All-ceramic silica/glass-based crowns--clinical protocols

The use of all-ceramic crowns offers the potential for improved aesthetic results compared to conventional ceramo-metal crowns. Silica/glass-based all-ceramic crowns are more translucent than alumina- or zirconia-based crowns and therefore have better optical properties. However, they are mechanically weaker and need to be used in conjunction with resin bonding cements. Both these aspects lead to increased clinical and technical demands and as such there are strict guidelines regarding tooth preparation and bonding procedure that need to be followed when using silica/glass-based all-ceramic crowns. The following article describes these preparation, impression and bonding guidelines with the aid of a case presentation.