A Narrative Review on Polycrystalline Ceramics for Dental Applications and Proposed Update of a Classification System

Author(s)

Benalcazar-Jalkh, Ernesto B. ; Bergamo, Edmara T. P. ; Campos, Tiago M. B. ; Coelho, Paulo G. ; Sailer, Irena ; Yamaguchi, Satoshi ; Alves, Larissa M. M. ; Witek, Lukasz ; Tebcherani, Sergio M. ; Bonfante, Estevam A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS; v. 16, n. 24, p. 22-pg., 2023-12-01.

Abstract

Dental zirconias have been broadly utilized in dentistry due to their high mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Although initially introduced in dentistry as an infrastructure material, the high rate of technical complications related to veneered porcelain has led to significant efforts to improve the optical properties of dental zirconias, allowing for its monolithic indication. Modifications in the composition, processing methods/parameters, and the increase in the yttrium content and cubic phase have been presented as viable options to improve zirconias' translucency. However, concerns regarding the hydrothermal stability of partially stabilized zirconia and the trade-off observed between optical and mechanical properties resulting from the increased cubic content remain issues of concern. While the significant developments in polycrystalline ceramics have led to a wide diversity of zirconia materials with different compositions, properties, and clinical indications, the implementation of strong, esthetic, and sufficiently stable materials for long-span fixed dental prostheses has not been completely achieved. Alternatives, including advanced polycrystalline composites, functionally graded structures, and nanosized zirconia, have been proposed as promising pathways to obtain high-strength, hydrothermally stable biomaterials. Considering the evolution of zirconia ceramics in dentistry, this manuscript aims to present a critical perspective as well as an update to previous classifications of dental restorative ceramics, focusing on polycrystalline ceramics, their properties, indications, and performance. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/03072-6 - Experimental 70% Al2O3-30% ZrO2 composites: structural characterization and survival probability before and after aging
• Grantee: Ernesto Byron Benalcazar Jalkh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 21/07440-2 - Graduated glass infiltration in an ultra-translucent zirconia (5Y-PSZ): synthesis, processing and characterization of physical and mechanical properties
• Grantee: Larissa Marcia Martins Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 12/19078-7 - Development and processing of Al2O3-ZrO2 translucent composite for CAD/CAM monolithic prostheses: the effect of aging on biaxial flexural strength
• Grantee: Estevam Augusto Bonfante
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/00452-5 - EXPERIMENTAL 70%Al2O3-30%ZrO2 ZTA COMPOSITES: MECHANICAL, ESTRUCTURAL AND TOPHOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION
• Grantee: Ernesto Byron Benalcazar Jalkh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/07157-1 - Physical and mechanical characterization of a multilayered system using recycled zirconia
• Grantee: Ernesto Byron Benalcazar Jalkh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/18818-8 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2012/19078-7: ElectroPuls E3000 Linear-Torsion All-Electric dynamic test instrument package
• Grantee: Estevam Augusto Bonfante
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 21/08018-2 - Nanomechanical layer characterization of graded ATZ and ZTA composites
• Grantee: Edmara Tatiely Pedroso Bergamo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 20/12874-9 - Infiltration graded by glass in an experimental composite based on whiskers of alumina and zircônia: development, microstructural characterization and optical and mechanical properties
• Grantee: Tiago Moreira Bastos Campos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/08693-1 - Experimental glass-infiltrated alumina-zirconia composites: characterization of microstructure, optical and mechanical properties.
• Grantee: Edmara Tatiely Pedroso Bergamo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/05495-7 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 21/06730-7: ElectroPuls E3000 All-Electric Dynamic Test Instrument, INSTRON
• Grantee: Estevam Augusto Bonfante
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 21/06730-7 - Towards sustainable zirconia recycled from milling waste and boosted by glass infiltration for restorative use, and of the development of strong, graded, and aging resistant multilayered zirconia blocks
• Grantee: Estevam Augusto Bonfante
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2