Tesco
New Artificial Enamel is Harder and More Durable Than the Real Thing
Article

New Artificial Enamel is Harder and More Durable Than the Real Thing

Novel material mimics enamel’s complex structure with stronger components

Graycen Wheeler
Science, 2022
Read the article

Read or listen offline

  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×

Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Scientific
  • Engaging

Recommendation

After years of effort, scientists have finally created a substance that proves as durable and flexible as human tooth enamel. Issues persist, such as finding a way to bond artificial enamel with natural tooth material. But researchers remain excited about the possibilities of applying artificial enamel in areas of tooth repair, electronics and infrastructure.

Take-Aways

  • Researchers created an artificial enamel substance that is more durable than natural human tooth enamel.
  • Enamel’s intricate architecture has hindered previous attempts to recreate it.
  • Human cells capable of manufacturing enamel die as soon as teeth emerge.

About the Author

Graycen Wheeler is a contributing writer to Science magazine. She is a master’s student in the science communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She completed a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Comment on this summary or 开始讨论