Dental Polymeric Composites: A Narrative Review of Properties and Clinical Performance
Abstract
Introduction: Synthetic and natural polymers have attracted significant interest due to their adaptability and wide use in biomedical sciences. Their chemical and physical properties can be tailored to meet specific requirements, making them essential in the development of advanced healthcare solutions. Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to highlight the biomedical applications of polymers, with particular emphasis on the dental field, while assessing their stability, degradation, and bioactivity. Methods: Relevant literature was analyzed to examine recent developments in polymer modification, functional performance, and biomedical utility. Results: Results show that polymers are not restricted to biomaterial applications but also play a vital role in drug delivery systems, where stability and degradation behavior are crucial for maintaining bioactivity. Conclusion: Polymers represent indispensable tools in biomedical sciences, with dentistry and drug delivery systems offering promising avenues for future research and clinical practice.References
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24. Nedeljkovic I, De Munck J, Vanloy A, Declerck D, Lambrechts P, Peumans M, Van Landuyt KL. Secondary caries: prevalence, characteristics, and approach. Clin Oral Investig. 2020, 24:683–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2015.09.001
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31. Haque MA, Murakami D, Tanaka M. Cell Adhesion Strength Indicates the Antithrombogenicity of Poly (2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA): Potential Candidate for Artificial Small-Diameter Blood Vessel. Surfaces. 2022 Jul 27;5(3):365-82. https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces5030027
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33. Leprince JG, Palin WM, Hadis MA, Devaux J, Leloup G. Progress in dimethacrylate-based dental composite technology and curing efficiency. Dent Mater. 2013, 29(2):139–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034510381263
34. Staninec M, Kim P, Marshall GW, Ritchie RO, Marshall SJ. Fatigue of dentin–composite interfaces with four-point bend. Dent Mater. 2008, 24(6):799–803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2007.09.008
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36. Osorio Ruiz R, Cabello Malagón I, Medina Castillo AL, Osorio Ruiz ME, Toledano Pérez M. Zinc-modified nanopolymers improve the quality of resin–dentin bonded interfaces. Clin Oral Investig. 2016 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1738-y
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38. Wu C, Zhang Y, Fan W, Ke X, Hu X, Zhou Y, Xiao Y. CaSiO₃ microstructure modulating the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2011, 98(1):122–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.33092
39. Al-Ani A, Redwan AM, Al-Obaidi O, Yousif E. Polymer brushes architecture on the modified surfaces. Polym J. 2024, 18(2):1–4. https://doi.org/10.37652/juaps.2024.185791
40. Al-Ani A, Alsayed R, Fadhil Z, Al-Obaidi O, Ahmed D, Ismael SA, Yousif E. Overview of diabetes mellitus types and medications. Aging. 2024, 1: T2DM. https://doi.org/10.37652/juaps.2024.146836.1196
41. Win YF, Yousif E, Ha ST, Majeed A. Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary in vitro antibacterial screening activity of metal complexes derivatives of 2-{[5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylimino] methyl} phenol. Asian J Chem. 2013 ;25(8):4203. http://dx.doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2013.13901
42. Win YF, Yousif E, Majeed A, Ha ST. Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Co (II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Sn(II) ions with {[5-(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]thiol}acetic acid. Asian J Chem. 2011 ;23(11):5009.
2. Fried JR. Polymer science and technology. Pearson Education; 2014.
3. Stansbury JW, Idacavage MJ. 3D printing with polymers: Challenges among expanding options and opportunities. Dental materials. 2016,1;32(1):54-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2015.09.018
4. Anagnostou M, Mountouris G, Silikas N, Kletsas D, Eliades G. Chemical, mechanical and biological properties of contemporary composite surface sealers. Dental Materials. 2015,1;31(12):1474-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2015.09.015
5. Sargolzaie N, Arab HR, Moghaddam MM. Evaluation of crestal bone resorption around cylindrical and conical implants following 6 months of loading: A randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Dentistry. 2017 ;11(03):317-22. DOI: 10.4103/ejd.ejd_38_17
6. Anusavice KJ, Shen C, Rawls HR, editors. Phillips' science of dental materials. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2012, 27.
7. Muffly TM, Tizzano AP, Walters MD. The history and evolution of sutures in pelvic surgery. J R Soc Med. 2011 Maret;104(3):107–12. https://doi.org/10.1258/jrsm.2010.100243
8. Maitz MF. Applications of synthetic polymers in clinical medicine. Biosurf Biotribol. 2015 September;1(3):161–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bsbt.2015.08.002
9. Colwell J, Halley P, Varley R, Heidarian P, McNally T, Peijs T, Vandi L. Self-reinforced biodegradable thermoplastic composites. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials. 2024 Aug;7(4):128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-024-00939-x
10. Lendlein A, Behl M, Hiebl B, Wischke C. Shape-memory polymers as a technology platform for biomedical applications. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2010 Maret;7(3):357–79.
https://doi.org/10.1586/erd.10.8
11. Serrano MC, Ameer GA. Recent insights into the biomedical applications of shape-memory polymers. Macromol Biosci. 2012 September;12(9):1156–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.201200097
12. Guo, Jinshan, Wei Sun, Jimin Peter Kim, Xili Lu, Qiyao Li, Min Lin, Oliver Mrowczynski et al. "Development of tannin-inspired antimicrobial bioadhesives." Acta biomaterialia 72 (2018): 35-44.
13. Yan Q, Yuan J, Cai Z, Xin Y, Kang Y, Yin Y, . Voltage-responsive vesicles based on orthogonal assembly of two homopolymers. J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Jul;132(27):9268–70. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja1027502
14. Lacroce E, Rossi F. Polymer-based thermoresponsive hydrogels for controlled drug delivery. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery. 2022 Oct 3;19(10):1203-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/17425247.2022.2078806
15. Zhao Y. Photocontrollable block copolymer micelles: what can we control. J Mater Chem. 2009 Jul;19(28):4887–95. https://doi.org/10.1039/B819968J
16. Dai S, Ravi P, Tam KC. pH-Responsive polymers: synthesis, properties and applications. Soft Matter. 2008 Mar;4(3):435–49. https://doi.org/10.1039/B714741D
17. Geraths C, Daoud-El Baba M, Charpin-El Hamri G, Weber W. A biohybrid hydrogel for the urate-responsive release of urate oxidase. J Control Release. 2013 Aug;171(1):57–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.06.037
18. Maitz MF, Freudenberg U, Tsurkan MV, Fischer M, Beyrich T, Werner C. Bio-responsive polymer hydrogels homeostatically regulate blood coagulation. Nat Commun. 2013 Jul;4(1):2168. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms3168
19. Liu F, Song J, Li S, Sun H, Wang J, Su F, Li S. Chitosan-based GOx@ Co-MOF composite hydrogel: A promising strategy for enhanced antibacterial and wound healing effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2024 Jun 1; 270:132120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132120
20. Abadías C, Serés C, Torrent-Burgués J. AFM in peak force mode applied to worn siloxane-hydrogel contact lenses. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2015 Apr 1; 128:61-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.02.020
21. Cramer NB, Stansbury JW, Bowman CN. Recent advances and developments in composite dental restorative materials. J Dent Res. 2011 Apr;90(4):402–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034510381263
22. Sideridou ID, Vouvoudi EC, Bourdouni KA. Study of physicochemical properties of two current commercial dental self-curing resin composites. J Appl Polym Sci. 2012 ;126(1):367–74. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.36990
23. Kingman A, Hyman J, Masten SA, Jayaram B, Smith C, Eichmiller F, Dunn WJ. Bisphenol A and other compounds in human saliva and urine associated with the placement of composite restorations. J Am Dent Assoc. 2012 ;143(12):1292–302. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2012.0090
24. Nedeljkovic I, De Munck J, Vanloy A, Declerck D, Lambrechts P, Peumans M, Van Landuyt KL. Secondary caries: prevalence, characteristics, and approach. Clin Oral Investig. 2020, 24:683–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2015.09.001
25. Gao SS, . The longevity of posterior restorations in primary teeth. Evid Based Dent. 2018 Jun;19(2):44. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6401302
26. Yousif EA, Majeed AS, Salih NA. Synthesis, characterization and preliminary in vitro antibacterial screening activity of metal complex derivatives of 2-[(5-styryl-[1,3,4] thiadiazol-2-ylimino)-methyl]-phenol. J Taibah Univ Sci. 2014 ;8(1):26–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtusci.2013.09.003
27. Al-Dulaijan YA, Cheng L, Weir MD, Melo MAS, Liu H, Oates TW, Xu HH. Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanocomposite with antibacterial activity to suppress biofilm acids and dental caries. J Dent. 2018, 72:44–52.
28. Zafar MS. Prosthodontic applications of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): An update. Polymers. 2020 Oct;12(10):2299. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102299
29. Alqutaibi AY, Baik A, Almuzaini SA, Farghal AE, Alnazzawi AA, Borzangy S, Zafar MS. Polymeric denture base materials: a review. Polymers. 2023, 15(15):3258. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153258
30. Frazer RQ, Byron RT, Osborne PB, West KP. PMMA: an essential material in medicine and dentistry. J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2005, 15(6). https://doi.org/10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v15.i6.60
31. Haque MA, Murakami D, Tanaka M. Cell Adhesion Strength Indicates the Antithrombogenicity of Poly (2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA): Potential Candidate for Artificial Small-Diameter Blood Vessel. Surfaces. 2022 Jul 27;5(3):365-82. https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces5030027
32. Shaker LM, Al‐Amiery A, Isahak WN, Al‐Azzawi WK. Vinyl polymers as key materials in contact lens design: A review of progress and future directions. Starch‐Stärke. 2024 Jul;76(7-8):2300213. https://doi.org/10.1002/star.202300213
33. Leprince JG, Palin WM, Hadis MA, Devaux J, Leloup G. Progress in dimethacrylate-based dental composite technology and curing efficiency. Dent Mater. 2013, 29(2):139–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034510381263
34. Staninec M, Kim P, Marshall GW, Ritchie RO, Marshall SJ. Fatigue of dentin–composite interfaces with four-point bend. Dent Mater. 2008, 24(6):799–803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2007.09.008
35. Vallittu PK. Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) in dental polymers and composites. J Adhes Sci Technol. 2009, 23(7-8):961–72. https://doi.org/10.1163/156856109X432785
36. Osorio Ruiz R, Cabello Malagón I, Medina Castillo AL, Osorio Ruiz ME, Toledano Pérez M. Zinc-modified nanopolymers improve the quality of resin–dentin bonded interfaces. Clin Oral Investig. 2016 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1738-y
37. Besinis A, Van Noort R, Martin N. Remineralization potential of fully demineralized dentin infiltrated with silica and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Dent Mater. 2014 ;30(3):249–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2013.11.014
38. Wu C, Zhang Y, Fan W, Ke X, Hu X, Zhou Y, Xiao Y. CaSiO₃ microstructure modulating the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2011, 98(1):122–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.33092
39. Al-Ani A, Redwan AM, Al-Obaidi O, Yousif E. Polymer brushes architecture on the modified surfaces. Polym J. 2024, 18(2):1–4. https://doi.org/10.37652/juaps.2024.185791
40. Al-Ani A, Alsayed R, Fadhil Z, Al-Obaidi O, Ahmed D, Ismael SA, Yousif E. Overview of diabetes mellitus types and medications. Aging. 2024, 1: T2DM. https://doi.org/10.37652/juaps.2024.146836.1196
41. Win YF, Yousif E, Ha ST, Majeed A. Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary in vitro antibacterial screening activity of metal complexes derivatives of 2-{[5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylimino] methyl} phenol. Asian J Chem. 2013 ;25(8):4203. http://dx.doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2013.13901
42. Win YF, Yousif E, Majeed A, Ha ST. Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Co (II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Sn(II) ions with {[5-(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]thiol}acetic acid. Asian J Chem. 2011 ;23(11):5009.
Published
2025-10-26
How to Cite
AHMED, Dina; AL-ANI, Ahmed; YOUSIF, Eamd.
Dental Polymeric Composites: A Narrative Review of Properties and Clinical Performance.
Journal of Indonesian Dental Association, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 2, p. 61-65, oct. 2025.
ISSN 2621-6175.
Available at: <http://jurnal.pdgi.or.id/index.php/jida/article/view/1410>. Date accessed: 26 oct. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.32793/jida.v8i2.1410.
Section
Review Article
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
