[All-ceramic restorations in the esthetic zone--the problem of choice]

The restoration of anterior teeth even for the experienced practitioner remains a challenge. Although there are different full-ceramic materials available on the market, the reproduction of optical properties in natural teeth is not easy at all. In this article, the author presents a simplified classification of teeth to be restored, in relation to the optical properties of actual ceramic systems, which helps to make the natural reproduction more predictable. For the dentist it's important to know about the optical properties of the teeth to be restored and the ceramic material used. Without this, the clinical success of restorations in the anterior segment of may not be predictable at all. For implant retained-and bridge-work there are additional parameters that need to be taken into consideration which are not addressed in this article. Ceramic materials with a high light transmission allow, in combination with adhesive bonding, the fabrication of esthetic restorations. High strength ceramics block the light more and therefore are not indicated for this type of reconstruction. They may be used to mask discolored substructures. The communication between dentist and lab technician plays an important role to be clinically successful.