Chemical composition, surface roughness, and ceramic bond strength of additively manufactured cobalt-chromium dental alloys

An in vitro evaluation of bond strength and failure behavior between 3D-printed cobalt-chromium alloy and different types of denture base resins

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength and failure behavior between cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy and different types of denture base resins (DBRs) over time.

METHODS

Seventy-two disk-shaped specimens (8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were manufactured using a selective laser melting technology-based metal 3D printer. Three types of DBRs were used: heat-cure (HEA group), cold-cure (COL group), and 3D-printable (TDP group) DBRs (n = 12 per group). Each DBR specimen was fabricated as a 5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm cube model. The specimens of the TDP group were manufactured using a digital light processing technology-based 3D printer. Half of the DBRs were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h, whereas the remaining half underwent thermocycling for 10,000 cycles. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine; failure modes were observed, and metal surfaces were evaluated using energy dispersive spectrometry.

RESULTS

The shear bond strength did not differ between the DBR types within the non-thermocycled groups. Contrarily, the TDP group exhibited inferior strength compared to the HEA group (P = 0.008) after thermocycling. All three types of DBRs exhibited a significant decrease in the shear bond strength and an increased tendency toward adhesive failure after thermocycling.

CONCLUSIONS

The bond strength between 3D-printable DBRs and Co-Cr alloy was comparable to that of heat-and cold-cure DBRs before thermocycling. However, it exhibited a considerable weakening in comparison to heat-cure DBRs after simulated short-term use.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The application of 3D-printable DBR in metal framework-incorporated removable partial dentures may be feasible during the early phase of the treatment. However, its application is currently limited because the bond strength between the 3D-printable DBR and metal may weaken after short-term use. Further studies on methods to increase the bond strength between these heterogeneous materials are required.

Mechanical properties of 3D printed prosthetic materials compared with milled and conventional processing: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing (AM) is an evolving technology in dentistry, proposed as an alternative to subtractive milling manufacture (MM) or conventional processing. However, a systematic review of the use of AM technology instead of milling or conventional processing is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D printed prosthetic materials compared with MM and conventional techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic search of the literature was conducted on the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were in vitro studies published in the last 5 years, in English or Italian, and with 3D AM printed dental prosthetic materials. Data extraction was focused on dental prosthetic materials (ceramics, polymers, and metals) and their mechanical properties: flexural strength, fracture load, hardness, roughness, removable partial denture (RPD) fit accuracy, trueness, marginal discrepancy, and internal fit. Data considered homogenous were subjected to meta-analysis using the Stata17 statistical software program (95% confidence interval [CI]; α=.05). Since all variables were continuous, the Hedge g measure was calculated. A fixed-effects model was used for I2=0%, while the statistical analysis was conducted using a random-effects model with I2>0%.

RESULTS

From a total of 3624 articles, 2855 studies were selected, and 76 studies included after full-text reading. The roughness of AM-printed ceramics generally increased compared with that of conventional processing while the marginal discrepancy was comparable both for ceramics and polymers. The flexural strength, hardness, and fracture load of AM-printed polymers were statistically lower than those of the conventional group (P<.05). No significant difference was detected in terms of hardness, roughness, marginal discrepancy, fracture load, trueness, or internal fit between the AM and MM techniques (P>.05). Milling techniques showed significantly higher values of flexural strength (Hedge g=-3.88; 95% CI, -7.20 to -0.58; P=.02), also after aging (Hedge g=-3.29; 95% CI, -6.41 to -0.17; P=.04), compared with AM printing.

CONCLUSIONS

AM is comparable with MM in terms of mechanical properties, in particular with polymeric materials. The flexural strength of AM-printed prostheses is lower than with conventional and MM techniques, as are the parameters of hardness and fracture load, while the marginal discrepancy is similar to that of MM and conventional techniques. AM prostheses are commonly used for interim crowns and fixed partial dentures, as their rigidity and fracture resistance cannot support mastication forces for extended periods. More comparative studies are needed.

Effect of laser etching on surface characteristics and porcelain bond to soft milled and direct metal laser sintered cobalt chromium alloys

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The surface topography of metal substrate can affect its bond to porcelain. A neodynium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been introduced to modify the metal surface topography and improve porcelain bond strength. However, studies on the effect of laser etching on metal to porcelain bond strength are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of Nd:YAG laser etching on the surface roughness and wettability of and the porcelain bond strength to cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) substrate fabricated by milling and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two 0.5×3×25-mm Co-Cr specimens were fabricated by milling soft Co-Cr (M group) and DMLS Co-Cr metal powder (DML group). The surface topography of representative specimens from each study group was assessed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). All specimens were assessed for surface roughness using a contact profilometer, and for wettability with a contact angle goniometer. Half of the specimens of each study group (n=8) were subjected to surface laser etching by using a Nd:YAG laser. The specimens subjected to etching were assessed again for surface topography and wettability. All specimens in both study groups were veneered with porcelain. The porcelain bond strength was tested with a 3-point bend test in a universal testing machine. The results were statistically analyzed with 2-way ANOVA test followed by the post hoc Tukey test for pairwise comparisons (α=.05).

RESULTS

After etching, the M group had a higher mean ±standard deviation Ra and Rz of 2.9 ±0.6 and 17.7 ±3.2 µm and significantly better wettability and bond strength of 79 ±6 and 52 ±13 MPa. In contrast, after etching, the DMLS group had a significantly lower Ra and Rz of 7.9 ±2.4 and 41.8 ±9.3 µm and significantly lower wettability and bond strength of 87 ±4 and 70 ±10 MPa. The DMLS group had a significantly higher roughness and bond strength than the M group before and after laser etching. The SEM and AFM showed different surface topography in the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The manufacturing process of Co-Cr substrate had a significant effect on surface characteristics and porcelain bond strength. Laser etching improved the surface topography and bond strength of milled Co-Cr but not of DMLS Co-Cr.

Comparison of tensile properties and porcelain bond strength in metal frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting using three different Co-Cr alloy powders

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The selective laser melting (SLM) manufacturing technique has been widely employed to produce Co-Cr dental metal frameworks. The selection of Co-Cr alloy powders has the potential to influence the microstructure and tensile properties, consequently impacting the bond strength of the metal-porcelain. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of Co-Cr alloy powder on these properties when all other factors remain consistent.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess how the choice of Co-Cr alloys during SLM manufacturing influences the microstructure, tensile properties, and bond strength of metal-ceramic combinations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three different Co-Cr alloy powders, Co-Cr-Mo, Co-Cr-Mo-W, and Co-Cr-W were selected in this study. The powder characteristics and chemical compositions were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, respectively. Subsequently, 12×12×15-mm cube specimens, cylindrical tensile test specimens, and 25×3×0.5-mm metal strips were fabricated using the SLM technique. Microstructural investigations of the cube specimens were conducted after metallographic preparation using SEM. The cylindrical tensile specimens (n=8) from each composition were subjected to tensile tests at a deformation rate of 0.5 mm/min. Following the application of ceramic to the metal specimens (n=10) in each group, the strength of the metal-ceramic bond was evaluated through a 3-point bend test conducted at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Mechanical properties obtained from the tensile tests and bond strength values were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc comparison tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

Melt pool boundaries, columnar and equiaxed grains, and precipitates were observed in the microstructures of 3 different alloys produced by SLM. The Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy had more uniformly dispersed and finely distributed precipitates compared with other alloy compositions. The Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy had exhibited the highest yield strength (1068.0 ±41.2 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength (1263.4 ±10.7 MPa) while showing the lowest ductility under the tensile tests (6.1 ±0.9%) among all 3 alloys. Significant differences in the tensile mechanical properties were observed in the alloys except between the yield strength of the Co-Cr-Mo and Co-Cr-W alloys. The highest elongation (8.9 ±1.2%) was seen in the Co-Cr-Mo alloy. However, no significant differences were detected regarding the bond strength of all 3 groups (P>.05). The mean bond strength values were approximately 42 MPa for all the alloys.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the selection of different Co-Cr alloy powders used in SLM production may influence both microstructure and tensile properties. However, the strength of the metal-ceramic bond of Co-Cr alloys remained unaffected by this selection.

Characterizing Surface Morphological and Chemical Properties of Commonly Used Orthopedic Implant Materials and Determining Their Clinical Significance

The goal of the study was to compare the surface characteristics of typical implant materials used in orthopedic surgery and traumatology, as these determine their successful biointegration. The morphological and chemical structure of Vortex plate anodized titanium from commercially pure (CP) Grade 2 Titanium (Ti2) is generally used in the following; non-cemented total hip replacement (THR) stem and cup Ti alloy (Ti6Al4V) with titanium plasma spray (TPS) coating; cemented THR stem Stainless steel (SS); total knee replacement (TKR) femoral component CoCrMo alloy (CoCr); cemented acetabular component from highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HXL); and cementless acetabular liner from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (Sanatmetal, Ltd., Eger, Hungary) discs, all of which were examined. Visualization and elemental analysis were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface roughness was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry. TPS Ti presented the highest Ra value (25 ± 2 μm), followed by CoCr (535 ± 19 nm), Ti2 (227 ± 15 nm) and SS (170 ± 11 nm). The roughness measured in the HXL and UHMWPE surfaces was in the same range, 147 ± 13 nm and 144 ± 15 nm, respectively. EDS confirmed typical elements regarding the investigated prosthesis materials. XPS results supported the EDS results and revealed a high % of Ti4+ on Ti2 and TPS surfaces. The results indicate that the surfaces of prosthesis materials have significantly different features, and a detailed characterization is needed to successfully apply them in orthopedic surgery and traumatology.

Recycling selective laser melting alloy powder on cobalt chromium-to-ceramic bond strength

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Reusing the powder in selective laser melting machines after multiple cycles is a cost-effective procedure for dental laboratories. However, information on the metal-ceramic bond strength of the framework fabricated by using recycled powder is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate how the bonding agent and repeated alloy powder reuse affected the metal-ceramic bond strength of cobalt chromium frameworks fabricated by using selective laser melting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four square and 40-bar-shaped cobalt chromium frameworks were fabricated by selective laser melting. Half were produced by using virgin alloy powder (Group V; nsquare=2, nbar=20), and half with 30-times reused powder (Group R; nsquare=2, nbar=20). The particle size of each powder was measured by using scanning electron microscopy, and its phase composition was characterized by using radiograph diffraction. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (Group W [Wash Opaque] and Group N [NP-Bond]) according to the brand of bonding agent used. After ceramic application, the metal-ceramic bond strengths were evaluated by using 3-point bend tests. The bonding agents' chemical composition was analyzed by using radiograph fluorescence. Bond strength data were analyzed by using a 2-way analysis of variance (α=.05).

RESULTS

Mean ±standard deviation bond strengths did not differ significantly (P>.05) between Groups V (31.25 ±4.65) and R (30.88 ±4.78). Group W (35.34 ±1.78) had significantly higher bond strength than Group N (26.80 ±1.74; P<.001). Radiograph diffraction analysis found that the phase composition of all powders was similar. The bonding agent in Group W contained cerium, whereas, that in Group N did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Metal-ceramic bond strength was unaffected by alloy powder reuse. However, the bonding agent brand may affect the bond strength of cobalt chromium frameworks fabricated by using selective laser melting.

Challenges and Future Perspectives for Additively Manufactured Polylactic Acid Using Fused Filament Fabrication in Dentistry

Additive manufacturing (AM), which is also called rapid prototyping/3D printing/layered manufacturing, can be considered as a rapid conversion between digital and physical models. One of the most used materials in AM is polylactic acid (PLA), which has advantageous material properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nontoxicity. For many medical applications, it is considered as a leading biomaterial. In dentistry, in addition to its uses in dental models (education, teaching, simulation needs), it can be used for therapeutic objectives and tissue engineering. The fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique, also called fused deposition modeling (FDM), is widely used as an AM technique to perform complex and functional geometries directly from CAD files. In this review, the objective was to present the different challenges and future perspectives of this additively manufactured material by using FFF in dentistry areas. Some suggestions for future directions to extend to more dental applications (support structures, lattice structures, etc.) and to consider more criteria (sustainability, uncertainty etc.) will be discussed. Advanced studies such as machine learning (ML) techniques will be suggested to reduce the failure cases when using the additively manufactured PLA by FFF in dentistry.

Effects of posttreatment on metal-ceramic bond properties of selective laser melted Co-Cr dental alloy. Part 1: Annealing temperature

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Dental cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) is not recommended for clinical applications before annealing because of excessive residual stress. However, limited information is available regarding the relationship between annealing temperature and the metal-ceramic bond properties of SLM Co-Cr alloys.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of annealing temperature on the metal-ceramic bond properties of SLM Co-Cr alloys.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four groups with different annealing temperatures (850 °C; 950 °C; 1050 °C; 1150 °C) were prepared by using SLM techniques. Bond strengths were measured by using a 3-point bend test; subsequently, debonded surface morphologies and elements were assessed by using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The area fraction of adherence porcelain (AFAP) value was introduced to analyze fracture characteristics. Microstructural and interfacial characteristics were characterized by SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction analysis. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) test was used to analyze thermal matching. A 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference tests were used to analyze bond strengths and AFAP values statistically (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean ±standard deviation values of the metal-ceramic bond strengths were 40.68 ±4.34 MPa for the 850 °C group, 37.54 ±5.34 MPa for the 950 °C group, 45.97 ±2.18 MPa for the 1050 °C group, and 50.79 ±1.79 MPa for the 1150 °C group. Significant differences (P<.05) were observed among all groups. Debonded surfaces and AFAP analysis displayed a mixed fracture mode of adhesive and cohesive fracture, and 1150 °C-annealing specimens exhibited better fracture characteristics close to cohesive fractures. As the temperature increased, native oxide film thicknesses remained unchanged; the 850 °C group had the thinnest diffusion layer, while the other 3 groups had similar thicknesses. Although the 1050 °C and 1150 °C groups displayed higher CTE values, their microstructures were more conducive to atomic diffusion and improved chemical bonding. Microstructure analysis found that ε phase and second-phase precipitates jointly affected metal-ceramic bond strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Annealing temperatures affected the metal-ceramic bond strengths of SLM Co-Cr porcelain specimens. 1150 °C annealing SLM Co-Cr specimens displayed higher bond strengths and improved fracture and interface characteristics among the 4 groups.

The Effect of Clinical Sandblasting With Different Powders on the Surface Roughness of Cores for Metal-Ceramic Crowns and Their Fracture Resistance After the Addition of Repair Material: An In-Vitro Study

Background One of the most frequently encountered issues with metal-ceramic restorations is the fracture of veneering porcelain. This in-vitro study aims to evaluate the effect of clinical sandblasting with 50 μm aluminum oxide and 30 μm silica-coated particles on the surface roughness of metal cores and the subsequent effect on their fracture resistance after the addition of specific adhesive and packable composite as a repair material. Methodology Metal cores (n = 21) were digitally designed and three-dimensionally printed by selective laser melting (SLM) technique. These cores were randomly divided into three groups. Group A (n = 8) was sandblasted with 50 μm aluminum oxide and veneered with light cure composite. Group B (n = 8) was sandblasted with 30 μm silica-coated particles and veneered with light cure composite. Group C control group (n = 5) was sandblasted in the laboratory with 250 μm aluminum oxide and veneered with porcelain. All specimens were tested for surface roughness by a stylus profilometer. After adding the veneering material, all specimens were subjected to a fracture resistance test through a universal testing machine. Results One-way analysis of variance test showed a significantly higher difference for the specimens sandblasted in the laboratory using 250 μm aluminum oxide. Fracture resistance values showed no significant difference between groups A and B. Conclusions Groups A and B showed no significant difference in surface roughness, but their fracture resistance values were above the acceptable clinical limit. Despite the rough nature of metal cores fabricated by the SLM technique, sandblasting with silica-coated particles may be an effective way to optimize the fracture resistance of the repair material because it provides the basis for chemical adhesion.

Additively manufactured metallic biomaterials

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has led to an evolution in the design and fabrication of hard tissue substitutes, enabling personalized implants to address each patient's specific needs. In addition, internal pore architectures integrated within additively manufactured scaffolds, have provided an opportunity to further develop and engineer functional implants for better tissue integration, and long-term durability. In this review, the latest advances in different aspects of the design and manufacturing of additively manufactured metallic biomaterials are highlighted. After introducing metal AM processes, biocompatible metals adapted for integration with AM machines are presented. Then, we elaborate on the tools and approaches undertaken for the design of porous scaffold with engineered internal architecture including, topology optimization techniques, as well as unit cell patterns based on lattice networks, and triply periodic minimal surface. Here, the new possibilities brought by the functionally gradient porous structures to meet the conflicting scaffold design requirements are thoroughly discussed. Subsequently, the design constraints and physical characteristics of the additively manufactured constructs are reviewed in terms of input parameters such as design features and AM processing parameters. We assess the proposed applications of additively manufactured implants for regeneration of different tissue types and the efforts made towards their clinical translation. Finally, we conclude the review with the emerging directions and perspectives for further development of AM in the medical industry.

Surface Characteristics and Microbiological Analysis of a Vat-Photopolymerization Additive-Manufacturing Dental Resin

The wide application of additive manufacturing in dentistry implies the further investigation into oral micro-organism adhesion and biofilm formation on vat-photopolymerization (VP) dental resins. The surface characteristics and microbiological analysis of a VP dental resin, printed at resolutions of 50 μm (EG-50) and 100 μm (EG-100), were evaluated against an auto-polymerizing acrylic resin (CG). Samples were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, a scanning white-light interferometer, and analyzed for Candida albicans (CA) and Streptococcus mutans (SM) biofilm, as well as antifungal and antimicrobial activity. EG-50 and EG-100 exhibited more irregular surfaces and statistically higher mean (Ra) and root-mean-square (rms) roughness (EG-50-Ra: 2.96 ± 0.32 µm; rms: 4.05 ± 0.43 µm/EG-100-Ra: 3.76 ± 0.58 µm; rms: 4.79 ± 0.74 µm) compared to the CG (Ra: 0.52 ± 0.36 µm; rms: 0.84 ± 0.54 µm) (p < 0.05). The biomass and extracellular matrix production by CA and SM and the metabolic activity of SM were significantly decreased in EG-50 and EG-100 compared to CG (p < 0.05). CA and SM growth was inhibited by the pure unpolymerized VP resin (48 h). EG-50 and EG-100 recorded a greater irregularity, higher surface roughness, and decreased CA and SM biofilm formation over the CG.

[Metal 3D printing in dentistry]

The article describes the use of 3D printing in dentistry, the principle of operation of 3D printers for metals, a review of comparative data on the quality and accuracy of the final product of 3D metal printing is carried out. Possibilities and prospects of using 3D metal printing in dentistry are indicated.

Effect of multiple firings on the shear bond strength of presintered cobalt-chromium alloy and veneering ceramic

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

How multiple firing cycles may affect the oxide layer and, consequently, the shear bond strength of metal-ceramic restorations is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of multiple firings on the shear bond strength of porcelain to cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty cylinders (Ø6.8×9 mm) of a representative presintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron) were prepared with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology. After airborne-particle abrasion and polishing, the specimens were ultrasonically cleaned of surface contaminants. A circular surface (Ø4×2 mm) was veneered on each specimen with porcelain (VM13) after 3 firings (wash opaque, opaque, and dentin). The specimens were then randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10). The normal group underwent 3 firings. The other groups underwent an additional porcelain firing: the one-plus firing group underwent 4 firings, the two-plus firing group underwent 5 firings, and the three-plus firing group underwent 6 firings. Next, the specimens were mounted in autopolymerized acrylic resin and tested in a universal testing machine and loaded at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min at the metal-ceramic interface until fracture occurred. The average shear bond strength (MPa) was calculated by dividing the maximum fracture force (N) by the bonded surface of the specimens (mm²). The fracture patterns were observed microscopically and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups (α=.05).

RESULTS

No significant differences were found among the shear bond strengths of specimens after 3, 4, 5, and 6 porcelain firings (P>.05). The mean bond strength of all groups ranged from 30 to 34 MPa. The fracture pattern of all specimens was mixed, indicating that multiple firings had no significant effect on the failure pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple porcelain firings under controlled conditions had no significant effect on the fracture pattern or shear bond strength of porcelain to a presintered Co-Cr alloy.

Mechanical Properties of Dental Alloys According to Manufacturing Process

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the fabrication method of dental prosthesis on the mechanical properties. Casting was produced using the lost wax casting method, and milling was designed using a CAD/CAM program. The 3D printing method used the SLS technique to create a three-dimensional structure by sintering metal powder with a laser. When making the specimen, the specimen was oriented at 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees. All test specimens complied with the requirements of the international standard ISO 22674 for dental alloys. Tensile strength was measured for yield strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation by applying a load until fracture of the specimen at a crosshead speed of 1.5 ± 0.5 mm/min (n = 6, modulus of elasticity n = 3). After the tensile test, the cross section of the fractured specimen was observed with a scanning electron microscope, and the statistics of the data were analyzed with a statistical program SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2020. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp.) and using Anova and multiple comparison post-tests (scheffe method). The yield strength was the highest at 1042 MPa at an angle of 0 degrees in the specimen produced by 3D printing method, and the elongation was the highest at 14% at an angle of 90 degrees in the specimen produced by 3D printing method. The modulus of elasticity was the highest at 235 GPa in the milled specimen. In particular, the 3D printing group showed a difference in yield strength and elongation according to the build direction. The introduction of various advanced technologies and digital equipment is expected to bring high prospects for the growth of the dental market.

Selected Spectroscopic Techniques for Surface Analysis of Dental Materials: A Narrative Review

The presented work focuses on the application of spectroscopic methods, such as Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry (MS), which are widely employed in the investigation of the surface properties of dental materials. Examples of the research of materials used as tooth fillings, surface preparation in dental prosthetics, cavity preparation methods and fractographic studies of dental implants are also presented. The cited studies show that the above techniques can be valuable tools as they are expanding the research capabilities of materials used in dentistry.