Graphene and its Applications in Orthodontics

Abstract

Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The unique structure allows its customization to suit the requirements of various fields of biomedical sciences. Owing to their physical and biochemical properties, graphene is a near ideal material for incorporation into dental materials, and hence of great use in Orthodontics. Not only as dental materials such as metallic and acrylic components, graphene and its several derivatives have properties that aid tissue regeneration as well. Besides these applications, the capability of biofunctionalization and photoluminescent render graphene-based materials useful in various protein based targeted therapies and as biological sensors. Although, the full potential of applications of graphene has not yet been realized in Orthodontics, several studies indicate a great potential for its use. This review summarizes various studies on graphene and suggests future directions for research in the field.