Dentorns

Dentorns are a proposed class of biomimetic microstructures intended for use in dental materials and related coatings. The term combines the dental prefix dento- from Latin dentis meaning tooth with a suffix that signals nanoscale or small-scale structural entities. In current discussions, dentorns are described as engineered composites designed to integrate with natural tooth tissues.

Definition and structure

Dentorns are defined as porous or layered ceramic–polymer composites designed to emulate the hierarchical organization of natural dental tissues, particularly enamel and dentin. The goal is to achieve a combination of hardness, toughness, and resilience by mimicking mineral-organic interfaces and controlled porosity that support mineral exchange and stress distribution.

Classification

Researchers typically classify dentorns by size (nano- versus micro-scale), architecture (lamellar, fibrous, or networked), and composition (bioactive ceramics such as hydroxyapatite or bioactive glass combined with organic polymers). Some designs emphasize mineralization-promoting surfaces, while others focus on dense, wear-resistant substrates.

Synthesis and properties

Fabrication approaches include self-assembly, electrospinning, three-dimensional printing, and chemical vapor deposition. Desired properties include high hardness and wear resistance, chemical stability in the oral environment, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility with surrounding tissues. Interfacial bonding to dentin or enamel is a critical engineering consideration.

Applications and status

If validated, dentorns could serve in dental restoratives, protective coatings for implants, and dentin-substitute materials, as well as tissue engineering scaffolds for dental repair. The concept remains at an early research stage, with ongoing work addressing manufacturability, long-term stability, and regulatory pathways.

See also: biomimetics, dental materials, nanomaterials, enamel, dentin.