Properties and Clinical Performance of Zirconia-based Dental Ceramics

Zirconia has been used in dentistry since 2000 for constructing fixed partial denture. Its advantages are high fracture resistance, excellent biocompatibility, moderate opacity, etc. Because the increase in demand for more esthetic restoration, zirconia becomes more popular for use as a core material for all-ceramic systems. Its properties have been investigated extensively in many in vitro studies. However, clinical performance of zirconia-based restorations would require a period of time before the results can be assessed. Currently, there are not much results regarding clinical performance of zirconia-based prosthesis and more information are required for future research.

Inclusion criteria

• Occlusion: At least 20 remaining teeth for each patient, and at least one posterior endodontically treated tooth with natural opposing teeth
• Bruxism: No evidence based on an intraoral exam
• Dental history: No evidence of either moderate or severe periodontal disease
• Medical history: Good to excellent general health

Exclusion criteria

• Periodontal status: Pocket depth greater than 4 mm
• Occlusion: Evidence of bruxism or excessive clenching force, Abutment tooth that opposes a removable partial denture, Abutment teeth for fixed partial dentures, Gingival recession of an abutment tooth more than 1 mm from the cementoenamel junction, Tooth with first or second degree of tooth mobility, Tooth with extensive carious lesions