Biocompatible and bioactive glass-ceramics - state of the art and new directions

This review describes biocompatible and bioactive glass-ceramics used as biomaterials for replacing bone structure in human medicine and restorative dentistry. The nucleation and crystallization mechanisms for both materials are presented, as well as the resulting microstructure of the glass-ceramics. In addition to the nucleation and crystallization processes, the properties, in particular those related to the solid state reactions resulting in bioactivity, will be examined. New directions in research and development are shown for the second material. Particular attention will be given to the solid-state reactions for the development of apatite-leucite glass-ceramics and glass-ceramics with a high ZrO2 content for dental applications. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.