Surface coating and MIcrostructuring for compound functionaLisEd biomaterials in dentistry - -SMILE-

Project summary

Due to constantly increasing aesthetic requirements of patients in dentistry/orthodontics, new materials/material combinations, which can be used in the oral environment, are attractive, since ceramics, as an aesthetic material is unaccountable, for example, due to the risk of enamel abrasion especially in the lower jaw. The project aims to fabricate new functionalized multi-material brackets (metal/polymer) for orthodontic application, enhanced by an additive manufactured metallic micro-topology interface for second material (polymer) adhesion giving the bracket the final shape. Furthermore, an anti-microbiological coating with caries protective potential to overcome the drawbacks of the polymer will functionalize the composite material surface of these braces, which will then be evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo for their mechanical and biological properties and the influences and behaviour in the oral environment, proving the high benefit for patient’s aesthetics and treatment safety.