The increase in patient demands for enhanced esthetics has prompted the development of several all-ceramic restorative systems. Despite their esthetic advantage, unsatisfactory mechanical properties have restricted the clinical indications of all-ceramic restorations. Recently, densely sintered zirconia-based restorations have become available. This material appears to have adequate strength and toughness to allow for the fabrication of anterior and posterior crowns and fixed partial dentures. This clinical report describes the procedures used for the restoration of maxillary incisors with the zirconia-based Lava system. (Quintessence Int 2006;37:375–380)

Key words: all-ceramic fixed partial dentures, ceramic restorations, esthetics, flexural strength, mechanical properties, zirconia