Smart Biomaterials Shaping the Future of Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

Dentistry revolves around the diverse dental materials being used in each and every step for a successful outcome of the treatment. Traditional materials require a specific design to meet performance requirements for load, speed, and lifespan expectancy. They seem difficult to modify their specifications or respond to changes in the environment. Traditional materials pose numerous disadvantages, such as limited durability and potential toxicity. As a result, smart materials were introduced where they respond to external stimuli, including stress, pH, temperature, moisture, and magnetic and electric fields. In the 1970s and 80s, smart materials were introduced in the market, with the first applications utilizing magnetostrictive technology, specifically nickel-titanium alloys that possess shape memory properties. In the 1980s, these materials paved their way into the field of dentistry, but their importance and applications flourished in the 20th century. A key feature of smart materials is their ability to return to their original state even after the stimulus has been removed, making them ideal for use in dentistry. A few examples include orthodontic shape-memory alloys, smart sutures, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC). This review aims to understand the latest advancements in smart dental materials and assess their benefits over traditional materials. The integration of smart materials improves treatment effectiveness and longevity, allowing for minimally invasive approaches. Smart materials enhance patient comfort and improve material performance.