Metal Free Ceramics Research Articles

Ways of improving dental structures from metal-free ceramics. Literature review

Over the last 10 years, the use of zirconium dioxide ceramics as a framework material for the manufacture of microprostheses, single crowns and small bridges has increased. Their use in dental practice became possible with the help of CAD/CAM technologies. Clinical studies of ceramic restorations based on zirconium dioxide showed promising clinical results and high survival rates. However, chipping and fragility of ceramic masses layered on frameworks made of zirconium dioxide remains an actual and urgent problem of modern orthopedic dentistry.
 In modern global dental practice, layer-by-layer veneering on refractory models, CAD/CAM technology, and hot pressing techniques are used to achieve such results.
 In modern dentistry, the IRS e.max Press technologies occupy a rather significant place due to the simplicity and manufacturability of the process, but their use is restrained by the fear of orthopedists-dentists related to the fragility of metal-free structures and the complexity of clinical stages. Therefore, most often in case of destruction of the crown part of the tooth, metal hip inserts are used, the manufacturing technology of which continues to be improved.
 That is why in modern orthopedic dentistry, the problem of improving the quality of restoration of the frontal group of teeth by improving and approving the technology of pressed ceramics is urgent.

Current status on lithium disilicate and zirconia: a narrative review

BackgroundThe introduction of the new generation of particle-filled and high strength ceramics, hybrid composites and technopolymers in the last decade has offered an extensive palette of dental materials broadening the clinical indications in fixed prosthodontics, in the light of minimally invasive dentistry dictates. Moreover, last years have seen a dramatic increase in the patients’ demand for non-metallic materials, sometimes induced by metal-phobia or alleged allergies. Therefore, the attention of scientific research has been progressively focusing on such materials, particularly on lithium disilicate and zirconia, in order to shed light on properties, indications and limitations of the new protagonists of the prosthetic scene.MethodsThis article is aimed at providing a narrative review regarding the state-of-the-art in the field of these popular ceramic materials, as to their physical-chemical, mechanical and optical properties, as well as to the proper dental applications, by means of scientific literature analysis and with reference to the authors’ clinical experience.ResultsA huge amount of data, sometimes conflicting, is available today. Both in vitro and in vivo studies pointed out the outstanding peculiarities of lithium disilicate and zirconia: unparalleled optical and esthetic properties, together with high biocompatibility, high mechanical resistance, reduced thickness and favorable wear behavior have been increasingly orientating the clinicians’ choice toward such ceramics.ConclusionsThe noticeable properties and versatility make lithium disilicate and zirconia materials of choice for modern prosthetic dentistry, requiring high esthetic and mechanical performances combined with a minimal invasive approach, so that the utilization of such metal-free ceramics has become more and more widespread over time.

Treatment of abraded teeth using metal free ceramics and conventional metal-ceramic restorations

Introduction. Contemporary reconstructive dentistry is considered to be a bioesthetic discipline, the study of the beauty of living creatures in their original form and functions. A discussion of esthetic dentistry, the sophisticated artificial restorations in the patient mouth, hardly discernible to an observer or expert eye, implies a whole series of qualities. Damage of hard tooth-tissue, which is not caused by caries, is a physiological process present throughout the whole life, but some factors can bring about great losses of the hard tissue. This damage can be caused by a combination of different etiological factors, such as genetical and functional ones. Case report. A patient is coming in dental surgery complaining of a large damage of the hard-tooth tissue, ugly appearance of his teeth, speech dysfunction and masticatory problems. An intraoral view shows the presence of a large teeth-abrasion. The treatment plan simplified the treatment with a combination of metal-ceramic restorations and a new ceramic system IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadentm Schaan, Liechtenstien). Conclusion. In this clinical case with presented abrasion the treatment was presented using all-ceramic restorations and classical metal-ceramic restorations to establish good health, function and estehetic. The use of restorations based on zirconium (IPS e.max ZirPress, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) can produce excellent clinical results in the frontal, as well as in lateral segments.

A review of esthetic alternatives for the restoration of anterior teeth

Purpose. This article describes different options for the esthetic treatment of anterior teeth, starting with minimally invasive procedures, such as facial surface bleaching and bonding with composites.Methods. The importance of metal ceramic restorations, porcelain shoulder techniques, and metal free ceramics are also emphasized. The options are carefully demonstrated to identify advantages and limitations of each technique. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:437-40.)