An Artificial Tooth Enamel That’s Stronger Than Actual Teeth Has Been Developed

A team of international researchers has created an artificial tooth enamel that could be stronger than the real thing, possibly finding a viable solution to treat decaying teeth. 

The scientists managed to replicate the intricate nanostructure of calcium present in natural teeth, before recreating a nanocomposite system that could be as durable as enamel while maintaining a level of viscoelasticity. 

Following earlier imitations of the enamel, the team used wires from a mineral named hydroxyapatite to create the wires, as per Science. 

However, in this case, they encased the wires in a malleable metal-based coating, which was the “secret ingredient” to making the development sturdier than previous iterations.

The coating enables the material to absorb more pressure and shock, hence making the wires less likely to snap.

According to the findings, which were published in a journal, the synthetic enamel “exhibited high stiffness, hardness, strength, viscoelasticity, and toughness, exceeding the properties of enamel and previously manufactured bulk enamel-inspired materials.” 

Futurism reported that although the new material isn’t commercially viable just yet, future tests have been scheduled to review if the synthetic compound can last in human mouths over the course of time. 

If results are favorable, not only could the artificial enamel be used to create teeth, but also other implants such as pacemakers and bone replacements, or even hardening surfaces for industrial uses.

“This is a clear leap forward. From creating body armor to strengthening or hardening surfaces for floors or cars, there could be many, many applications,” posited Alvaro Mata, a biomedical engineering at the University of Nottingham, unaffiliated with the study.

[via Futurism and Science, cover image via Chernetskaya | Dreamstime.com]