What does “All-ceramic” mean?
All-ceramic is a category of dental restorations made of ceramic without a metal structure. It is not a specific product name and includes different materials such as glass ceramic and zirconia.
Distinguishing material names from restoration designs
An all-ceramic crown is a ceramic prosthesis that surrounds the tooth. Ceramic laminates or inlays can also be made, so you need to understand the material category and the actual scope of treatment separately.
Each ceramic has different properties
Glass ceramics and zirconia have different compositions, manufacturing methods, and surface treatment methods. Rather than focusing solely on color and transparency, we consider the area of use, required structure, and adhesion conditions.
Glass ceramics contain a glass phase that can be acid-etched for bonding. Zirconia is an oxide ceramic without a glass phase and is not treated in the same way; particle abrasion and bonding agents appropriate to the product are used.
Applying treatment selection
Even for veneer treatments such as ZERONATE, the material name alone does not determine individual suitability. The area to be covered and the tooth tissue to be preserved are established first, followed by selection of a material for that restoration design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-ceramic and zirconia different treatments?
Zirconia is a type of ceramic material that can be used in all-ceramic restorations. During the actual consultation, you can confirm the specific material name and restoration type.
Does a metal-free restoration require less tooth preparation?
The required thickness and extent of preparation depend on the type of material and type of restoration. The amount of removal cannot be determined solely on the condition that there is no metal.
Questions needed to understand all-ceramic
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which ceramic will be used, and in what type of restoration?
Explanation and evidenceDistinguish between the category name and the actual composition of the material, crown, or partial restoration.
American Dental Association · Materials for Indirect Restorations - A choice suited to your condition
Have both color and loading conditions been considered?
Explanation and evidenceSelect the material according to clinical conditions such as area and background color.
American Dental Association · Materials for Indirect Restorations
