Scientists create new material to repair teeth

Throughout history, dentists around the globe have been using a variety of materials to repair cracked and damaged teeth, including beeswax, alloys, ceramics and resins.

But now, Chinese scientists have created a synthetic enamel that is much closer to the real thing, paving the way for a new generation of dental repair technologies, according to a study published in the journal Science last week.

Enamel is the thin outer layer that protects the teeth from chemical and mechanical stress, such as oral bacteria, acidic food and chewing, according to the United States National Institutes of Health.