2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (3): 406-412

Wear properties of dental ceramics

Bi Jintong1, 2, Hu Xin2, Liu Jinshu2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ceramic materials are widely used in the field of prosthodontics because of their excellent mechanical properties, good biocompatibility with oral tissues, and high aesthetic properties. Good wear properties have important clinical significance for prosthodontics.
OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms and clinical studies on the wear properties of ceramic materials for prosthodontics in order to provide ideas for the clinical selection of suitable ceramic materials.
METHODS: A computer search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science databases for studies involving the wear properties of dental restorative ceramic materials between January 2016 and April 2021. The English search terms were “dental ceramic material; wear property”. Finally, 36 articles were included for analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The wear resistance of all-ceramic materials was higher than that of resin-ceramic composites. Among the all-ceramic materials, zirconia had the best wear properties and weaker aesthetic properties. (2) Among glass ceramics, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramic has better wear property, but the clinical application time is short, and the long-term efficacy needs more experimental research. (3) Among the resin-ceramic composites, nano-ceramic resin materials have better wear properties than ceramic-polymer. (4) Zirconia can be chosen for full-crown restorations in the posterior region, and high-translucent zirconia ceramics or glass ceramics can be chosen for full-crown restorations in the anterior region, depending on the patient’s aesthetic needs. (5) Veneers, inlays and onlays restorations can be selected from feldspathic porcelain, glass ceramic and resin-ceramic composites, but resin-ceramic composites have poor wear resistance and need to be avoided for high stress bearing areas. (6) Nano-ceramic resin can be considered for patients with exposed dentin, fluorosis and dental erosion, but experimental studies of suitable ceramic materials for these patients are scarce. (7) Surface roughness has a significant effect on the wear properties of ceramic materials, and good polishing in clinical applications can improve the wear properties of ceramic materials, and regular review of the restorations is essential.
Key words: wear property, surface roughness, antagonist, zirconia, glass ceramic, ceramic-polymer, nano-ceramic resin, prosthodontic material