Montmorillonite in dentistry: a review of advances in research and potential clinical applications

Montmorillonite (MMT) is a biocompatible, cost-effective phyllosilicate mineral clay material with a nanolayered structure belonging to the smectite group. MMT is frequently used as an adsorbent catalyst in organic synthesis, food additives, cosmetics, medical applications and many other applications in varying industries. MMT has been incorporated into numerous experimental dental restorative materials as a reinforcing filler due to its high aspect ratio, forming interfacial solid bonds with the polymer matrix. The relatively high cation exchange capacity and layered structure of MMT pave the way as a medium for drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the incorporation of ions such as calcium, fluoride, silver, and zinc potentially increase the remineralization properties and antibacterial properties of MMT-based dental materials. Despite modern dental restorative materials having advanced significantly with innovations in material nanoscience, challenges such as biocompatibility, inadequate mechanical properties, marginal leakage, polymerization shrinkage, aesthetic concerns, and overall costs remain to be addressed. This review investigates the potential of montmorillonite (MMT) in dentistry, emphasizing its distinctive properties, composite formulations, and applications. It assesses the current state of research in these areas, aiming to highlight existing gaps in knowledge, emerging trends, and lesser-known applications of MMT-based materials. The review underscores MMT's promise as an alternative material across various dental applications while noting the scarcity of research on completed products and in vivo clinical studies.