et al. 2013), fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles or tungsten

disulphide nanoparticles (Redlich et al. 2008) and nitro carburising (Zhang et al.

2016) has been suggested providing excellent corrosion resistance and good elastic-

ity. Thus, nanotechnology is implicated in redefining every element of orthodontic

therapy, from the bonding nanocomposites to the orthodontic bracket and archwire,

in bringing about the desired results.

10.3.7 Tooth Repair

Nanotechnology has found its application to simulate the remineralisation process to

create the most hardened tissue in the human body, i.e. enamel, by using nano-

rodlike calcium hydroxy-apatite crystals (Rathee and Bhoria 2014). Researchers are

showing a keen interest in tooth remineralisation that would help regain the lost tooth

structure without going for the conventional restorative procedures.

10.3.8 Bone Repair

Bone is a natural nanostructured composite composed of organic compounds

(mainly collagen) reinforced with inorganic ones (HA). Nanotechnology aims to

rebuild this natural nanostructure for clinical use. The desired features of nano-bone

graft materials include good osteoinductivity, high porosity, ability to absorb natural

proteins into the nanopores and degradable by osteoclasts as its natural counterpart

(Mantri and Mantri 2013).

10.3.9 Nanotechnology in Endodontic Therapy

Nano-biomaterials (like quaternised polyethyleneimine, chitosan nanoparticle) that

display better antimicrobial properties are being used to disinfect the root canal

before its sealing for successful endodontic therapy. Additionally, incorporating

nanoparticles such as bioglass, zirconia and glass ceramics to endodontic sealers

enhances adaptation of the adhesive to nano-irregularities providing a better chemi-

cal bond to the tooth tissue (Utneja et al. 2015). Adding amorphous calcium

phosphate nanoparticles (NACP) to an endodontic sealer is also found to exert

enhanced antibacterial effects against endodontic biofilm and stronger dentinal

bond strength (Wang et al. 2017). The effect of using silver nanoparticles with

calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis is

found to be superior compared to calcium hydroxide alone (Afkhami et al. 2015).

Thus, incorporating antibacterial nanoparticles in the conventional sealers promises

improved sterile environments as desired for successful treatment outcomes. Over-

all, nanomaterials in endodontic therapy are expected to improve the mechanical

strength and dimensional stability of the materials and make a profound improve-

ment in their biological properties.

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