FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, October 18, 1997
CONTACT:
Chris Martin
Jann Ingmire
DC Convention Center
202/371-4509
Chicago Office
312/440-2806
Dental Researchers Continue To Develop Better Materials
WASHINGTON -- Great improvements continue to be made in the materials used for dental restorations, according to the head of the American Dental Association Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center (ADAHF- PRC). "Our goal is to develop the best materials possible for dental patients," director Frederick Eichmiller, D.D.S., stresses. "With better materials, the end result will be better dental restorations that look better and last longer for patients." Dr. Eichmiller says PRC scientists are working on improving the materials used in composites, adhesives and ceramics. "The composites we're working with have fiber and glass-ceramic reinforcements that will be used to strengthen both direct fillings and crown and bridge materials. Although we haven't done a lot of clinical studies yet, we do see some apparent advantages over porcelain restorations already." Dr. Eichmiller says early laboratory studies show this material is strong and may not wear down the opposing teeth as quickly, which can be a problem with some porcelain fused to metal restorations.
New adhesive materials are another area of study for ADAHF researchers. Dr. Eichmiller says the goal with new adhesives is to make them easier for dentists to apply, which makes the process more comfortable for the patient. The new adhesives are often used to place tooth-colored restorations.
The use of ceramics is growing as dental patients want esthetically pleasing restorations. "The dentist can now look at the patient and determine what he or she wants to do esthetically and can then choose the materials accordingly," Dr. Eichmiller says. "Patients really want a restoration to look good and to work naturally."
Dr. Eichmiller adds that the new adhesives allow dentists to use ceramics and porcelains more. These materials can be better matched to the patient's natural teeth. "It is nearly impossible today to spot whether a person has a false tooth, a crown or bridge with many of these new materials."
The researchers are also continuing to work on ways to bring these technologies to the dentist's office. Many restorations are currently made in laboratories, Dr. Eichmiller explains. That means the patient has at least two trips to the dentist's office and some waiting time in between. "We're trying to improve and simplify the methods for many of these procedures. That means one trip to the dentist, which will be more economical for the patient."
Dr. Eichmiller will be part of a panel discussion on dental materials and esthetics on Saturday, October 18, at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 138th Annual Session in Washington, D.C.
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