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

The dentist will usually specify a shade or combination shades for different parts of the restoration, corresponding to a set of bottles in the lab containing the porcelain powder. A common shade system used is the Vita guide (Vita Classical and Vita 3D Master). there are two types of porcelain restorations: porcelain fused to metal and complete porcelain. For porcelain fused to metal, the black color of metal is first masked with a opaque layer to make it a shade of white and then consequtive layers are built up.The powder corresponding to the desired shade of 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. The porcelain is fused to a semi-precious metal or precious metal such as gold, for extra strength. Many systems use an aluminium oxide or zirconium oxide or zirconia core insteed of metal that makes complete porcelain restorations.

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

This dentistry article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e