Recent advances in materials for all-ceramic restorations

Abstract

The past 3 years of research on materials for all-ceramic veneers, inlays, onlays, single-unit crowns, and multi-unit restorations are reviewed in this article. The primary changes in the field were the proliferation of zirconia-based frameworks and computer-aided fabrication of prostheses, and a trend toward more clinically relevant in vitro test methods. This article includes an overview of ceramic fabrication methods, suggestions for critical assessment of material property data, and a summary of clinical longevity for prostheses constructed of various materials.

Figures

Figure 1

Strength distributions for prostheses fabricated from two hypothetical dental ceramics.

Figure 2

Cumulative failure probabilities for prostheses fabricated from two hypothetical dental ceramics.

Figure 3

Cumulative survival probabilities for all-ceramic veneers over time calculated from data published in recent clinical studies.

Figure 4

Cumulative survival probabilities for all-ceramic inlays and onlays over time calculated from data published in recent clinical studies.

Figure 5

Cumulative survival probabilities for all-ceramic crowns over time calculated from data published in recent clinical studies.

Figure 6

Cumulative survival probabilities for all-ceramic fixed partial dentures over time calculated from data published in recent clinical studies.