Table 41.1 Dental ceramics and methods used for restoration fabrication

In recent years, esthetic considerations regarding metal–ceramic systems and questions about their reliability have stimulated a growing trend for all-ceramic restorations (ACRs). Originally ACRs were based on porcelain reinforced with alumina cores and leucite (Chapter 40) but newer, far stronger ceramics containing up to 99 vol.% of a reinforcing crystalline phase are now available (Table 41.1). Techniques such as sintering, hot pressing, slip-casting, and machining are used to fabricate restorations and there is increasing use of high-strength castable cores with the restoration body and incisal region of conventional porcelain for esthetics.