Development of Novel Polymer Technology for a New Class of Restorative Dental Materials

Purpose: The aim of this review article was to provide an overview of the scientific and patent literature on the different synthesis pathways of modified polyacids suitable for application in a new class of restorative dental materials. Methods: The literature based on patents and publications from 2009 to 2018 of Dentsply Sirona in cooperation with Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, was reviewed and summarized. Results: Multiple approaches towards the development of polymerizable acid polymers have been introduced and their strength and weaknesses were discussed. A target structure and the respective synthesis were developed allowing the formulation of a restorative dental material with unique properties, such as high mechanical strength paired with good adhesion properties. Conclusion: From a variety of hydrolytically stable acidic polymers, the most promising versions were selected and used for the product development of Surefil one (Dentsply Sirona). Keywords: additive coupling, copolymerization of acrylic acid with amine derivatives, modified polyacrylic acid, polymer- analogous modification, restorative materials