The Tooth as a Basis for Biomimetic Design

Teeth are uniquely capable of withstanding high forces (>200 N) with small contact area (< 0.5 mm2) and a high number of fatigue cycles (> 107) with little evidence of damage. Yet the tooth is comprised of an outer very brittle, anisotropic, highly crystalline enamel layer supported by an inner soft, but tough dentin. These structures are joined by a small (appoximately 30 microns wide) transition zone called the dento-enamel junction (DEJ). The DEJ plays a critical role in transfer of stress across the layers of the tooth. How the enamel-dentin complex (EDC) comprised of these layers and the DEJ is able to withstand the high contact loads and high cycle fatigue is not well understood. An understanding of the interplay of the various components would serve as the basis for design of dental ceramic or resin based composite crowns capable of service lives approaching those on natural teeth. Current all ceramic crowns have high failure rates (1–5% per yr) on molar teeth and improved performance is required before CAD-CAM restorations can be successful.