Integral Ceramics and Their Utility for Dentistry

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, the amazing evolution of prosthetic dentistry due to the development of new digital technologies has led to a remarkable change in the operative workflow in dental practice. In particular, under the innovative drive induced by computer-aided planning and manufacturing (CAD/CAM, laser-sintering/melting, 3D printers etc.), dental research has triggered the implementation of a variety of innovative restorative materials for fixed prosthodontics, characterized by excellent esthetic properties, proper mechanical resistance and high levels of biocompatibility. To date, the “metal-free” concept is progressively replacing the “gold standard” of porcelain-fused-to-metal in prosthetic procedures, gaining ground in the clinician's and technician's choice, thanks to an undeniable series of advantages. In the scope of the new restorative paradigms of minimal invasiveness and overall sustainability, materials like zirconia, lithium silicates, new feldspathic ceramics and techno-polymers offer benefits like: the reduction of preparation thickness, thanks to their high fracture resistance; excellent optical properties like translucency, opalescence, natural color and fluorescence, allowing outstanding esthetic outcomes; high marginal and internal fit of restorations, with favorable biological responses of soft tissues; economic advantages for the absence of precious metals and for the reduced working times allowed by full-digital operative workflow.

At the same time, however, it has to be remarked that the choice of a proper dental material for prosthetic treatment is increasingly difficult today, made inside a scenario that can sometimes be disorienting for the continuous introduction of new products, often placed on the market with little or no scientific support.

The aim of the Special Issue “Integral Ceramics and their Utility for Dentistry” is to provide an insight on the currently available, most popular ceramic materials, in order to address useful information about their choice in dental daily practice, in light of scientific evidence and the authors’ clinical experience.

Prof. Fernando Zarone
Dr. Paolo Cappare
Dr. Roberto Sorrentino
Guest Editors

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