Progress in strength, strength testing methods of all-ceramic dental materials

Abstract

All-ceramic dental materials could meet the requirements for extraordinary aesthetics and ex-cellent biocompatibility in vivo, thus are widely utilized in prosthetic dentistry. Since the all-ceramic materials have low strength reliability and the disadvantage is recently concerned, the relevant research has been the focus in the area. The purpose of this artical is to review the relevant studies and with focus on the factors that influence the strength including material component, microstructures and manufacture process, as well as strength improv-ing approaches such as ingredient alteration, fabrication optimization and surface treatment. As for various strength testing methods, all the existing test methods are compared and evaluated. Key words: All-ceramic dental prostheses ; Ceramic materials ; Strength ; Strength testing methods ;