title: Zirconia in dentistry: part 2. Evidence-based clinical breakthrough.
abstract: An ideal all-ceramic restoration that conforms well and demonstrates enhanced biocompatibility, strength, fit, and esthetics has always been desirable in clinical dentistry. However, the inherent brittleness, low flexural strength, and fracture toughness of conventional glass and alumina ceramics have been the main obstacles for extensive use. The recent introduction of zirconia-based ceramics as a restorative dental material has generated considerable interest in the dental community, which has been expressed with extensive industrial, clinical, and research activity. Contemporary zirconia powder technology contributes to the fabrication of new biocompatible all-ceramic restorations with improved physical properties for a wide range of promising clinical applications. Especially with the development of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, high-strength zirconia frameworks can be viable for the fabrication of full and partial coverage crowns, fixed partial dentures, veneers, posts and/or cores, primary double crowns, implant abutments, and implants. Data from laboratory and clinical studies are promising regarding their performance and survival. However, clinical data are considered insufficient and the identified premature complications should guide future research. In addition, different zirconia-based dental auxiliary components (i.e., cutting burs and surgical drills, extra-coronal attachments and orthodontic brackets) can also be technologically feasible. This review aims to present and discuss zirconia manufacturing methods and their potential for successful clinical application in dentistry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany. koutayas@otenet.gr
authors.forename: Spiridon Oumvertos
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Koutayas
authors.forename: Thaleia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vagkopoulou
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pelekanos
authors.forename: Petros
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Koidis
authors.forename: Jörg Rudolf
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Strub
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017266:Dental Prosthesis; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003834:Denture Precision Attachment; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium
chemical_list: C499362:yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide