An overview of in vitro abrasive finishing & CAD/CAM of bioceramics in restorative dentistry

This article is to review the published works related to the CAD/CAM and in vitro finishing of bioceramics in restorative dentistry over the last two decades. Bioceramics with a wide spectrum of glass-ceramics, reinforced porcelains, zirconias, aluminas, fiber-reinforced ceramic composites and multi-layered ceramic structures are firstly classified with two categories based on their machinabilities. The investigations on the restorative performance with respect to wear, fatigue and durability are then summarized. Next, the technological challenges in dental CAD/CAM processes for rapid generation of crowns, inlays/onlays and bridges are reviewed. Furthermore, the research on the clinically applied abrasive finishing of bioceramics for intraoral final adjustments using high speed dental handpieces and diamond burs is addressed. Finally, the critical research issues relating to manufacturing are highlighted as future research trends for better applications of dental bioceramics in restorations. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.