Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41516921›Full record

ReviewPolymers2026

Contemporary Use of Polymers in Dentistry: A Narrative Review.

Svetla Ivanova, Zlatina Tomova, Angelina Vlahova, Iliyana L Stoeva, Elena Vasileva, Yordanka Uzunova, Magdalina Urumova, Desislav Tomov, Atanas Chonin

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Polymers, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Article
  7. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Svetla IvanovaDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0009-0002-8828-3502
Zlatina TomovaDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0000-0003-1607-2829
Angelina VlahovaDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0000-0002-4794-2324
Iliyana L StoevaDepartment of Imaging Diagnostics, Dental Allergology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Elena VasilevaDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0000-0002-2718-0094
Yordanka UzunovaDepartment of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0000-0002-6423-5998
Magdalina UrumovaDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Desislav TomovResearch Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.ORCID 0000-0002-2028-9855
Atanas ChoninDepartment of Imaging Diagnostics, Dental Allergology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15-A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This narrative review examines contemporary applications of polymeric materials in dentistry from 2020 to 2025, spanning prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, implantology, diagnostics, and emerging technologies. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase for peer reviewed English language articles and synthesized evidence on polymer classes, processing routes, mechanical and chemical behavior, and clinical performance. Approximately 116 articles were included. Polymers remain central to clinical practice: poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is still widely used for dentures, high performance systems such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) are expanding framework and implant-related indications, and resin composites and adhesives continue to evolve through nanofillers and bioactive formulations aimed at improved durability and reduced secondary caries. Thermoplastic polyurethane and copolyester systems drive clear aligner therapy, while polymer-based obturation materials and fiber-reinforced posts support endodontic rehabilitation. Additive manufacturing and computer aided design computer aided manufacturing (CAD CAM) enable customized prostheses and surgical guides, and sustainability trends are accelerating interest in biodegradable or recyclable dental polymers. Across domains, evidence remains heterogeneous and clinical translation depends on balancing strength, esthetics, biocompatibility, aging behavior, and workflow constraints.

Indexed as

3D printed resinsdental polymersdenture base materialsimpression materialsrestorative materials

Identifiers

PMID41516921
PMCPMC12787825

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.