The field of prosthodontics has been greatly influenced by advancements in technology and materials science. The introduction of digital dentistry has revolutionized the workflow, but it’s important to note that it hasn’t changed the core principles of traditional prosthodontics. Conversely, the development of minimally invasive restorative and prosthodontic dentistry has had a significant impact on reconstructive dentistry (prosthodontics and restorative dentistry), affecting both direct and indirect treatment procedures. This transformation is largely attributed to advancements in materials and adhesive techniques for both natural tooth structure and indirect materials. This lecture aims to provide insight into the current potential and limitations of utilizing directly fabricated adhesive prosthetic restorations in conjunction with traditional and digital dentistry.

Short CV
Pekka Vallittu completed his degree in Dental Technology in 1988, and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1994. He was appointed as an Adjunct Professor in 1995, specializing in prosthodontics and stomatognathic physiology (recognized by the European Prosthodontic Association) in 2000. Currently, he is a Full Professor and the chair of the Biomaterials Science Department at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland. In addition, he serves as the Director of the Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre – TCBC. He was a guest researcher at NIOM in Norway from 1995 to 1996. From 2004 to 2025, he headed the Dental School of the University of Turku, and from 2011 to 2023, he served as the Subject Editor for non-metallic biomaterials at the Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. He is also an Editorial Board Member for several international journals and has been honored with awards such as the IADR Distinguished Scientist Prize and George Winter Award by the European Society of Biomaterials (www.utu.fi/en/people/pekka-vallittu)