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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Additive Manufacturing of Functionally Graded Ceramic Materials by Stereolithography
Published on: January 25, 2019
CAD/CAM Ceramic Restorative Materials for Natural Teeth.
F A Spitznagel1, J Boldt1, P C Gierthmuehlen1
11 Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) innovations are revolutionizing prosthodontics with minimally invasive, tooth-supported restorations. Long-term clinical studies are needed for new ceramic and zirconia materials in CAD/CAM workflows.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Modern prosthodontics has shifted towards minimally invasive treatments, supported by advancements in CAD/CAM technologies.
- Bonded CAD/CAM glass-ceramic restorations demonstrate clinical long-term success, driving the use of monolithic glass-ceramics for defect-oriented restorations like inlays, onlays, and posterior crowns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving landscape of CAD/CAM ceramic restorative systems.
- To highlight recent innovations, including polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks and full-contour zirconia restorations.
- To assess the impact of CAD/CAM on modern prosthodontic workflows and identify areas needing further clinical validation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on CAD/CAM technologies and materials in prosthodontics.
- Analysis of clinical success factors for bonded CAD/CAM restorations.
- Evaluation of emerging materials like polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks and zirconia.
Main Results:
- CAD/CAM technology facilitates novel, minimally invasive treatment concepts with high clinical success rates for glass-ceramic restorations.
- New polymer-infiltrated ceramic network blocks offer improved machinability for thin margins in chairside restorations.
- Full-contour zirconia restorations are increasingly adopted, with ongoing material science advancements.
- CAD/CAM provides a standardized, predictable, and cost-effective workflow for fabricating individual restorations.
Conclusions:
- CAD/CAM technology has significantly advanced prosthodontics, enabling highly aesthetic, biocompatible, and durable restorations.
- Further long-term clinical evidence is required to validate the performance of new monolithic polymer-infiltrated ceramic network and zirconia restorations in minimally invasive and extensive applications.
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