Bioactive and biomimetic restorative materials: a comprehensive review. Part I.

The objective of this two-part review article is to compare and contrast the composition, properties, and performance of the calcium silicate- and calcium aluminate-based, bioactive dental materials, with an emphasis on the restorative applications of this evolving class of materials. Part I examines the development and application of the calcium silicate-based materials ranging from dental materials derived from Portland cement to more recent materials based on further modifications of calcium silicate cement chemistry. Part II will consider the development, composition, properties, and application of the bioactive calcium aluminate-based materials that have recently been developed for several indications in restorative dentistry. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bioactive materials have evolved over the past three decades from relatively specialized, highly biocompatible, but low-strength dental materials to now emerge in product compositions for expanded clinical uses in restorative dentistry. Further developments to meet additional restorative clinical needs are anticipated in this newly emerging category of dental materials.