Dental ceramic restorative systems.

Esthetic restorative materials have rapidly grown in number and use. Ceramic materials are often the restorative of choice because they can replicate the color and shape of the natural dentition. Metalceramic restorations are still the most widely used type of ceramic system. However, there has been rapid development of all-ceramic restorative systems that do not require a metal substructure. The intent is to create a translucent restoration that mimics the appearance of the natural tooth. A variety of systems with different methods of fabrication, translucency, and strength are available for use. This article reviews the conventional metal-ceramic system and discusses all-ceramic systems with an eye to clinical selection based on material properties.