Microdefects Analysis of Dental Contact Surfaces

Abstract

The tribological processes influence the behaviour of the biocontacts between biological bodies, between biomaterials or between biological bodies and biomaterials. Whether natural or artificial, any biocontact is the locus of biophysical, biochemical, and metabolic mechanisms taking place on both the molecular and the supramolecular levels. The first mechanism is influenced by biomechanical and bioelectric changes, the second comprises biochemical reactions that depend on the nature of interface materials, and the third manifests itself by the action of the enzymes that hold the potential of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix. These mechanisms mutually interact and may yield complex interface phenomena within the stomatognatic system. This paper presents a tribological model concerning dental contacts deterioration, based on contact mechanics elements, fracture mechanics and on the actual topography of the tooth surface.