A historical perspective of synthetic ceramic and traditional feldspathic porcelain.
Ceramics were invented by the Chinese during the T'ang Dynasty, where they quickly became a precious commodity. By the early 18th Century, ceramics found its way into dentistry due to its high strength, biocompatibility, and malleability. Today, ceramic materials are a staple in dentistry, available in both naturally based and partially synthetic formulas. Most recently they have become available as quartz-glass synthetic materials manufactured under controlled conditions to eliminate the inconsistencies and impurities inherent in the naturally based counterpart.


OBJECTIVE
This article details the discovery of porcelain and its role as a precious substance throughout the world and time, from its initial use as ornamental earthenware to its practical application in modern dentistry. Upon reading this article, the reader should: Understand the historical significance of porcelain. Recognize the fundamental constituents and physical properties of both natural feldspathic porcelains and fully synthetic ceramics used in dentistry.
Chu
Stephen
S
Department and Implant Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA. schu@csdny.com
Ahmad
Irfan
I
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D002516:Ceramics / Q000266:history; D002681:China; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000266:history*; D005602:France; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D011791:Quartz; D014481:United States
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D003776:Dental Porcelain; C016447:feldspar; D011791:Quartz