Although low translucency 3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal has excellent mechanical properties, it has limited application as a monolithic prosthesis. To improve these optical limitations, translucent zirconia has improved esthetics due to an increase in the cubic phase; however, it is accompanied by a decrease in mechanical properties simultaneously. Lithium disilicate has improved its mechanical properties through crystal size reduction and various heat treatment methods; therefore, its clinical application range is continuously increasing. Translucent zirconia shows a wide distribution of physical properties depending on the yttria content and lithium disilicate according to the size and density of crystal grains. As a result, the indications for translucent zirconia and lithium disilicate are increasing. Therefore, in this literature review, we intend to examine the rationale behind the material selection criteria in clinical situations and considerations for designing fixed dental prostheses including pontic, in particular, by summarizing recent studies.