Ceramics: their place in dentistry

A transfer molded ceramic coping material, Cerestore, and a castable ceramic, Dicor, are commercially available for fabrication of all-ceramic crowns. The manufacturers indicate their use should be in single unit anterior or posterior crowns. Tooth preparations are similar and should have rounded lines angles to avoid sharp points which may cause stress concentration. The amounts of tooth reduction are also similar and range from 1.0 to 2.0 mm depending on the location of surfaces. There are variations in fabricating procedures but both involve heat treatment and special equipment. Cerestore requires eventual veneer build-up and shading. Dicor requires surface shading. Both are evaluated and classified by the Council on Dental Materials, Instruments and Equipment of the American Dental Association. At least three other ceramic systems are being developed but are not yet commercially available.