Biomaterials for catalysed mineralization of dental hard tissues

Abstract

Aesthetic and plastic restorative materials in dentistry are demanded. These materials are resin based, and require demineralization procedures on dentine and enamel, prior to resin application. Infiltration of hydrophilic monomers into demineralized tissue creates a hybrid layer that couples resinous materials to dentine. Resin infiltration is never complete, and monomers will not be effectively polymerized. Therefore, a defective interface susceptible to collagen and resin degradation is formed and jeopardizes longevity of restorations. This chapter discusses biomaterials able to catalyse remineralization of resin-infiltrated collagen matrices, since the remineralized subsurface of the tissue may be resistant to degradation over time.