Current ceramic materials and systems with clinical recommendations: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Advancements in ceramic core materials like lithium disilicate, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide have expanded the use of all-ceramic restorations.
• A wide array of ceramic materials and systems are now available, necessitating a review of their efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current scientific literature on all-ceramic materials and systems.
• To evaluate survival rates, material properties, fit, cementation, bonding, and esthetics of all-ceramic restorations.
• To provide clinical recommendations for the use of all-ceramic materials.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed for English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 1996 and 2006.
• Evidence-based research articles, including RCTs and various longitudinal study designs, were reviewed.
• A hand search of relevant dental journals was also performed, with the last search on June 12, 2007.

Main Results:

• Multiple all-ceramic materials and systems exist for clinical application.
• No single universal material or system is suitable for all clinical scenarios.
• Successful application depends on matching materials, manufacturing, and cementation/bonding to the specific clinical situation.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review found no evidence supporting a universal ceramic material or system for all clinical situations.
• Further longitudinal clinical studies are needed to drive the advancement of ceramic materials and systems.