Dental porcelain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dental porcelain (also known as dental ceramic) is a porcelain used by a dental technician to create biocompatible lifelike crowns and bridges for the dentist. Evidence suggests they are effective, although for three-unit molars only zirconia-based restorations are recommended.^[1]

The dentist will usually specify a shade of porcelain, corresponding to a set of bottles in the lab containing the porcelain powder. A common shade system used is the Vita guide. The powder corresponding to the dentine base is mixed with water, and then fired. Further layers are built up to mimic the natural translucency of the enamel of the tooth. Often the porcelain is fused to a semi-precious metal or precious metal such as gold, for extra strength. Many new systems use an aluminium oxide or zirconium oxide or zirconia core.

Recent developments in dental CAD-CAM technology have required specialized porcelains formed into sintered blocks. CAD/CAM restorations created with CEREC technology appear to last well.^[2]

Dental porcelain is generally regarded as biologically inert. However, other toxicities may exist from some of the accessory materials, and the fillings may increase wear on opposing teeth.^[3]

[edit] References

• The National Association of Dental Laboratories http://www.nadl.org/
• Napier, Bennett. Letter to the Food and Drug Administration. "Dear Interagency Working Group on Import Safety," National Association of Dental Laboratories, September 10, 2007. http://www.nadl.org/pdfs/NADLLettertoFDA09102007.pdf

[edit] Footnotes