A fundamental principle in replacing missing tooth structure or missing teeth is the restoration of function and esthetics at minimal biological cost. The introduction of new all-ceramic materials and adhesive cementation techniques have facilitated innovative, conservative preparation designs for single tooth and Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) restorations. The reliable bond to enamel achieved with the adhesive technique has greatly impacted preparation design resulting in significant preservation of tooth structure The reliable bond to enamel and dentin achieved with modern adhesive techniques had a great impact on modern preparation designs resulting in significant preservation of tooth structure.

The combination of highly translucent all-ceramics and esthetic resin composite cements has facilitated the clinical use of the adhesive technique and launched a whole new era of esthetic restorative treatment options like ultra-thin veneers, table tops, resin bonded FPDs, and inlay-retained FPDs.

Today, the clinician can choose from very different ceramic materials such as Silicate glass ceramics, Lithium-Di-Silicate ceramics, and Polycrystalline materials like Zirconium Dioxide. However, in terms of strength and esthetics there are significant differences that need to be considered for their clinical application.

This lecture is designed to provide participants with an overview on the permanently increasing variety of all-ceramic material systems, their features & indications. The clinician will take home useful information on the step-by-step procedures for optimal tooth preparation designs, data acquisition, communication to the lab, and the adhesive cementation technique for all-ceramic restorations – all illustrated with clinical cases.

Additionally, different manufacturing processes of all-ceramic restorations are presented –

with a special focus on the new developments in CAD/CAM technology in the light of current scientific and clinical information.

Learning objectives:

• To know the difference between the various all-ceramic systems in terms of esthetics, strength, invasiveness and clinical application.
• Optimum tooth preparation designs for all-ceramic restorations.
• To know the difference between the various luting material categories, their preferred indications and their clinical application.
• Surface treatment of All-ceramic materials prior to cementation.
• Correct clinical management in case of surface contamination of the ceramic restoration after try-in.