Biomaterials Journal

Bioengineered Models in Oral Health: From Development to Clinical Applications

2025-12-29T18:22:44+00:00

Oral bioengineered models have emerged as a leading platform for oral health research because they can closely resemble the structure, biology, and function of native oral tissue. Through the combination of living cells with sophisticated biofabrication technologies and smart biomaterials, these models outperform other model systems, such as conventional 2D in vitro cultures and animal models. This article summarizes recent advances in the generation and characterization of bioengineered oral models, as well as their applications in modeling human oral diseases, regenerative dentistry, and biomaterial testing. The actual limitations and forthcoming opportunities towards translational and personalized oral care is also emphasized.

The Advent of 4D Dentistry: Integrating Time and Technology in Contemporary Oral Care

2025-12-29T18:18:59+00:00

The development of digital dentistry is now moving from a 3D static to a 4D dynamic model. Although 3D modalities (e.g., CAD/CAM, CBCT) have overcome the issue of spatial accuracy, they are constrained by an inability to interpolate temporal physiological dynamics occurring in the oral environment. 4D dentistry adds the dimension of time, expressed in two fundamental ways: smart materials that change shape according to programmed sequences (4D printing) and real-time functional motion integrated into digital workflows. Here, we discuss how responsive polymers and hydrogels are currently transforming the fields of myofunctional orthodontics and tissue engineering, whereas dynamic jaw tracking is taking prosthodontic accuracy to the next level, from "inert" to bio-responsive systems. Developing from the old to a new paradigm: The transition from inert restorations to bio-responsive materials in 4D dentistry, the New Normal for these smart systems, would be associated with self-directed readiness, anagenic biocompatibility, and superior clinical longevity.

Role of Thread Geometry in the Compressive Strength of Dental Implants

2025-12-28T17:26:21+00:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different dental implant thread geometries on the compressive strength of dental implants. Based on thread form, sixty custom-made grade 4 titanium dental implant screws were prepared and grouped into; V-Shape (Group 1), Square Shape (Group 2), Buttress Shape (Group 3), and Reverse Buttress Form (Group 4); Standard lab analysis set up as recommended in ISO14801. The implants were embedded in an acrylic block and tested under a 30 °off-axis compression load. The compressive strength test was carried out using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The resulting data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. The results showed that Group 1 (V-Shape) was found to be statistically significantly higher than Group 2 (Square Shape Threads) and Group 3 (Buttress Thread Shapes). Group 4 (Reverse Buttress Shapes) was found to be statistically significantly higher than Group 2 and Group 3. There is no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 (p>0.05). There is no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 4 (p>0.05). The results of this study suggest that various thread designs may play a critical role in the fracture load of implants under static load, where the reverse buttress and V-shape thread designs show better resistance than the other shapes.