Dr. Arshia R. Baig
Abstract
Till date, there has been no single material in dentistry that is idyllic in nature, which can satisfy all the
necessities of a superlative material. As the search for an ―ideal restorative material‖ continues, newer group of materials
were introduced. These are ―Smart Materials’’, as they support the remaining tooth structure to the level, so that more
conservative cavity preparation can be performed. These materials may be improved in a precise manner by stimulus
such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic field. Some of these are ―Biomimetic‖ in nature as their
properties imitate the natural tooth constituent such as Enamel or Dentin. The existing dental materials were amended so
as to make them smarter. Use of Smart materials has modernized dentistry which comprises the use of restorative
materials such as Smart composites, Smart ceramics, Composers, Resin modified glass ionomer, Amorphous calcium
phosphate releasing pit and fissure sealants, etc. and other materials such as Shape memory alloys, Smart impression
material, Smart suture, Smart burs, etc., . This article highlights the use of Smart materials for achieving benefit by the
conventional restorative procedures in dentistry.