Recent advances in glass-ceramics: Performance and toughening mechanisms in restorative dentistry

The use of glass-ceramics in the medical field has grown significantly since the 1980s. With excellent aesthetic properties, semi-translucency, outstanding mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and great biocompatibility and workability glass-ceramics is one of the most commonly used materials in restorative dentistry and is widely used in veneers, inlays, onlays, all-ceramic crowns, and implant abutments. This review provides an overview of the research progress of glass-ceramics in restorative dentistry, focusing on the classification, performance requirements, toughening mechanisms and their association with clinical performance, as well as the manufacturing and fabrication of glass-ceramics in restorative dentistry. Finally, the developments and prospects of glass-ceramics in restorative dentistry are summarized and discussed.