Narrative Review on Dental Porcelain and Ceramics: A New Classification

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge in the development and introduction of various ceramic materials in
restorative dentistry. It has become increasingly evident that there is growing interest in ceramic materials in
dentistry. These materials are preferred over traditional ones because of their superior esthetic qualities and ability
to meet patients’ demands for improved appearance. The advent of computerized systems for producing dental
restorations and the development of novel microstructures for ceramic materials have significantly changed the
clinical workflow for dentists and technicians. This has led to new treatment options being available to patients.
This review includes a comprehensive search of literature and clinical survival papers on ceramic materials in
dentistry published between the 1960s and 2024. Major databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar,
were used for the investigation. The aim is to summarize the literature and update clinicians’ knowledge about
dental ceramics and their clinical applications. This review suggests a new classification of dental ceramics based
on their composition, considering commercially available materials. A summary of each category’s mechanical
properties and clinical applications is also provided. The purpose is to simplify the understanding of dental
ceramics and assist clinicians in choosing appropriate materials for their patients.