Tribology in dentistry: friction, wear, and lubrication of teeth and biomaterials

Abstract

Tribology is the science focused on understanding and applying the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear in systems where surfaces move in contact with one another. There is growing interest in tribology applications in dental biomaterials, such as prostheses and resin composites used in restorative dentistry. There is a high demand for high-performance dental appliances and prostheses, with challenges in dentistry and dental biomaterials, including tribology. Literature on the tribology of various materials used in dentistry is scattered and unclear. Hence, this chapter provides an overview of tribology and its application in dentistry. In addition, this chapter presents tribological aspects of human teeth and various dental materials used in dentistry, such as friction, wear, and lubrication of human dental tissues, etc. This chapter will provide important information for dental students, dentists, and researchers for quality dental care.