They exhibit chemical, mechanical, physical, and thermal properties that distinguish them from metals, acrylic resins, and resin-based composites. Thus, it is reasonable to focus on the principles of dental ceramic science and to minimize the emphasis on brand names that are likely to change regularly in the future.ĭental ceramics consist of silicate glasses, porcelains, glass-ceramics, or highly crystalline solids. The field of dental ceramics science has evolved rapidly over the past three decades and further novel developments are anticipated in the future. This chapter provides an overview of the structure, properties, benefits, and drawbacks of ceramic materials used for crown and bridge prostheses. Dental ceramics are attractive because of their biocompatibility, long-term color stability, chemical durability, wear resistance, and ability to be formed into precise shapes, although in some cases, they require costly processing equipment and specialized training for lab technicians. In this regard a restorative material should be biocompatible and durable, and it should maintain its surface quality and esthetic characteristics over an extended period of time, preferably for the lifetime of the patient.

For some single-unit restorations, esthetic results are critically important. Although direct restorative materials such as amalgam, composites, and restorative cements have been used with reasonably good success during the past several decades, they are not feasible for multiunit restorations. Zirconia core-A partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia (stabilized either by ceria or yttria) that is used for producing the core veneered framework or substructure for crowns or bridges.ĭentists have searched for the ideal restorative material for more than a century.

Ceramic knotes