J Prosthodont Res.
2023; 67(2): vi–vii
Journal of Prosthodontic Research
Dental material research in prosthodontics—Towards developing
better and efficient biomimetic materials
Dear Readers,
As the study of prosthodontics continues to evolve, the demand
for innovative and reliable dental materials is increasing. In recent years,
prosthodontics research is focused on developing materials that mimic
the properties of natural teeth and oral tissues, possess improved me-
chanical and physical properties, and have long-term clinical durabil-
ity[1,2]. Biomimetics involves the study of natural biological systems and
processes to develop technologies and materials that mimic the design
and functionalities of nature. In dental materials science, biomimetic ap-
proaches are used to design and develop dental prosthetics that closely
mimic natural teeth in terms of form, function, and esthetics.
Biomimetic approaches are rapidly growing and revolutionizing
prosthodontic treatments. Biomimetic dentistry aims to restore the
structure and function of damaged teeth using materials that closely
mimic natural teeth. One of the most significant advantages of bio-
mimetic dentistry is the ability to reduce the number of invasive treat-
ments required for restorations. By using materials that mimic the nat-
ural structure and properties of teeth, biomimetic dentistry allows for
minimally invasive procedures that preserve the natural tooth structure
as much as possible. Biomimetic materials, such as composite resins, ce-
ramics, and dental adhesives, have been developed to mimic the natural
properties of teeth, such as their strength, elasticity, and durability.
Biomimetics in dentistry involves the design and creation of mate-
rials and systems that mimic the original teeth and has become an es-
sential approach in the development of new dental materials. The de-
velopment of new dental materials based on biomimetic approaches is
exciting, and offers promising prospects. These materials can be used to
restore damaged or missing teeth and have been shown to provide ex-
cellent clinical results. Biomimetic materials with improved mechanical
properties, biocompatibility, and esthetic qualities are expected to be-
come even more advanced and versatile. Advances in nanotechnology,
biotechnology, and materials science will enable the development of
materials that closely mimic the natural structure and function of teeth.
Additionally, the use of biomimetic materials in prosthodontic treat-
ment is expected to become more widespread, with greater emphasis
on preserving the natural tooth structure and function. This approach
enables patients to maintain healthy, natural-looking smiles for longer
periods, thereby reducing the need for more invasive and expensive
dental procedures. One of the most promising areas of biomimetic re-
search in prosthodontics is the development of materials that can bond
to the natural tooth structure[3,4]. This would reduce the need for tra-
ditional mechanical retention methods, such as cementation or screws,
which can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of failure. As research
in this field continues to evolve, we expect to find more advanced mate-
rials and techniques that provide better patient outcomes. Overall, bio-
mimetic approaches in prosthodontic research offer promising oppor-
tunities for the development of new dental materials and techniques
that can improve the esthetics, durability, and biocompatibility of dental
restorations and prosthetic devices.
Editorial
Another promising area of research in prosthetic dentistry is the
development of “smart” materials that can respond to changes in the
environment or body[5]. For example, researchers are exploring the use
of materials that can release antibacterial agents to prevent infection or
materials that can adjust their shape or color in response to changes in
temperature or pH. Furthermore, there is demand for dental materials
with antimicrobial properties that can prevent or reduce the risk of oral
infections. This is particularly important for patients who are suscepti-
ble to infections, such as those with compromised immune systems or
those who have undergone oral surgery. Research is being conducted
to develop materials that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other
microorganisms in the oral cavity, as well as those that promote the
growth of beneficial microorganisms. These materials can significantly
impact the functionality of dental prostheses and lead to a new gen-
eration of prostheses that are more versatile and adaptable. In addition
to developing new dental materials, there is a need for research on the
clinical performance and long-term durability of existing materials. This
includes evaluating the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and
esthetic performance of materials in clinical trials and investigating the
long-term effects of wear, degradation, and aging on these materials. In
recent years, there has been increased interest in the development of
dental materials with esthetic properties that have the natural appear-
ance of teeth[6,7]. These include materials with improved color stability,
translucency, and fluorescence, as well as those that can be customized
to match the individual characteristics of a patient’s natural teeth. In the
field of prosthodontics, these materials are important for the fabrica-
tion of restorations that not only function well, but also look natural and
blend seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. In prosthodontics, re-
search is essential to ensure that the materials used in restorations and
prostheses are safe, effective, and durable. Innovations in digital tech-
nology and artificial intelligence also have the potential to influence
prosthetic research[8]. For example, machine-learning algorithms can
be trained to analyze patient data and predict the best materials and
designs for a specific individual. This could lead to more personalized
and effective prosthetics.
Research on prosthodontics is an essential component of modern
dentistry, and the development of new materials and techniques will
continue to shape the future of prosthodontic dentistry. Innovation in
prosthetic dentistry is being driven by factors ranging from the devel-
opment of biomimetic materials to the use of smart materials that can
adapt to changes in the environment or the body. The future prospects
for prosthetic research in dental materials science are exciting and hold
the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with den-
tal prostheses. By developing more durable and biocompatible mate-
rials using 3D printing technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced
regenerative medicine, researchers are poised to make great strides in
this field[9,10]. By investing in dental materials science research, we can
improve the quality of life of patients.
Sincerely,
 A. Shinya / J Prosthodont Res. 2023; 67(2): vi–vii vii

Conflicts of interest [4] Imai D, Mine A, Ezaki R, Nakatani H, Matsumoto M, Hagino R, et al. Does
the bonding effectiveness of a fiber post/resin composite benefit from me-
chanical or chemical treatment? Seven methods for saliva-contaminated
The author declares that there are no conflict of interests. surfaces. J Prosthodont Res. 2022;66:288–95. https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.
JPR_D_21_00015, PMID:34349083
[5] Ferro AC, Spavieri JHP, Ribas BR, Scabelo L, Jorge JH. Do denture cleans-
Akikazu Shinya, DDS, PhD (Dent.Sc.) ers influence the surface roughness and adhesion and biofilm formation
of Candida albicans on acrylic resin? -Systematic review and meta-
Associate Editor analysis. J Prosthodont Res. 2023;67:164–72. https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.
JPR_D_22_00077, PMID:35811135
Journal of Prosthodontic Research [6] Miura S, Tsukada S, Fujita T, Isogai T, Teshigawara D, Saito-Murakami K, et
Department of Dental Materials Science, al. Effects of abutment tooth and luting agent colors on final color of high-
School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, translucent zirconia crowns. J Prosthodont Res. 2022;66:243–9. https://doi.
The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_21_00025, PMID:34321374
E-mail address: akishi@tky.ndu.ac.jp
[7] Fujishima S, Shinya A, Shiratori S, Kuroda S, Hatta M, Gomi H. Long-term
color stability of light-polymerized resin luting agents in different bever-
ages. J Prosthodont Res. 2021;65:515–20. https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.
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Received 21 March 2023, Accepted 4 April 2023, Available online 12 April 2023
PMID:34565767
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_23_00081
Copyright: © 2023 Japan Prosthodontic Society. All rights reserved.

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