Commonly used dental materials including gypsum products, impression materials, denture base resins, casting investments, resin composites, cements, glass ionomers, ceramics, metals, metal alloys, and filling materials have been developed and combined with a variety of natural and synthetic materials in nano-and micro scales such as herpes, hydroxyapatite, zirconia, titanium, and silver.   

Polymeric biomaterials such as methyl methacrylate are commonly used for denture bases and denture liners, temporary crowns, and orthodontic appliances. Copolymers and a variety of glass and metallic fibers and nanoparticles have been incorporated into the polymeric materials to improve their mechanical properties and reduce residual monomers, which are associated with irritation of oral soft tissues. A wide range of filler particles such as glass, ceramic, and metal have been suggested to help develop modern composite materials. Nano-biomaterials act as antimicrobial agents which can improve many dental materials. CAD/CAM technology allows the performance of complex dental restorations via scanning, designing, and milling of solid blocks of ceramic material. Rapid prototyping is another technology where the 3D printing dental prosthesis is made layer by layer using powdered material. Surface modification and bioactivation of implant surfaces with nano-biomaterials could fasten the osseointegration process.   

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original research and review articles on current advances in the synthesis, characterization, surface modification, and design of different biomaterials for dental applications. Continuous research into novel biomaterials, digital technologies, and tissue engineering could have a significant impact on patient care in all major branches of dentistry, including prosthodontics and endodontics. This will further enable the generation of new treatment ideas and reduction in treatment cost and time.  

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Dental biomaterials
• Polymer resin and composites
• Bioceramics and nanomaterials
• Digital design, CAD/CAM technologies
• Mechanical characterisation 
• Physical, biological and optical characterisations
• Dental implant materials