Glass-Ceramics: Processing and Properties

Ceramic materials have rapidly become the material of choice for indirect restorations. This article focuses on one category, glass ceramics, with recently expanded options. Variations in composition, microstructure, and processing affect mechanical properties and use of these materials. Having a better understanding of their differences is important for proper clinical selection. This article reviews these materials based on the microstructural components of the glass-ceramics and their processing techniques.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Explain the structure of glass-ceramics used in dentistry.

• Describe the effects of processing on the microstructure and properties of glass-ceramics.

• Discuss differences in mechanical properties of glass-ceramics due to microstructure and chemical composition.

About the Author

Russell Giordano II, DMD, CAGS, DMSc
Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Associate Professor of Biomaterials, Director of Biomaterials, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts