Cosmetic dentistry patients could soon be given new bridges which are much stronger than those
currently available.
Scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a cosmetic
bridge from a new kind of glass ceramic with a nanocrystalline structure.
They explained that the substance was particularly useful for dental work due
to its appearance and strength.
"We achieve a strength five times higher than with comparable denture
ceramics available today," said glass chemist Dr Christian Russel, who led
the research.
He stated that teeth, and thus dentures and cosmetic inlays, need to be very
hard as they are operated by some of the strongest muscles in the body.
With this in mind, Dr Russel added that it was difficult to find suitable
materials that were both strong enough and had the required cosmetic appeal.
According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 32 per cent of the
British population are unhappy with the "look of their teeth."
© Adfero Ltd
Private dentistry news: 12 January 2012
