Dental Ceramics

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key concepts and terms related to dental ceramics.

Dental Ceramics

Nonmetallic, inorganic structures primarily containing compounds of oxygen with metallic or semi-metallic elements.

Inlays

Indirect restorations used when direct resolutions are not feasible, particularly for class I or II cavities.

Onlays

Indirect restorations involving cusps of the tooth.

Veneers

Thin ceramic restorations primarily covering the facial surface and sometimes the proximal or incisal surfaces.

Crowns

Restorations that cover the entire tooth.

Fixed Dental Prostheses

Permanent dental restorations that replace missing teeth.

Zirconia

A dense and strong ceramic material commonly used in dental applications.

Titanium

A metal used in dentistry, often in conjunction with ceramics for its strength and biocompatibility.

Porcelain

A type of ceramic used for aesthetic dental restorations.

Esthetics

The quality of being visually appealing, important in dental restorations.

Corrosion Resistance

The ability of a material to withstand degradation caused by chemical reactions.

Biocompatibility

The ability of a material to coexist with living tissue without causing harm.

Fracture Toughness

A material's ability to resist crack propagation under stress.

Chemical Inertness

The property of a substance not to chemically react with its environment.

Brittleness

A material's tendency to fracture or break without significant deformation.

Sintering

A process in which powdered materials are compacted and heated to form a solid structure.

CAD-CAM Machining

A technology that uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to create dental restorations.

Glazing

A surface treatment that provides a glassy finish and improves durability.

Ceramic Glazes

Finishes applied to ceramics to enhance esthetics and durability.

Veneering

Applying a thin layer of material over another to improve appearance or protect the underlying structure.

Alumina

A compound used in ceramics that can enhance mechanical properties.

Leucite

A crystalline mineral that enhances the strength and opacity of ceramics.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

A restorative technique combining porcelain and metal for aesthetic and functional benefits.

Galvanic Effects

Electrical interactions that can occur in metal-ceramic restorations leading to corrosion.

Opacity

The quality of not allowing light to pass through, important in matching natural teeth.

Translucency

The ability of a material to transmit light partially, enhancing esthetics in ceramics.

Fracture Resistance

A material's ability to withstand the propagation of cracks.

Microstructure

The structure of a material at a microscopic scale that influences its properties.

CAD-CAM

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing; improves precision in dental restorations.

Thermal Tempering

A process that introduces compressive stresses in ceramics to improve strength.

Ion Exchange

A technique for introducing residual compressive stresses in ceramic materials.

Healing Time

A necessary period for materials to acclimate or stabilize after temperature changes.

Cementation

The process of adhering dental restorations to teeth using a bonding agent.

Burs

Tools used in dentistry to prepare teeth or shape restorative materials.

Abrasion Resistance

A material's ability to resist wear and surface damage from friction.

Erosion

The process of gradual destruction or wearing away of materials.

Modification

Alterations made to materials or techniques to improve their performance.

Esthetic Considerations

Factors influencing the visual appeal of dental restorations.

Proximal Surface

The surfaces of a tooth that are adjacent to neighboring teeth.

Incisal Edge

The biting edge of anterior teeth.

Preparatory Techniques

Methods used to prepare a tooth for restorative procedures.

Occlusion

The way in which teeth meet when the jaws close.

Microfracture

Small cracks that can develop in dental ceramics leading to failure.

Carving Techniques

Methods used to shape or modify dental materials.

Bond Strength

The force required to separate two bonded surfaces.

Hygiene Considerations

Factors related to maintaining cleanliness in dental materials and restorations.

Prosthetic Shape Formation

Processes used to create the desired shape of dental restorations.

Cervical Porcelain

The portion of porcelain in restorations designed to mimic the natural tooth's color.

Indications for Use

Specific situations in which a particular material or technique is recommended.

Surfaces Treatment

Methods employed to improve the surface characteristics of dental restorations.

Heat Treatment

Thermal processes applied to materials to enhance their properties.

Color Matching

The technique of ensuring dental restorations match the surrounding teeth.

Surface Roughness

The texture of a material's surface that can affect plaque accumulation.

Residue Removal

The process of cleaning excess material after dental procedures.

Minimal Invasiveness

The practice of preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Restorative Techniques

Methods for repairing or replacing damaged teeth.

Tensile Strength

The resistance of a material to breaking under tension.