Which criteria must dental materials meet?

Dental materials play a crucial role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. One essential criterion is that they must resemble natural dentition or be aesthetically pleasing and easily formed. This is particularly important for materials used in visible areas of the mouth where aesthetics are paramount. When dental materials mimic the appearance of natural teeth, they help maintain a patient’s smile and self-esteem.

Aesthetism and formability ensure that the materials can be shaped to fit precisely within the oral cavity, providing not only functional benefits but also a pleasing appearance. This criterion is vital for materials used in applications such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and veneers, which need to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

In contrast, other options either prioritize factors that are less critical for dental functions, such as cost-effectiveness or disposability, or introduce attributes that have no relevance in a dental context, such as odor and color that don't contribute positively to the performance or efficiency of dental materials.