title: New materials on the horizon.
abstract: Two areas of research will prosper and change operative dentistry in the future: developing light-cured glass ionomer technology further, and reinforcing direct composite resin technology. Successful development of restorative materials in these areas will have an immediate and long-term effect on the practice of operative dentistry in both affluent and poor countries of the world.
authors.affiliation: Dental Products Division, 3M Health Care, 3M Center, St. Paul, Minn. 55144-1000.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Simonsen
mesh_terms: D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003738:Dental Cements; D003764:Dental Materials; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006047:Gold Alloys; D006801:Humans; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003738:Dental Cements; D003764:Dental Materials; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006047:Gold Alloys; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D003723:Dental Amalgam