Nanotechnology in Prosthodontics: A Review

Abstract

Background: Numerous biomaterials used in prosthodontics have demonstrated dramatically improved performances after having their scales decreased by nanotechnology from micron to nano size. Contrarily, numerous nanocomposites made of nanomaterials and conventional metals, ceramics, resins, or other matrix materials have been extensively used in prosthodontics because the addition of the nanomaterials significantly improved the materials' properties, including modulus elasticity, surface hardness, polymerization shrinkage, and filler loading. Aim of the Study: In this paper, the most recent advancements in research on the prosthodontic applications of nanometals, nanoceramics, nano resins, and other nanomaterials were reviewed. This review not only provides a detailed description of the most recent related investigations, but also, hopefully, serves as an important elicitation for future studies in this area. Conclusion: Nanomaterials have proven fundamental to the development of basic science and clinical technology in prosthodontics. It demonstrates how the prosthodontic materials' many properties, including modulus of elasticity, surface hardness, polymerization shrinkage, and filler loading, can be significantly improved after their scales were reduced from micron to nano size by nanotechnology.