Monolithic Zirconia: An Update to Current Knowledge. Optical Properties, Wear, and Clinical Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to update the knowledge concerning the wear, translucency, as well as clinical performance of monolithic zirconia ceramics, aiming at highlighting their advantages and weaknesses through data presented in recent literature. New ultra-translucent and multicolor monolithic zirconia ceramics present considerably improved aesthetics and translucency, which, according to the literature reviewed, is similar to those of the more translucent lithium disilicate ceramics. A profound advantage is their high strength at thin geometries preserving their mechanical integrity. Based on the reviewed articles, monolithic zirconia ceramics cause minimal wear of antagonists, especially if appropriately polished, although no evidence still exists regarding the ultra-translucent compositions. Concerning the survival of monolithic zirconia restorations, the present review demonstrates the findings of the existing short-term studies, which reveal promising results after evaluating their performance for up to 5 or 7 years. Although a significant increase in translucency has been achieved, new translucent monolithic zirconia ceramics have to be further evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for their long-term potential to preserve their outstanding properties. Due to limited studies evaluating the wear properties of ultra-translucent material, no sound conclusions can be made, whereas well-designed clinical studies are urgently needed to enlighten issues of prognosis and long-term survival.

Patient and Operator Centered Outcomes in Implant Dentistry: Comparison between Fully Digital and Conventional Workflow for Single Crown and Three-Unit Fixed-Bridge

“…Thus, the second null hypothesis of the study was rejected. The growing success of the digital workflow is most likely also due to the development of monolithic materials to be milled using CAD/CAM technology, as they have demonstrated excellent biomechanical, biological and biomimetic properties [20,27]. Zirconia is a crystalline dioxide of zirconium that is the strongest ceramic used in restorative dentistry for the fabrication of single and multiple unit restorations (monolithic or veneered) in the anterior and posterior region.…”

Chairside gefertigte monolithische Zirkonoxidkronen – praktische Empfehlungen zu Materialauswahl und klinischem Vorgehen

“…1) [3,7]. Zur Reduktion des Risikos technischer Komplikationen wurde bereits vor 10 Jahren mit der Entwicklung transluzenter Zirkonoxidkeramiken begonnen, die auch für die Herstellung monolithischer Restaurationen geeignet sind [8].…”

Clinical Evaluation of Wear Behavior of Human Enamel and Chipping of Veneered Zirconia against Monolithic Zirconia (Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

“…The relative influencing factors in tooth surface wear opposing to ceramic restorations include the type, microstructure, surface roughness, and the mechanical properties of the material itself. For decades owing to their excellent mechanical properties; multiphase partially stabilized zirconia substructures veneered with feldspathic porcelain has been widely used [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. However, it was reported that the chipping of this veneering may reach up to 40%, accompanied with further wear and fracture of opposing tooth enamel.…”