ABSTRACT
The introduction of dental ceramics had taken aesthetic dentistry to the next level. The exceptional optical and mechanical properties made it a superior choice of treatment. The advancement in technology of its fabrication paved the way for its widespread application in the discipline of dentistry. The evolution of ceramics starting from the burning of clay to the introduction of aluminium and silica particles enhanced its optical and mechanical properties. The introduction of fabrication methods like CAD-CAM contributed to the clinical success of dental ceramics when compared with its contemporaries. The array of ceramics used in dentistry is chiefly categorized based on their composition into silicate ceramics, polycrystalline ceramics, and resin matrix ceramics. Silicate cement has unparalleled optical properties, while polycrystalline ceramics have better mechanical properties, and the latter is an amalgamation of the two. The fabrication technique includes digital impressions followed by 3D construction using CAD-CAM techniques like PROCERA or CEREC. The preparation of the tooth varies depending upon the type of restoration like veneers, inlays, or crowns. After the ceramic prosthesis is fabricated, the essential component includes surface pretreatment and bonding. The pretreatment has been done using chemical agents like hydrofluoric acid or silane agent, mechanical by sandblasting, or air abrasion. The exceptional marginal seal and adaptation are achieved via finishing and glazing of the ceramic prosthesis. The availability of plethora of types of dental ceramics led to its precise selection criteria like places aesthetic or masticatory load or may be insufficient tooth material etc. In the clinical scenario, the application of dental ceramic encompasses cases of tooth defects like amelogenesis imperfecta or any other developmental anomalies, aged or faulty composite restoration replacement, diastema closure, or hypoplastic tooth or maybe entire crown placement. Although the failure rate of any ceramic prosthesis is around 2%–5%, it varies according to clinical conditions. But the overall acceptable success rate led to dental ceramics as a choice of material, especially in case of aesthetic restorations.
