The evolution of modern dentistry has brought significant advances in dental prosthetics, primarily in the development of increasingly resistant, aesthetic, and biocompatible materials. The correct choice of prosthetic material directly influences aesthetics, mechanical resistance, gingival adaptation, chewing comfort, and the longevity of the prosthesis.
In this Dental Access guide, you will learn about the main materials used in prosthetic dentistry, their auxiliaries, and the most recognized brands on the market.
The evolution of dental prosthetics
With technological advancements, innovative materials such as zirconia, lithium disilicate, advanced ceramics, and CAD/CAM systems emerged, revolutionizing restorative dentistry. The digitalization of laboratory workflows and 3D printing have significantly increased the precision in the fabrication of crowns, veneers, implant-supported structures, and removable prostheses.
Main restorative materials
| Material | Main indications | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Resin | Full dentures, temporaries, denture bases, relines | Excellent cost-benefit and ease of adjustment |
| Dental Ceramic | Single crowns, veneers, fixed prostheses, aesthetic restorations | High translucency, color stability, and biocompatibility |
| Zirconia | Anterior and posterior crowns, bridges, implant-supported prostheses, CAD/CAM | High mechanical resistance + excellent aesthetics |
| Lithium Disilicate | Veneers, anterior crowns, inlays, and onlays | Superior translucency and aesthetic naturalness |
| Metal Alloys (Co-Cr, Ni-Cr, Titanium) | Metal-ceramic frameworks, RPD, implant-supported bars | High structural resistance |
| PEEK | Implant-supported frameworks, latest generation prostheses | Lightness, biocompatibility, and lower thermal transmission |
Essential auxiliary materials
Dental waxes
Waxes play a fundamental role in the modeling and planning of prostheses. The main types are:
- Pink Wax: record bases and bite rims
- Sculpting Wax: diagnostic wax-ups and anatomical modeling
- Sticky Wax: temporary joining of laboratory components
- Casting Wax: lost-wax technique for metal frameworks
Dental plasters
Responsible for obtaining study models, working models, and dies. Their precision directly affects the fit of prosthetic pieces:
| Type | Primary use |
|---|---|
| Type I — Impression | Specific impressions (rarely used) |
| Type II — Model | Study models and articulation mounting |
| Type III — Dental Stone | Working models (widely used) |
| Type IV — High Strength | Dies and high-precision prostheses, implantology |
| Type V — High Expansion | Compensation for metal contraction |
Impression materials
| Material | Indication | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Alginate | Preliminary impressions and study models | Low cost, easy to manipulate |
| Addition Silicone | Fixed prostheses, implants, veneers | High precision and dimensional stability |
| Condensation Silicone | General use | Affordable, good elasticity |
| Polyether | Implantology and complex prostheses | Extremely precise, high rigidity |
| Impression Compound | Functional impressions for complete dentures | Thermoplastic material |
Dental cements
- Zinc Phosphate: traditional, good mechanical strength
- Glass Ionomer: fluoride release, metal crowns and temporaries
- Resin Cements: modern ceramics, disilicate and veneers — high adhesion and aesthetics
- Temporary Cements: intermediate phases of prosthetic treatment
Benefits of choosing high-quality materials
- ✅ Better aesthetics: texture, translucency, and color similar to natural teeth
- ✅ Greater resistance: lower incidence of fractures and premature wear
- ✅ Better adaptation: greater functional and chewing comfort
- ✅ Reduced maintenance: less color alteration and marginal leakage
- ✅ Biocompatibility: lower risk of inflammation, irritation, and allergic reactions
- ✅ Oral health: better force distribution, bone preservation, and periodontal health
Leading manufacturers in the market
| Presence in Brazil | Brands |
|---|---|
| Strong national presence | Vipi, Clássico, Ivoclar, Kulzer, Dentsply Sirona, GC Dental, 3M Oral Care, Straumann, Neodent, Nobel Biocare, Implacil De Bortoli, Conexão, FGM, Angelus, Yller Biomaterials |
| Technical / imported / niche | Zirkonzahn, Amann Girrbach, Shofu, Bego, Tokuyama, Dentaurum, Yamahachi, VITA Zahnfabrik, Kuraray Noritake, Aidite, Upcera, Huge Dental, Pritidenta, Zubler |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between complete, partial, and implant-supported prostheses?
A complete denture replaces all teeth in an arch and rests on the gums. A removable partial denture replaces some teeth and anchors to the remaining teeth. An implant-supported prosthesis is fixed to osseointegrated implants, offering greater stability, comfort, and bone preservation.
Acrylic resin or ceramic: which to choose?
It depends on the clinical indication. Acrylic resin is more economical and indicated for complete and temporary dentures. Ceramic offers superior aesthetics, greater durability, and biocompatibility, being preferred for fixed prostheses and aesthetic restorations.
Is zirconia indicated for all cases?
No. Zirconia is excellent for posterior crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prostheses, but it may have limitations in cases requiring maximum anterior translucency. In such cases, lithium disilicate may be more indicated. The decision should be made by the prosthodontist based on clinical analysis.
How long does a dental prosthesis last?
It depends on the material, laboratory technique, and patient care. Fixed prostheses made of ceramic or zirconia can last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Removable resin prostheses usually require relining or replacement every 5 to 8 years.
What is the CAD/CAM system in dental prosthetics?
CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the technology for digital design and milling of prostheses. It allows for greater precision, reproducibility, and speed in the fabrication of crowns, veneers, and prosthetic frameworks, especially in zirconia and lithium disilicate.
Content developed by Dr. Maysa Monnerat, Technical Director at Dental Access.
