Bioactive and inert dental glass-ceramics

The dental materials market is expanding rapidly, driven by the need for improved patient comfort and streamlined clinical workflows. While zirconia and polymer-infiltrated ceramics are widely studied, glass-ceramics (GCs) remain a key focus due to their favorable mechanical and biological properties. Prior research has established GCs as suitable for dental restoration because of their strength, biocompatibility, and esthetic appeal. However, the distinction between inert and bioactive GCs is less well understood. This gap motivated a deeper analysis of their classification, properties, and clinical applications. No prior work had resolved the full range of GCs' biological interactions. The field lacks a comprehensive synthesis of inert versus bioactive types. That uncertainty drove the need for a structured review. This paper addresses that need by examining both categories of GCs in detail.

This review article aims to clarify the differences between restorative and bioactive dental glass-ceramics (GCs). It seeks to provide a structured overview of their historical development, processing methods, and clinical uses. The study focuses on inert GCs used in dental restorations and bioactive GCs with tissue-regenerative potential. The authors aim to highlight the unique properties of each type and their respective applications. By categorizing GCs into restorative and bioactive groups, the study offers a clearer framework for understanding their roles in dentistry. The review also identifies current research trends and unresolved questions in the field. This structured approach allows for a more targeted discussion of GCs' clinical relevance. The goal is to guide future research and clinical adoption of these materials.

The authors conducted a literature review focusing on dental glass-ceramics (GCs), dividing them into restorative and bioactive categories. They analyzed historical data, processing techniques, and clinical applications of each type. The review included a detailed examination of restorative GCs (RDGCs) and bioactive GCs (BDGCs). The study compared the mechanical and biological properties of both groups. The authors evaluated the role of RDGCs in tooth restoration and BDGCs in tissue regeneration. They also assessed the use of GCs in CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies. The review incorporated findings from selected papers on promising GC types. This approach allowed for a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on dental GCs.

Restorative dental glass-ceramics (RDGCs) are inert and biocompatible, commonly used for tooth restoration. They exhibit high strength, wear resistance, and esthetic qualities. RDGCs are suitable for crowns, veneers, and inlays due to their durability and translucency. Bioactive dental glass-ceramics (BDGCs) differ in their ability to bond with bone tissue and stimulate biological responses. BDGCs are proposed for dentin hypersensitivity treatment and implant coatings. These materials have been shown to support bone regeneration and periodontal therapy. The review highlights the potential of BDGCs in regenerative dentistry. Both types of GCs are being processed using advanced technologies like CAD/CAM.

The authors emphasize the distinct roles of restorative and bioactive dental glass-ceramics (GCs). RDGCs are suitable for dental restoration due to their inert and biocompatible nature. BDGCs offer additional biological benefits, such as bone bonding and tissue regeneration. The review suggests that BDGCs may be particularly useful in dentin hypersensitivity and implant applications. The authors note that both types of GCs are being processed using modern technologies like CAD/CAM. The study highlights the importance of understanding the differences between inert and bioactive GCs. It also identifies unresolved issues in the field, such as long-term clinical performance. The authors propose that further research is needed to optimize the properties and applications of these materials.