Functionally graded materials –An overview

Abstract:

Modern dentistry aims in restoring the patient to normal form, function and aesthetics with minimal intervention. Dental implants are one of the minimal invasive treatment options for restoring the missing dentition. Titanium has emerged as an implant biomaterial by satisfying all but one criterion for success, which is its stiffness value which is far greater than bone. This mismatch can lead to stress shielding and eventually implant failure. There is a huge development in the implant biomaterials since decades, but an implant with single composition cannot meet all the requirements in the oral cavity. So, the implants should be functionally graded i.e., composed based on function to achieve optimum results. Through this review, we would like to summarize the functionally graded materials, their manufacturing techniques and their use as implant materials.