Dentures (Prosthodontics)

This type of fixed dentures are basically made of covering a metal substructure (framework) with porcelain materials. They can be produced as multiple unit bridges to overcome tooth losses and as single crowns to treat ruined, or cracked teeth, or restoration for aesthetics. In comprehension to other fixed denture materials, PFM restorations are mostly preferred because of combining economical, functional and aesthetical factors. PFM restorations can be produced both as tooth and implant supported dentures. Depending on their enhanced durability, they can be produced as long span bridges (full arch bridge).

However, zirconium oxide is technically a metal oxide, it is commonly used for aesthetical treatments for anterior teeth owing to its natural white color. Zirconium crown can be produced as porcelain covered substructure like PFM restoration, or as full contour restoration without a porcelain coverage, which is also named as monolithic zirconium. When designed as a short span bridge (3 unit bridge), its mechanical strength and durability will be as high as a classical PFM restoration. Due to its natural white color, it can be produced thinner than a PFM restoration. Zirconium is commonly used for smile design treatment protocol and can be produced both as tooth and implant supported fixed denture.

Due to their natural tooth alike optical characteristics they provide superior aesthetic look. All-ceramic restorations are basically produced directly on a ceramic framework without metal or zirconium materials which gives tooth alike transparency to the final restoration. They are most commonly used to produce laminate veneers, which give a natural appearance with ultra thin restorations produced by minimal invasive techniques. All-ceramic restorations are also being commonly used to make aesthetical fillings such as inlays, onlays and overlays.