulate and dental plaque can form;
- They must be resistant to mechanical stress, maintaining the shape of the prosthesis;
- They must be pliable during application but harden to maximum strength afterward;
- They must have a stable chemical composition and anti-corrosive properties.
In addition, dental materials should provide the patient with a natural feel. The prostheses should fit snugly against the jaws without hindering the closure of the mouth.
Also, the materials should not affect the patient’s voice tone or disrupt speech clarity.
