Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring changes in mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and or mechanical performances of orthodontic aligners are disclosed. The orthodontic aligners can include a plurality of speckles. The plurality of speckles are adapted for digital image correlation measurements. The methods involve acquiring digital images of the orthodontic aligner and performing digital image correlation on these images. From the digital image correlation, a change in one or more mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and/or mechanical performances in the orthodontic aligner are determined. The systems and methods can provide insight into mechanical properties of physiological structures, which can aid patient diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: An example article may include a dental surface, a hydrophobic coating on the dental surface, and a restorative layer on the hydrophobic coating. An example technique may include applying, on a dental surface, a hydrophobic coating comprising an amphiphilic agent. The hydrophobic coating may provide a water contact angle of greater than or equal to about 50° on the dental surface. The example technique may include applying a restorative layer to the hydrophobic coating. An example kit may include a dental restorative composition and a hydrophobic coating composition. The hydrophobic coating composition may include an amphiphilic agent. The hydrophobic coating composition may be configured to provide a water contact angle of greater than or equal to about 50° on a dental surface.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method including applying biomimetic mineralization process to an enamel defect of a tooth, wherein the applied biomimetic mineralization process remineralizes the tooth in the enamel defect. For example, applying a biomimetic mineralization process may include applying a polymer stabilized biomimetic mineralization composition in the area of the enamel defect and matrices, wherein the biomimetic mineralization composition infiltrates into a porosity of the enamel defect and crystalizes to remineralize the enamel defect. An example polymer stabilized biomimetic mineralization composition includes calcium, phosphate, and a polyanionic additive.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method including applying biomimetic mineralization process to an enamel defect of a tooth, wherein the applied biomimetic mineralization process remineralizes the tooth in the enamel defect. For example, applying a biomimetic mineralization process may include applying a polymer stabilized biomimetic mineralization composition in the area of the enamel defect and matrices, wherein the biomimetic mineralization composition infiltrates into a porosity of the enamel defect and crystalizes to remineralize the enamel defect. An example polymer stabilized biomimetic mineralization composition includes calcium, phosphate, and a polyanionic additive.

Abstract: An example article may include a dental surface, a hydrophobic coating on the dental surface, and a restorative layer on the hydrophobic coating. An example technique may include applying, on a dental surface, a hydrophobic coating comprising an amphiphilic agent. The hydrophobic coating may provide a water contact angle of greater than or equal to about 50° on the dental surface. The example technique may include applying a restorative layer to the hydrophobic coating. An example kit may include a dental restorative composition and a hydrophobic coating composition. The hydrophobic coating composition may include an amphiphilic agent. The hydrophobic coating composition may be configured to provide a water contact angle of greater than or equal to about 50° on a dental surface.