Over the past decade, manufacturers of ceramic veneer materials have made great efforts to improve ceramic-based materials. Meanwhile, metal-free restorations cover a wide spectrum of indications. The global trend of substituting alloys with zirconium is continually on the rise. Changing the frame material determines an important factor: The physical varieties of different ceramic materials significantly affect the functional and esthetic potential of restorations. Although we know that the functional and esthetic potentials of pressable ceramics and aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide ceramics are being investigated and published, we need to consider the requirements and standards for the manufacturing process due to the production factors these new materials display for dental laboratories. This presentation is based on clinical examples, demonstrating the range of applications of the different ceramic systems and explains their risk potential and limitations as well as their esthetic and functional potential in combination with comprehensive functional restorations.

Bernard Egger, MDT, BDT, is a faculty member of the Orognathic Bioesthetics International Institute in Wuerzburg, Germany, and Salem, Oregon. He is a charter member of Dental Excellence International Laboratory Group and serves on the editorial board of the journal Quintessenz. Mr Egger lectures throughout Europe, the United States, and Japan.

© 2008