Laboratory procedures for fabricating pressable all-ceramic restorations.

All-ceramic restorations have been recognized and accepted as being esthetically superior to porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-cast restorations. However, gains in esthetics achieved with an all-ceramic crown often meant sacrifices in strength, fit or both. Recent developments in the pressed ceramic format continue to secure the pressed all-ceramic restoration as a viable alternative to porcelain-to-metal and all-cast restorations. This article focuses on the most updated techniques and considerations of this type of system and its effectiveness in providing esthetics, strength and fit through "technician-friendly" procedures, materials and equipment.