Evolving Materials In Dental Temporisation: Properties, Applications, And Clinical Implications

Abstract

Temporary restorations, commonly referred to as provisional restorations, are indispensable components of restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Their primary role is to protect prepared teeth, maintain occlusion, preserve periodontal health, and provide esthetics and function until definitive restorations are delivered. The evolution of temporisation materials has been marked by innovations aimed at improving strength, esthetics, biocompatibility, and clinical handling. Traditionally, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) were widely used; however, their limitations in terms of polymerisation shrinkage, heat generation, and marginal adaptation led to the development of bis-acryl composites, light-cured resins, and more recently, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milled and three-dimensional (3D)-printed materials. Other adjunctive options such as polycarbonate crowns, glass ionomer-based provisionals, and resin-modified systems also play a role in specific clinical scenarios. This article reviews the spectrum of temporisation materials, their properties, comparative advantages, limitations, and clinical applications. Future directions such as nanofilled composites and bioactive provisionals are also discussed, highlighting the trajectory towards biologically integrative and technologically advanced solutions.