Polymer composites in dentistry and orthopedic applications-a review

Abstract Applications of various Polymeric composite materials in Bio-medical applications viz…, Dentistry and Orthopaedic etc., increased over the last decade. Initially, the metals viz…, steel,titanium were used in the biomedical implants which had certain limitations. It demanded researchers to find an alternative to the metal implants. Even though the mechanical properties of polymer composites are not as superior as metals, it is considered as the better replacement for metals due to its unique properties. Polymer composites possess less weight than metals which is the major advantage. The mechanical properties of the polymers have been improved by the addition of nanofillers and short fibers as the reinforcements. This paper systematically reviews the various articles published in the domain of orthopaedics and dentistry applications over the last 10 years and the mechanical properties of Polymer composites based biomaterials were focused. It explains problems occurred while using traditional materials used for specific applications viz., dental post, dental bridges etc, and replacement of traditional materials by polymer composites for the specified applications. Testing of biomaterials has also been discussed which includes mechanical, biocompatibility, and application of FEM in predicting the properties of the biomaterials.