EC Dental Science

Introduction: Materials science has changed over a period of time, and it is not what it used to be. The conventional materials used in dentistry were passive and inert and had little to no interaction with body fluids and tissues. Materials used in the oral cavity are selected on the basis of their to survive oral environment without adversely interacting with oral tissues. At present, the scenario has changed. Many of the materials have become advanced in terms of function and biologically interact with body tissues. They are designed to perform and interact with tissues and are termed “Bio-smart” material. The structural modification in materials and devices allows them to actively participate and work in a better way for the desired outcome of planned treatment. Therefore, the concept of an “active” rather than “passive” material can be useful in dentistry. This first came into consideration with the introduction of fluoride-releasing materials and led to advancement in many more of them over a period of time. This permits and reflects a change in material philosophy. The same concept holds true in many other areas of engineering, such as automotive engineering, biomedicine, aerospace, and robotics.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the review is to understand the concept of various biosmart materials used in restorative dentistry over a period of time.

Methodology: The review is a comprehensive research of PUBMED since the year to 1988 to 2014.

Conclusion: The advent of these smart materials has drastically changed the treatment outcome. There are numerous applications of smart materials ranging from their fluoride-releasing properties to high mechanical aesthetic results, working as wonders in the field of dentistry. Advances in the form of these biosmart dental materials would be even better for the future.

Keywords: Bio-Smart Materials; Smart Burs; Self-Healing Composites

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