The role of all-ceramic crowns in contemporary restorative dentistry

A large number of all-ceramic alternatives to metal-ceramic restorations are being marketed aggressively to the dental profession. Most of these all-ceramic alternatives have little or no scientific evidence to support their use. This article present guidelines for clinicians to analyze new ceramic systems and specific indications and contraindications for use. It is suggested that before practitioners consider using an all-ceramic system, they make sure that published clinical trials document a survival rate of at least 95 percent over five years. In addition, each system should be evaluated to determine whether it delivers the esthetic results anticipated.