%0 Journal Article
%T Emerging Trends in Restorative Dental Materials: Review Article
%A Nada Ahmad Alamoudi
%A Asim Abdullah Aldhali
%A Abdulaziz Mohammed Alolyet
%A Esraa HamdanA ALjohani
%A Alaa Ghaleb Huraib
%A Faisal Fahad Alotaibi
%A Lulah Ali Alshabi
%A Yara Mohammed Ali Alshehri
%A Zainab Yaser Kheyami
%A Abduljabbar Ali Alzahrani
%J World Journal of Environmental Biosciences
%@ 2277-8047
%D 2025
%V 14
%N 4
%R 10.51847/Zo7BPz0deN
%P 44-53
%X Restorative dental materials have undergone a marked evolution over the past decade, driven by the need to improve restoration longevity, reduce secondary caries, and enhance biological integration within the complex oral environment. Contemporary research increasingly moves beyond passive structural replacement toward multifunctional materials capable of interacting dynamically with dental tissues, oral biofilms, and environmental stimuli. This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature published to examine emerging trends in restorative dental materials, with a focus on bioactive and ion-releasing systems, nanomaterial-enhanced composites, additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing technologies, smart and stimuli-responsive materials, sustainability-oriented innovations, and advances in adhesive systems. Bioactive restorative materials, including glass ionomer–based systems and calcium-releasing composites, demonstrate the capacity to promote remineralization, enhance interfacial stability, and reduce secondary caries, with clinical performance comparable to conventional resin composites in appropriate indications. Nanotechnology has enabled significant improvements in mechanical strength, esthetics, and antimicrobial activity through nano-reinforced and biomimetic designs. Additive manufacturing supports digitally driven, patient-specific restorations with improved workflow efficiency and reduced material waste, although long-term durability data for definitive restorations remain limited. Smart materials introduce adaptive responses to environmental triggers such as pH fluctuations, offering targeted antimicrobial and remineralizing effects, while sustainability-focused approaches emphasize mercury-free formulations, biodegradable components, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. Advances in universal and bioactive adhesive systems further contribute to interfacial durability and simplified clinical protocols. Collectively, these developments reflect a paradigm shift toward biologically interactive, adaptive, and increasingly sustainable restorative dentistry. Despite promising laboratory and short-term clinical outcomes, challenges remain related to long-term performance, standardization of bioactivity and smart behavior, and clinical translation. This review provides a structured overview of current innovations, their clinical implications, and key research priorities, offering guidance for evidence-based material selection and future development in restorative dental practice.
%U https://environmentaljournals.org/article/emerging-trends-in-restorative-dental-materials-review-article-e5i8bppyxmrm5bu