Emerging Trends in Restorative Dental Materials: From Nanocomposites to Bioactive Resins

The field of restorative dentistry has evolved significantly over the past decades, driven by continuous advances in material science and technology. Traditional resin composites, although widely used, still present limitations related to polymerization shrinkage, marginal adaptation, and long-term biocompatibility. In response, researchers have developed next-generation restorative materials – such as nanocomposites, bioactive resins, and hybrid systems – that aim to enhance mechanical properties, promote remineralization, and reduce bacterial adhesion.

These innovations have opened new possibilities for achieving restorations that not only replace lost tooth structure but also interact biologically with dental tissues. However, despite growing laboratory evidence, the translation of these materials into predictable clinical outcomes remains a challenge, requiring further investigation through both in vitro and clinical research.

This Research Topic aims to explore and critically analyze the most recent developments in restorative dental materials, focusing on how emerging technologies can overcome current clinical limitations. It seeks to bridge the gap between material innovation and clinical performance by highlighting advances in nanotechnology, bioactivity, polymer chemistry, and adhesive systems. The goal is to provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to present experimental findings, clinical trials, and systematic reviews that clarify the mechanisms, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of these novel materials, ultimately guiding the future direction of restorative dentistry.

This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, brief reports, and perspectives addressing any aspect of emerging restorative dental materials. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Development and characterization of nanocomposites and nanofilled resins.
• Bioactive restorative materials with remineralizing or antibacterial properties.
• Advances in adhesive systems and bonding durability.
• Evaluation of polymerization mechanisms and light-curing technologies.
• Clinical performance, longevity, and failure modes of novel restorative materials.
• In vitro–in vivo correlations and translational research in restorative dentistry.
• Environmental and sustainability considerations in dental material innovation.

Manuscripts addressing interdisciplinary perspectives – from materials science to clinical application – are particularly encouraged. Authors are invited to contribute work that enhances understanding of the structure–function relationships, biological responses, and clinical implications of new restorative materials.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: restorative dentistry, bioactive materials, dental nanocomposites, adhesive systems, polymerization shrinkage, remineralization, antibacterial resins, clinical performance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.