Zirconia in the Service of Anterior Aesthetic Restorations

Abstract

Introduction: Zirconia appears in odontology fifteen years ago under the form of a screed covered with feldspathic ceramic, as an alternative to the ceramic-metal crown. The success of zirconia stems from its biocompatibility and aesthetic potential in combination with optimized mechanical properties. For years, zirconia was the benchmark for the restoration of the posterior sector. Today translucent zirconia are offered to satisfy aesthetic demands even at the previous level Observation: The 54-year-old HA patient consulted for the replacement of her old ceramic-metal bridge in the anterior sector. Its motif was both aesthetic and functional. The therapeutic choice was directed towards the creation of metal ceramic bridge with a zirconia coping. The clinical steps necessary for this prosthetic design will be detailed step by step. Discussion: Several ceramics are now available to us for aesthetic anterior restorations. However, the choice of the appropriate ceramic is not only guided by aesthetic needs. Other parameters must be taken into consideration such as the situation of the finish line, the height of the stumps ... Zirconia may not seem like the ideal ceramic for anterior restorations. However, when the case requires, we can opt for an "improved" zirconia giving wide aesthetic satisfaction Key words: zirconia, aesthetics, translucency, opacity, density.