Abstract
The coexistence of an excellent prognosis and aesthetics in prosthodontic treatment has been easily accomplished by innovations of surgical and prosthodontic techniques. Esthetics should be established after recovery of the continuity of dentition and the approach to the stomatognathic function.
It is a well-known fact that surgical techniques and choices and the superiorities of prosthodontic treatment have been improved by remarkable developments of new dental materials. Especially, the applications of esthetic restoration and dental implant prostheses have expanded as a result of CAD/CAM progression. Amid this continuing progress, however, in this article I will consider the possibility that at least one field of such original patient-oriented dental care still remains to be exploited.
I will focus on zirconia as the new material and introduce its characteristics of strength, light permeability, and tissue compatibility. Furthermore, I would like to explain techniques to bring out the maximal characteristics of zirconia frameworks, along with the many available clinical applications and the important notices, including dental implant treatments.
I find it important to clarify the role allotment of laboratory and clinical work and to cope with the one patient and his model and to maintain the same consciousness for dentists and dental technicians. I wish to show the necessary points to examine, diagnose, and make treatment plans, to recover the aesthetics and function, and to establish the maintainability I mentioned.
