Evolution of restorative materials and techniques in dentistry: a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3iSuppl.%202.200Keywords:
Restorative dental materials Technological evolution Aesthetic dentistry Patient expectations Dental psychology Scoping reviewAbstract
Introduction: Dentistry represents a fusion of science and art, combining technical precision with aesthetic sensitivity. Advances in biomaterials and techniques have evolved in response to increasing patient expectations for natural, durable, and harmonious outcomes, reflecting both technological progress and sociocultural influences.
Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map the evolution of dental restorative materials and techniques and to analyze the influence of aesthetic expectations and psychosocial factors on contemporary restorative practice.
Methodology: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines using the PCC framework. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, EDP Science, and Cochrane Library for studies published between 2005 and 2025. Relevant keywords were combined using Boolean operators (AND/OR). Eligible studies included full-text articles in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese related to definitive dental restorations. Data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach.
Results: Thirty-three studies were included. Findings indicate a strong association between increasing aesthetic expectations and the development of advanced restorative materials, particularly composites and ceramics. Digital technologies such as CAD/CAM and three-dimensional printing have enhanced precision and customization. Sociocultural influences, including social media, significantly impact aesthetic perception and treatment demand.
Conclusion: Restorative dentistry is increasingly shaped by aesthetic and patient-centered demands supported by technological innovation. However, limitations include the lack of standardized aesthetic evaluation and limited integration of psychosocial factors. Addressing these gaps may improve clinical decision-making and promote more individualized and effective restorative care.
References
Aboona, F. (2021, October 25). Medieval barbers were dentists, too. Northstar Family
Dentistry. https://northstarfamilydentistry.com/medieval-barbers-were-dentists-
too
Abu Alhuda, S., Arossi, G. A., Anagnostopoulos-King, F., Alkhubaizi, Q., Mokeem, L.
S., & Melo, M. A. S. D. (2024). Current evidence and advances in CAD-CAM
resin composite blocks for chairside dental restorations: Where are we now? A
scoping review. Applied Sciences, 14(22), 10423.
https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210423
Alsaeed, A. Y. (2022). Bonding CAD/CAM materials with current adhesive systems:
An overview. The Saudi Dental Journal, 34(4), 259-269.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.03.005
Alzeghaibi, F., Jammah, A., Alghanim, F., Albawardi, K., & Alkadi, L. (2021). The
relationship between patient's participation in shade selection and their
satisfaction with their dental prostheses. Clinical and Experimental Dental
Research, 8(1), 270–274. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.508
Bayne, S. C., Ferracane, J. L., Marshall, G. W., Marshall, S. J., & Van Noort, R. (2019).
The evolution of dental materials over the past century : Silver and gold to tooth
color and beyond. Journal of Dental Research, 98(3), 275-285.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034518822808
Belghaouti, F., Bourgeois, N., Gagnon, A., & Habre, M. (2021). L’impact négatif des
réseaux sociaux sur l’image corporelle et une proposition pour une application
innovante. Horizon 1200, 2021.
Bourbia, M., & Finer, Y. (2018). Biochemical stability and interactions of dental resin
composites and adhesives with host and bacteria in the oral cavity: A
review. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 84, i1.
Campos, L. A., Costa, M. A., Bonafé, F. S. S., Marôco, J., & Campos, J. A. D. B.
(2020). Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics on dental patients. International
Dental Journal, 70(5), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12574
Çağlayan, F., & Yılmaz, B. (2025). Optical properties of repaired additively
manufactured resin composites and zirconia and subtractively manufactured
ceramics: A comparative study. BMC Oral Health, 25, 144.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-05538-w
Çakmakoğlu, E. E., & Bakir, M. (2024). Evaluation of Colour Changes in
Nanocomposite-Based Bulk-Fill and Universal Composite Using Different
Polishing Systems. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 22, 459–464.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.ohpd.b5740315
Cunha, L. F., Gaião, U., Silva, R. C., Gonzaga, C. C., & Correr, G. M. (2017). Cosmetic
Remodeling of the Smile: Combining Composite Resin and Ceramics over Teeth
and Implants. Case Reports in Dentistry, 2017, 8698010.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8698010
Del Monte, S., Afrashtehfar, K. I., Emami, E., Abi Nader, S., & Tamimi, F. (2017). Lay
preferences for dentogingival esthetic parameters: A systematic review. The
Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 118(6), 717–724.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.04.032
Della Bona, A., Cantelli, V., Britto, V. T., Collares, K. F., & Stansbury, J. W. (2021).
D printing restorative materials using a stereolithographic technique : a
systematic review. Dental Materials, 37(2), 336–350.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2020.11.030
Dimitrov, D., & Kroumpouzos, G. (2023). Beauty perception : A historical and
contemporary review. Clinics in Dermatology, 41(1), 33-40.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.02.006
El-Ghany, O. S. A., & Sherief, A. H. (2016). Zirconia based ceramics, some clinical and
biological aspects : Review. Future Dental Journal, 2(2), 55-
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fdj.2016.10.002
German, M. J. (2022). Developments in resin-based composites. British Dental Journal,
(9), 638–643. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4240-8
Grimshaw, J. (2020). A Knowledge Synthesis Chapter. Ottawa : Canadian Institute of
Health Research.
Hadie, S. N. H. (2024). ABC of a scoping review: A simplified JBI scoping review
guideline. Education in Medicine Journal, 16(2), 185-197.
https://doi.org/10.21315/eimj2024.16.2.14
Hue, O. (2008). Le sourire en prothèse ou l’éloge du sourire. Actualités Odonto-
Stomatologiques, 242, 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1051/aos:2008011
Kelly, J. R., & Benetti, P. (2011). Ceramic materials in dentistry: historical evolution
and current practice. Australian Dental Journal, 56(Suppl 1), 84–96.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01299.x
Klages, U., & Zentner, A. (2007). Dentofacial aesthetics and quality of life. Seminars in
Orthodontics, 13(2), 104–115. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.sodo.2007.03.006
Krajangta, N., Wongsirichat, N., & Sattabanasuk, V. (2024). Color alteration of
CAD/CAM 3D-printed, milled resin-ceramic hybrid material compared to
enamel. Dental Materials Journal, 43(3), 386-393.
https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2023-275
Lajnert, V., Pavicic, D. K., Pavlic, A., Pokrajac-Bulian, A., & Spalj, S. (2018). Smile
Aesthetics Satisfaction Scale: development and validation of a new brief five-item
measure of satisfaction with smile aesthetics in adults and the elderly.
International Dental Journal, 68(3), 162-170. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12362
Lecocq, G., & Truong Tan Trung, L. (2014). L’esthétique du sourire : la beauté
calculée? International Orthodontics, 12(2), 149-170.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ortho.2014.03.016
Lefébure, C., & Riaud, X. (2008). Histoire de l’art dentaire de l’antiquité à l’époque
contemporaine. Bulletin de l’Académie nationale de chirurgie dentaire, 50, 107-
Londono, J., Ghasemi, S., Lawand, G., & Dashti, M. (2023). Evaluation of the golden
proportion in the natural dentition : A systematic review and meta-analysis. The
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 129(5), 696–702.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.07.020
Melo, M. A. S., Garcia, I. M., Mokeem, L., Weir, M. D., Xu, H. H. K., Montoya, C., &
Orrego, S. (2023). Developing Bioactive Dental Resins for Restorative Dentistry.
Journal of Dental Research, 102(11), 1180–1190.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345231182357
Miura, S., & Fujisawa, M. (2020). Current status and perspective of CAD/CAM-
produced resin composite crowns: A review of clinical effectiveness. Japanese
Dental Science Review, 56(1), 184-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsr.2020.10.002
Mursid, S., Maharani, D. A., & Kusdhany, L. (2020). Measuring patient’s orofacial
estheticism in Prosthodontics: A scoping review of a current instrument. The
Open Dentistry Journal, 14, 161-
https://doi.org/10.2174/1874210602014010161
Nikaido, T., Tagami, J., Yatani, H., Ohkubo, C., Nihei, T., Koizumi, H., Maseki, T.,
Nishiyama, Y., Takigawa, T., & Tsubota, Y. (2018). Concept and clinical
application of the resin-coating technique for indirect restorations. Dental
Materials Journal, 37(2), 192–196. https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2017-253
Oleszek-Listopad, J., Sarna-Bos, K., Szabelska, A., Czelej-Piszcz, E., Borowicz, J., &
Szymanska, J. (2015). The use of gold and gold alloys in prosthetic dentistry – a
literature review. Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, 28(3), 192-
https://doi.org/10.1515/cipms-2015-0070
Peters, M. D. J., Marnie, C., Tricco, A. C., Pollock, D., Munn, Z., Alexander, L.,
McInerney, P., Godfrey, C. M., & Khalil, H. (2020). Updated methodological
guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(10),
–2126. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBIES-20-00167
Rosso, A. (2024). Dentistry in Ancient Egypt. Qeios. https://doi.org/10.32388/CPRRM5
Tibau, A. V., & Grube, B. D. (2019). Mercury Contamination from Dental Amalgam.
Journal of Health & Pollution, 9(22), 190612. https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-
22.190612
Tsujimoto, A., Barkmeier, W. W., Teixeira, E. C., Takamizawa, T., Miyazaki, M., &
Latta, M. A. (2022). Fatigue bond strength of dental adhesive systems: Historical
background of test methodology, clinical considerations and future perspectives.
The Japanese Dental Science Review, 58, 193–207.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsr.2022.05.001
Xue, J., Wang, J., Feng, D., Huang, H., & Wang, M. (2020). Application of
Antimicrobial Polymers in the Development of Dental Resin Composite.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(20), 4738.
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204738
Zarone, F., Di Mauro, M. I., Ausiello, P., Ruggiero, G., & Sorrentino, R. (2019).
Current status on lithium disilicate and zirconia: a narrative review. BMC Oral
Health, 19(1), 134. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-019-0838-x
Zhang, K., Zhang, N., Weir, M. D., Reynolds, M. A., Bai, Y., & Xu, H. H. K. (2017).
Bioactive Dental Composites and Bonding Agents Having Remineralizing and
Antibacterial Characteristics. Dental clinics of North America, 61(4), 669–687.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.05.002
Zhang, Y., & Lawn, B. R. (2017). Novel zirconia materials in dentistry. Journal of
Dental Research, 97(2), 140-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517737483
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Athena Health & Research Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright of published papers is assigned to the Journal, but all content is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons Non-comercial 4.0 International License. Thus users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.
