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By: Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi and Atul Khajuria.
Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi, Department of Dental Surgery, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001.
ATUL KHAJURIA, Dean, Department of Allied & Health Care Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001
The continuous advancement in restorative dentistry has led to the integration of nanotechnology in the fabrication of crowns and bridges, significantly enhancing their mechanical and functional performance. Nano-enhanced materials, including nanoparticle-reinforced resin matrices, nanostructured ceramics, and nano-modified adhesive systems, demonstrate superior properties compared to conventional materials. These improvements are largely attributed to the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, which enhances filler–matrix bonding, increases surface interaction, and reduces microstructural defects, resulting in improved flexural strength, fracture toughness, wear resistance, and marginal adaptation. In resin-based systems, nanofillers such as silica, zirconia, and alumina improve polymer cross-linking and reduce polymerization shrinkage, thereby minimizing marginal gaps and microleakage. Similarly, nano-engineered ceramics exhibit refined grain structures that enhance resistance to crack propagation and fatigue under occlusal forces. Nano-modified adhesive systems further strengthen bonding to enamel and dentin through improved penetration and hybrid layer formation. Despite these advancements, translating in vitro and short-term clinical benefits into predictable long-term outcomes remains a challenge. Current evidence supports improved medium-term performance (3–7 years), particularly in wear resistance, color stability, and marginal integrity. However, long-term data beyond 5–10 years are limited, and isolating the specific contribution of nanotechnology remains difficult due to variability in clinical conditions and study designs. In conclusion, while nanotechnology has significantly improved the short- to medium-term performance of crowns and bridges, further longitudinal clinical studies are required to validate long-term durability and optimize its clinical application.
Keywords: nanoenhanced materials, zirconia frameworks, resin nanoceramic CAD CAM, allceramic
crowns.
Citation:
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