Nanoparticle-based Dental Restoratives vs Conventional Restoratives
When it comes to dental health, dental restoratives play a crucial role. They are used to restore damaged teeth, prevent further decay, and enhance dental aesthetics. In recent years, nanoparticle-based dental restoratives have been developed as a potential alternative to conventional restoratives. In this blog post, we will compare the two and provide factual information to help you decide which one is right for you.
What are nanoparticle-based dental restoratives?
Nanoparticle-based dental restoratives are materials that contain nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 100 nm. These particles are typically made of materials such as silica, zirconia, or titanium dioxide. When mixed with a resin, they form a composite that can be used for dental restorations.
What are conventional restoratives?
Conventional restoratives are materials that have been used for decades in dental procedures. They include materials such as amalgam, gold, and ceramic. Most conventional restoratives contain a combination of metals such as silver, copper, tin, and zinc.
Durability
Nanoparticle-based dental restoratives are more durable than conventional restoratives. They have been shown to have a longer lifespan, with a reduced risk of chipping or cracking. Studies have shown that the use of nanoparticle-based dental restoratives can significantly reduce the need for additional dental work in the future.
Aesthetic appeal
Conventional restoratives have been used for decades and are known for their durability. However, they are not known for their aesthetic appeal. Conventional restoratives cannot match the colour of natural teeth, making them unsuitable for front teeth. On the other hand, nanoparticle-based dental restoratives have a natural-looking appearance and can match the colour of natural teeth.
Cost
Conventional restoratives are generally less expensive than nanoparticle-based dental restoratives. However, the initial cost of nanoparticle-based dental restoratives is offset by their durability and reduced need for additional dental work in the future.
References
- Lu, H., et al. "Nanoparticle-reinforced dental composites." Journal of dental research. 2014.
- Wendt, I., et al. "A comparative study of the wear behavior of high performance dental ceramics." Wear. 2020.
- Brunton, P.A., et al. "Biocompatibility of dental materials." Expert Review of Medical Devices. 2020.