Ceramics in dentistry: Historical roots and current perspectives

This article presents a brief history of dental ceramics and offers perspectives on recent research aimed at the further development of ceramics for clinical use, at their evaluation and selection, and very importantly, their clinical performance. Innovative ceramic materials and ceramics processing strategies that were introduced to restorative dentistry since the early 1980s are discussed. Notable research is highlighted regarding (1) wear of ceramics and opposing enamel, (2) polishability of porcelains, (3) influence of firing history on the thermal expansion of porcelains for metal ceramics, (4) machining and CAD/CAM as fabrication methods for clinical restorations, (5) fit of ceramic restorations, (6) clinical failure mechanisms of all-ceramic prostheses, (7) chemical and thermal strengthening of dental ceramics, (8) intraoral porcelain repair, and (9) criteria for selection of the various ceramics available. It is found that strong scientific and collaborative foundations exist for the continued understanding and improvement of dental ceramic systems.