INTRODUCTION
Basic properties of dental materials for restorative
treatment, such as mechanical, physical and bonding
properties, have been greatly improved as a result of
numerous investigations, and many of recent
products on the market exhibit excellent/acceptable
clinical performance. Such improvement of
restorative materials has contributed to the recovery
of ideal anatomical form and function with less
removal of tooth structure, leading the way to
aesthetic restorative treatments and minimal
intervention dentistry. Accordingly, it is proposed
that innovation of restorative materials in the new
era could be directed toward a new dimension:
development of materials with “bio-active functions”
to provide therapeutic effects.