Application of nanowire technology in dentistry: A narrative review

Nanowire technology utilizes one-dimensional wire-like structures (nanowires) to create materials with a high aspect ratio and tunable surface chemistry. These nanowires can be synthesized from diverse material classes, including metallic, bioceramic, semiconductor, and polymer systems, each offering distinct structural and functional advantages. This technology has been used in dental research to synthesize different materials for a wide range of clinical applications. The core of the review details multifaceted applications of nanowires of different materials. They serve as potent, multifunctional fillers, such as silver nanowires, which can enhance the mechanical strength and impart sustained antibacterial activity to restorative materials. When applied as coatings on titanium implants, metallic nanowires, such as zinc- or magnesium-based nanowires, synergistically promote osseointegration and provide antibacterial defense through controlled ion release or photocatalytic self-cleaning. In regenerative dentistry, nanowire-based scaffolds, most notably hydroxyapatite nanowire scaffolds, guide periodontal bone and soft tissue healing by providing structural support combined with bioactive signaling and immunomodulation. Beyond structural use, silver and silicon nanowires enable highly sensitive diagnostic platforms for detecting oral cancer biomarkers and facilitating on-demand drug delivery. Notably, ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires with exceptionally high aspect ratios (>10,000) are being engineered into hierarchical, biomimetic materials that replicate the exceptional mechanics and aesthetics of natural enamel. While promising, the transition to clinical practice requires addressing key challenges regarding long-term biosafety, standardized evaluation protocols, and scalable manufacturing.