The evolution of zirconia in the contemporary restorative dental practice
Clinicians and dental technicians are constantly challenged with harnessing rapidly evolving technologies and materials with the goal of providing patients with indirect restorations with superior biomechanical and optical properties. Numerous considerations, which may require the involvement of multiple dental disciplines, must be weighed during the treatment planning phase prior to commencing treatment. Such considerations include material selection and restoration design and for complete-coverage restorations. This presentation will briefly review the evolution zirconia as a restorative material and provide and update on newer translucent zirconias for monolithic restorations. It will also provide an update on concepts of restoration design (monolithic, bilayered, and hybrid (partial monolithic)) for such restorations and discuss how appropriate selection of different types of zirconias and restoration design may foster successful treatment outcomes for various clinical scenarios.
- Understand the unique properties of traditional and newer translucent zirconia.
- Understand and apply different design concepts (monolithic, bilayered, and hybrid) for all-ceramic restorations while addressing their advantages and limitations for different clinical scenarios.
- Understanding how the advent of CAD/CAM technology supports the fabrication of such restorations.
Ariel J. Raigrodski, DMD, MS, FACP is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and maintains a full time private practice in Lynnwood, WA. He is Assistant Editor of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and a member of many editorial boards. He is Past President of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics and a member of many professional organizations. Dr. Raigrodski is a graduate of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem Israel. He received his certificate in Prosthodontics at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where he also completed a fellowship in implants and esthetics, and an MS degree. He is a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and a member of many professional organizations. He Authored numerous scientific articles and the book “Soft Tissue Management: The Restorative Perspective-Putting Concepts into Practice” published by Quintessence. He lectures extensively both nationally and internationally.
