From Biomechanics to Bioinnovation: Emerging Applications of Piezoelectric Materials and Phenomena in Dentistry

TL;DR

Teeth naturally use piezoelectric properties to convert mechanical stress into electrical signals, offering new opportunities for dental research and applications.

Contribution

This review explores the clinical potential of piezoelectric materials in dentistry and identifies key challenges for future research.

Findings

Teeth have piezoelectric coefficients of 1.2–1.6 pC/N, enabling them to act as natural sensors.

Piezoelectric materials in teeth convert chewing forces (22.4–68.3 kg) into electrical signals.

Current challenges include clinical translation, stability, and biosafety of piezoelectric materials in the oral environment.

Abstract

Teeth are the hardest organs in the human body. As mineralized structures, they possess a unique microstructure composed of orderly arranged piezoelectric materials such as hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen fibers. Teeth exhibit effective piezoelectric coefficients of approximately 1.2–1.6 pC/N. This inherent property enables teeth to function as natural piezoelectric sensors, converting routine mechanical stresses (e.g., chewing and biting forces, typically ranging from 22.4 to 68.3 kg) into localized electrical signals. This characteristic is of great importance in dentistry and materials science, offering new perspectives into a deeper understanding of the physiological functions and pathological mechanisms of teeth. Despite promising advances, challenges regarding the clinical translation, long-term stability, and biosafety of piezoelectric materials in the oral environment remain unresolved. This review highlights the biological functions of the piezoelectric properties of teeth, discusses recent applications and notable advancements of piezoelectric materials in dentistry, and outlines the challenges and research priorities for future clinical applications.

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