Clinically calibrated Fatigue Test to Predict Dental Restorative Materials Performance
Official title: Clinically-calibrated Accelerated Fatigue Test for Predicting the Clinical Performance of Dental Restorative Materials
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11322737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test tool uses accelerated wear and biofilm studies to predict how long dental resin fillings will last in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $387,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DE033183-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals who would benefit from improved dental restorations and are in settings where new materials are tested or developed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving direct testing or materials development may not experience immediate benefits.
What this research studies
This project develops a clinically calibrated fatigue test (an MDDT) to forecast the survival of resin composite restorations over time. It combines cyclic wear testing with a biofilm challenge on a representative dental restoration model. The goal is to have this test qualified by the FDA so manufacturers can better predict real-world performance without immediate human trials. The work is planned in two phases to establish repeatability and clinical relevance before broader use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, dentists and manufacturers could predict restoration longevity more accurately, potentially reducing failures and guiding material choices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that well-calibrated lab tests can align with clinical outcomes, but this approach is advancing the calibration to FDA-qualifiable status.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fok, Alex Siu-Lun — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Fok, Alex Siu-Lun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.