Nanofilled

Nanofilled describes materials that incorporate nanoscale filler particles into a matrix to improve performance. The concept is used across dental resins, coatings, polymers, cements, and composites. Fillers are usually inorganic nanoparticles such as silica or zirconia, sometimes combined with other oxides. The goal is to combine the small particle size of nanofillers with a high overall filler loading to achieve enhanced mechanical properties, esthetics, and wear resistance.

Manufacturing relies on uniform dispersion of nanoscale fillers and surface treatment to promote bonding with the resin or polymer. Silane coupling agents, high-shear mixing, and milling are used to minimize agglomeration. Nanofilled materials often exhibit improved polishability and gloss, reduced translucency changes over time, and lower water sorption compared with conventional microfilled or macrofilled materials. They may also show increased strength and fracture resistance and better resistance to wear, depending on formulation.

Applications and limitations: applications include dental composite resins for fillings and sealants, protective coatings, and specialty polymers. Limitations include potential nanoparticle agglomeration if dispersion is inadequate, higher material cost, and handling differences such as increased viscosity at high filler load. Performance depends on the balance between particle size, distribution, and resin chemistry; not all nanofilled formulations outperform traditional fillers in every property.

Nanofilled is sometimes used interchangeably with nanohybrid, though nanohybrids blend nano- and micro-scale fillers to optimize polish and strength. The term gained prominence in the late 1990s and 2000s with advances in nanotechnology applied to dental composites and coatings.