Abstract
Due to frequent clinical reports on chipping of the veneering ceramic applied on zirconia frameworks, non-veneered monolithic zirconia has been proposed in an attempt to improve the lifetime of metal-free fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). This review highlights the effects of microstructure and chemical composition on optical properties and mechanical properties of monolithic zirconia that may be detrimental on the longevity of FDPs and the antagonist dentition. The reviewed studies indicated that the lack of veneering ceramic in monolithic solutions yields to less favourable optical outcome and decreased mechanical stability. Efforts are being made to improve translucency of monolithic zirconia through modifying the grain size, increasing cubic phase, and decreasing alumina content, final density and level of impurities. There appears room for improvement in the microstructure of monolithic zirconia ceramics to achieve better optical results and low antagonist wear, without jeopardizing its mechanical properties.
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