Advances in biomimetic mineralization of tooth enamel based on cell-free strategies

Abstract

Tooth enamel is a highly-mineralized hard tissue covering the outermost layer of the dental crown, and amelogenesis is inseparable from the participation of necessary components such as ameloblasts, organic matrix proteins, and mineral ions, such as Ca2+ and PO43-. However, mature enamel is an acellular tissue and it is difficult to self-repair once damaged. The current treatment methods for enamel damage are filling or repairing with alloys, ceramics, or composite resins. However, the mechanical properties of these materials are quite different from the natural enamel and they can’t ensure a completely closed interface with the remaining enamel surface, which usually causes a series of post-repair problems. At present, the biomimetic mineralization of tooth enamel is a research hotspot in the field of prosthodontics, and has great clinical application needs and prospects, especially the researches on cell-free strategies have made significant accomplishment. Here, based on the cell-free strategies, we review the recent knowledge from ex situ and in situ two dimensions in the remineralization of tooth ename.

Keywords

• tooth enamel
• enamel-like materials
• in situ enamel remineralization
• review