ADVANCEMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN THE APPLICATION OF ZIRCONIA CERAMICS FOR DENTAL RESTORATIONS

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the advancements and challenges in the application of zirconia ceramics for dental restorations. Zirconia has emerged as a prominent material in restorative dentistry due to its exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic potential. The review examines the evolution of zirconia materials, from their initial use as core materials to the development of highly translucent monolithic restorations. It discusses the various types of dental zirconia, their properties, and manufacturing processes, with a focus on the CAD/CAM technology and sintering protocols. Clinical applications, including crowns, fixed dental prostheses, and implant components, are evaluated, along with survival rates and common complications. The review also addresses ongoing challenges, such as low-temperature degradation and the balance between the optical and mechanical properties. Future perspectives, including potential applications in regenerative dentistry and the development of smart materials, are explored, highlighting the continuing evolution of zirconia in dental practice.