Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Tribological Behavior of Dental
Restorative Materials
In restorative dentistry, metals and alloys and ceramics and composites are generally
applied to restorations and implants [
1
-
7
]. Different forming/processing methods
and the main clinical applications of dental restorative materials are shown in
Table
6.1
. Considering the complex interoral environment and biomechanics, the
wear processes of artifi cial dental materials are very complicated and normally
include abrasion, attrition, corrosion, fretting wear, and fatigue [
8
,
9
]. These
processes occur in various combinations to cause surface loss of materials in the
mouth. Excessive wear may lead to premature failure and the replacement of dental
restorations and implants. The wear resistance of artifi cial dental materials is clini-
cally important for clinical longevity, aesthetics, and resistance to dental plaque
[
8
-
10
]; therefore, a large number of studies have been carried out on their tribological
properties. Recreating function and aesthetics are the two practical goals of restor-
ative treatments, but the inadequate wear resistance of either the restoration or the
implant may cause obvious defects in its anatomic shape due to excessive wear by
friction during chewing, changing the shape and functions of teeth, bone, and
masticatory muscle, further affecting the fi tness of the stomatognathic system.
Therefore, it is necessary to remember that the choice of material depends on a num-
ber of factors, such as corrosion behavior, mechanical properties (including strength
and wear resistance), cost, availability, biocompatibility, and aesthetic values.
6.1
Wear Behavior of Resin-Based Restorative Materials
Dental composites are key materials for dental restorations due to their aesthetics,
chemical inertness, biocompatibility, and convenient clinical manipulation. They
are used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth struc-
ture. Generally, dental composites are divided into two types: direct dental restorative
composites and indirect dental restorative composites. The former is utilized in a
single procedure in the mouth by placing soft and malleable fi lling materials into the
