Union Ministry Developing Fabric-Based Tooth Implants for Cost-Efficiency

Union textiles ministry is working on developing fabric-based teeth to make dental implants more affordable. The plan involves using dental resins made from polyester to replace expensive ceramic, polymer, and composite implants, with research being conducted by institutions like AIIMS and IITs. Fabric-based teeth are already used in some countries like Germany and the US to cut costs.

The project falls under the National Technical Textiles Mission, with a budget of ₹375 crore allocated for its development.

The technology will be shared with private manufacturers to make it economically viable.

Research and Development Process

The plan involves using dental resins made from polyester to restore and replace tooth structure. Research will be conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with various levels of testing, including clinical trials on humans. The development process is in the preparation stage and consultation with stakeholders is planned to lay out the strategy.

Alternative Dental Implant Materials

Worldwide, dental implant materials include titanium, gold alloys, stainless steel, and alloys of cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium. Fabric-based teeth are used in many economies such as Germany and the US. The use of fabric-based teeth is aimed at making the dental implant process more cost-effective and accessible.

Market Potential and Growth

The dental implants market is growing due to increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry and advancements in dental implant technology. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases affect almost half of the world’s population and the dental implant market is expected to reach $18.42 billion by 2030.

About dental implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other material that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. They are a popular and effective long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They can improve appearance, restore oral function, and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. They are versatile and can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or even full arches of teeth.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs