Bioactive Dental Composite with Silane-Modified Hydroxyapatite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental restorative materials face challenges such as poor mechanical properties, limited indications for use, and aesthetic issues, and they often fail to provide sustained ion release for remineralization, leading to susceptibility of restored structures to further decay around the margins of the restoration.
Innovation Solution
Development of bioactive dental materials that include polymerizable organic compounds, a source of biologically active ions (such as calcium, phosphate, or fluoride), and a photoinitiator, which form a mineral apatite layer between the dental material and the tooth structure, enhancing bonding strength and providing sustained ion release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dental restorative materials (amalgam, glass ionomer, composite resin) are used, then mechanical properties and aesthetics are improved, but sustained ion release for remineralization is insufficient leading to decay susceptibility around margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials with complementary properties: bioactive glass particles (40-60 μm) provide sustained ion release, silane-modified hydroxyapatite (0.5-2 μm) enhances bonding and remineralization, and the resin matrix (bis-GMA/TEGDMA) provides mechanical strength. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve structural integrity and biological activity for sustained calcium and phosphate ion release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the restorative material: the bioactive glass particles primarily release ions at the material-tooth interface to promote remineralization, while the silane-modified hydroxyapatite provides both bonding enhancement and localized mineral supply. The resin matrix provides structural support throughout. This spatial differentiation of functions allows simultaneous achievement of mechanical properties and sustained ion release.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If glass ionomer cements are used, then fluoride ion release and self-setting properties are improved, but mechanical properties and aesthetics deteriorate making them unsuitable for stress bearing restorations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where the resin matrix (bis-GMA and TEGDMA) provides the mechanical strength needed for stress-bearing restorations, while the bioactive glass particles (40-60 μm) and silane-modified hydroxyapatite (0.5-2 μm) provide ion release capabilities. The silane coupling agent ensures strong bonding between the organic resin phase and inorganic filler particles, creating a durable composite that combines the advantages of both material types.
3Strength
If photopolymerizable dental composites are used, then mechanical properties and aesthetics are improved, but bonding to tooth structure and sustained remineralization are insufficient leading to margin decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the inorganic fillers through silane modification of hydroxyapatite, which introduces organic functional groups that can chemically bond to the resin matrix. This parameter change in surface chemistry enables strong adhesion between the composite material and tooth structure, preventing margin decay while maintaining mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of photopolymerizable resin matrix with bioactive glass particles and silane-modified hydroxyapatite creates a multi-functional composite that simultaneously achieves strong bonding to tooth structure, sustained ion release for remineralization, and mechanical strength for stress-bearing applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bioactive dental materials demonstrate improved shear bond strengths, prolonged ion release, and enhanced anticaries activity, reducing post-operative tooth sensitivity and improving aesthetics through the formation of a mineral apatite layer and sustained release of biologically active ions.
Implementation Method 1
The bioactive glass releases, or is configured to release, a biologically active ion selected from calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, and combinations thereof, upon contacting water
Implementation Method 2
a photoinitiator, where: the source of biologically active ions releases, or is configured to release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides compositions of bioactive dental materials that form a mineral apatite bond between the dental material and tooth structure for increasing bond strength and longevity. Also disclosed are methods for using said compositions in treating teeth.