A state-of-the-art review on chairside CAD/CAM ceramic materials in restorative dentistry

Chairside CAD/CAM technology enables the fabrication of permanent fixed restorations during a single clinical visit, eliminating the necessary for temporary restorations and multiple appointments. This technology is widely applied in dental restorations, including inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). However, reducing treatment time without compromising mechanical and aesthetic properties remains an unresolved dilemma. Given minimally invasive dentistry requirements, the contemporary dental market provides clinicians with an extensive array of chairside CAD/CAM ceramic material options, presenting significant challenges in selecting the most clinically appropriate restorative materials. The main classifications of chairside CAD/CAM materials include feldspathic ceramics, leucite-reinforced ceramics, lithium disilicate ceramics, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates, resin nanoceramics, polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network and zirconia. Glass ceramics offer excellent aesthetics and high adhesive bond strength, although their mechanical properties require further enhancement. Polycrystalline ceramics exhibit exceptional mechanical performance, while their rapid sintering techniques necessitate further development to optimize processing efficiency. Resin-based ceramics provide clinical advantages in adjustability and reduced antagonist wear, yet their application scope remains limited in restorative dentistry. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an up-to-date overview of chairside CAD/CAM materials used in restorative dentistry, focusing on their classification, mechanical and aesthetic properties, as well as advantages and limitations for different clinical applications.