Research Activities
The mission of the Department is to educate, mentor, and conduct research efforts which are directed at solving craniofacial and dental health treatment problems. In order to achieve this mission, the Department orchestrates an intellectual and respectful environment that facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists, physicians, engineers, and scientists. The Department is an integral part of the University community and plays a fundamental role in the training of dental, medical, and research scholars. An ancillary focus of the department is to conduct un-biased basic analysis of products in order to help the dental community wade through the myriad of new products and treatment philosophies that may or may not have sound research backing. It is part of our mission to further aid the dental community in instituting “evidence based” selection of materials to maximize treatment benefit and effectiveness for patients.
Research encompasses a wide variety of materials analysis and development as well as evaluation of new technology. Research areas include composite resins, ceramics, adhesives, endodontic and orthodontic materials, tissue matrix devices, implants, CAD/CAM materials and devices, polymer and ceramic 3D printing, and remineralization.
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Research Materials
CAD/CAM
Physical and mechanical property analysis of materials models, surgical guides, restorative materials, and prosthetic devices fabricated by machining and printing. Accuracy of machined and printed restorations and prosthetic devices.
Ceramics
Analysis of mechanical properties, physical properties, and optical properties of zirconia, glass ceramics, and felspathic ceramics. Development of new bioactive interpenetrating phase materials for machining applications.
Polymers
Development and testing of indirect and direct polymer matrix materials for permanent restorations, fixed and removable prosthetic devices. Impact resistance of mouthguard materials.
Implants
Biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and material properties of titanium and zirconia implant materials with variable composition and surface finish.
Endodontics
Analysis of sealing ability, mechanical and physical properties of conventional and bioactive sealers. Fatigue and mechanical properties of files. Effectiveness of endodontic debridement systems such as the Gentlewave.
Orthodontics
Analysis of aligner materials and development and testing of novel bracket materials.
Pedodontics
Effectiveness of fluoride containing materials in reversing and preventing enamel demineralization.
Lasers
Effect of laser treatment on tooth structure and debridement of root canals.
Enamel Remineralization
Dr. Yuwei Fan’s research interests are in the area of biomineralization, enamel regeneration, electron microanalysis, material analysis, digital dentistry technology, functional biomaterials, and restorative material clinical performance. Recent studies include comparing success rates between novel CAD/CAM milled single crowns and gold crowns, measuring the accuracy of 3D printed prostheses made using different methods, fabricating novel bioactive restorative materials, and regenerating a synthetic enamel crystal layer similar to natural enamel on tooth surfaces to treat dental diseases.
Molecular Biocompatibility
This is a research field pioneered by Dr. Lee Chou with his groundbreaking discovery that biomaterials’ surface chemistry and surface topography are the signals sensitively and selectively regulating the gene expression and activity of functional proteins. These discoveries changed the traditional theory of biomaterial inertness. Dr. Chou’s proposal for a “Biomaterials’ Molecular Biocompatibility Profile” catalyzed the development of third-generation biomaterials and influenced the USA federal white paper “Materials Genome Initiative” issued by President Obama in 2011.
The Molecular Biocompatibility Lab was established in 1994. Having over 60 students graduated from this lab, the research projects have covered the arears including creations and designs of novel osteogenic materials and odontogenic materials, novel technologies for biomaterials safety and efficacy evaluations, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies of nanomaterials, and tissue engineering.
Tissue Engineering
3D biodegradable, biomimetic materials and modifying their properties to induce + improve osteoblastic differentiation for bone regeneration.
Anti-inflammatory Materials
Modification of physical surface roughness and chemistry to modulate macrophage polarization to mitigate the chronic inflammatory response and improve implant survival outcomes.
Applied Biomechanics
The Laboratory for Applied Biomechanics is pioneering research at the intersection of biomechanics, materials science, and clinical practice. Our lab explores how biomechanical forces affect both macro-scale and cellular dynamics, with the aim of improving surgical outcomes and patient quality of life. Using advanced computational modeling, in vitro studies, and collaborations across disciplines, we focus on both postural disturbances caused by dental interventions and innovative tissue-engineering solutions for craniofacial reconstruction.
Postural Disturbances Tracing to the Stomatognathic System
Our lab investigates how dental treatments and restorations can lead to postural disturbances by altering the functional relationship between the stomatognathic system and whole-body posture. Recent studies focus on neuromuscular pathways and sensory integration mechanisms that link cranio-cervical posture to balance and gait. This research is particularly significant as we explore the aging population’s needs for improved balance and stability post-surgery, aiming to design targeted interventions that prevent falls and enhance mobility.
Functional Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
The development of functional/fast-healing bone grafts for craniofacial reconstruction is another focus of the Laboratory. These bioinspired, biocompatible and bioresorbable scaffolds are engineered to fit complex bone defects and are designed to promote osteogenic differentiation. We are improving the mechanical properties of these scaffolds through innovative compositions such as the inclusion of piezoelectric materials, while enhancing their structural integrity to support load-bearing applications. This research aims to address the clinical challenges of intraoral bone regeneration, improving outcomes and reducing complications associated with craniofacial surgeries