DENTAL CERAMICS ○ Glass infiltration

CERAMIC ○ Slip casting and sintering

● Defined as product made from non-metallic ○ Hot-isostatic pressing
material by firing at a high temperature. ○ CAD-CAM milling
● An inorganic compound with non metallic ○ Copy milling
properties typically composed of oxygen and 5. Firing temperature
metallic or semi metallic elements. ○ Ultra Low fusing
● Described as man made solid objects formed ○ Low fusing
by baking raw materials (minerals) at high ○ Medium using
temperatures ○ High fusing
6. Microstructure
DENTAL EXAMPLES OF CERAMICS ○ Amorphous glass
● Dental gypsum products ○ Crystalline
● Dental investment materials ○ Crystalline particles in a glass matrix
● Filler in dental composite resin 7. Translucency
● Powder in dental cements ○ Opaque
● Dental porcelain ○ Translucent
○ Transparent
DENTAL PORCELAIN
● Dental porcelain is a vitreous ceramic based GENERAL COMPOSITION
on silica network ● Consists of two phases:
● Supplied form: ○ Vitreous Phase (glassy phase):
○ Powder in different shades mixed with ⇒ It is the phase which is responsible for
distilled water aesthetics only. It is formed by
● Applications: vitrification, where the molten glass
○ Denture teeth has been called without crystallization.
○ Crown and bridge It is amorphous in structure.
○ Inlays ⇒ Vitrification: is the transformation of a
○ Onlays substance into a glass
○ Laminate veneer (layer of ceramic bonded ○ Crystalline Phase:
to the facial surface of the prepared tooth) ⇒ It is a phase which is responsible for
○ Orthodontic brackets strength and hardness only. It is
formed by de-vitrification, where the
crystallization of the glass occurs at
high temperature in the presence of
nucleating agents. It is crystalline in
structure.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

CERAMICS:
● Advantages
CLASSIFICATION: ANUSAVICE ○ Biocompatible as it is chemically inert
1. Uses or indication ○ Excellent esthetic
○ Anterior and posterior crown, veneer, post ○ Thermal properties are similar to those of
and core enamel and dentin
○ Fixed dental prosthesis, ceramic stai, ● Disadvantages
glaze ○ High hardness
2. Composition ○ Abrasion to antagonist natural dentitions
3. Principal crystal phase or matrix phase and difficult to adjust and polish
4. Processing method ○ Low tensile strength so its is a brittle
○ Casting material
○ Sintering
○ Partial sintering

BASIC STRUCTURE
● Basically porcelain is a type of glass - three
dimensional network of silica (silica
tetrahedral)
● Since pure glass metals at too high a
temperature
○ Modifiers added to lower the fusion
temperature
○ Sodium or potassium
COMPOSITION
● It mainly consist of silicate glasses, porcelains,
glass ceramic or highly crystalline solids
● Wide variety of porcelain products available in
the market
● Traditional Porcelain: feldspathic porcelains
BASIC CONSTITUENTS
● Feldspathic Porcelain
1. Feldspars are mixtures of
(K2o.Al2o3.6SiO2)(Sanidinite) Potash
Feldspar and (Na2o.Al2o3.6SiO2)(Albite),
fuses when melts forming a glass matrix
2. Quartz (SiO2) SIlicon Dioxide, remains
unchanged during firing, present as a fine
crystalline dispersion through the glassy
phase.
3. Fluxes: used to decrease sintering
temperature
4. Kaolin acts as a binder
5. Metal Oxides: provide wide variety of
colors
MAIN COMPONENTS
1. Feldspars
● They are an-hydrated potassium and
sodium aluminum silicate
● Upon firing at high temperature, they: fuse,
become glassy, retain their form without
foundation.
● They precipitation of leucite
(K2o.Al2o3.4Sio2) (crystalline structure)
will change the properties of dental
porcelain
○ Increase strength
○ Increase hardness
○ Decrease aesthetics
2. Quartz (Crystalline Phase)
● It is present as fine crystalline dispersion
throughout the vitreous phase
● It remains unchanged during firing
● It acts as strengthening agent
3. Kaolin
● It is hydrated aluminum silicate
● It becomes sticky during mixing
● During firing, it adheres to quartz and
shrinks considerably
● Feldspathic porcelain does not contain
kaolin
OTHER COMPONENTS
1. Glass Modifier
● It is an alkali metal ion, as sodium,
potassium or calcium which can associate
with the oxygen atoms at the corners of
the silica tetrahedral of the vitreous phase,
thereby:
○ Lowering the fusing temperature of
the dental porcelain to be suitable for
different applications
○ Increasing its fluidity
○ It reduces the chemical durability of
the vitreous phase
○ Devitrification (crystallization) may
occur during porcelain firing
2. Flux
● It is a low fusing glass e.g., boron oxide
based glass
● It’s action is similar to glass modifier
3. Sugar and Starch
● They help in forming workable mix instead
of kaolin
4. Pigments and Fluorescent Agents
● They provide different and natural shades
METAL CERAMIC RESTORATIONS
● Also known as Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
● It has the advantage of being esthetic as well
as adequate strength
● Most commonly used

PROCESSING OF PORCELAIN OVER METAL

CORE
● Condensation and build-up
● Firing or sintering
● Glazing
● Cooling
PART OF PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL (PFM)
● Core: cast metallic framework. Also known as
CONDENSATION
coping.
● The plastic mass of powder and water is
● Opaque Porcelain: first layer consisting of
applied to the metal coping
porcelain modified with opacifying oxides.
● Function of condensation
○ Mask the darkness of the oxidized metal
○ Adapt the porcelain to the required shape
framework
○ Remove as much water from the material
○ Metal-ceramic bond
as possible to decrease firing shrinkage
● Final buildup of dentin and enamel porcelain
● Methods of condensation
○ Vibration
○ Spatulation
○ Brush

BUILD-UP
● There are three types of porcelain used:
A. Opaque Porcelain
○ Mask the color of the cement used for
adhesion of the restoration
B. Body or Dentin Porcelain
○ Makes up the bulk of the restoration
METAL-CERAMIC BOND by providing most of the color or
● Most important requirement for good long-term shade
performance C. Enamel Porcelain
● The bond is a result of chemisorption by ○ It provides the translucent layer of
diffusion between the surface oxide layer on porcelain in the incisal portion of the
the alloy and the porcelain tooth

FAILURE OF METAL-CERAMIC BONDING FIRING OR SINTERING

● Cohesive Failure: porcelain-porcelain, ● It is to use the particles of porcelain powder
metal-metal, oxide-oxide producing hard mass
● Adhesive Failure: porcelain-oxide, metal-oxide, ● Stages of firing:
metal-porcelain a. Low Bique Stage:
● Mixed Failure: any combination of the previous ○ Particles lack complete adhesion, low
failures amount of shrinkage occur, and very
porous
b. Medium Bisque Stage:
 ○ Water evaporates with better cohesion
to the powder particles and some
porosity
c. High Bisque Stage:
○ Fusion of particles to form a
continuous mass, complete cohesion
and no more shrinkage
SINTERING FURNACE
GLAZING
● The glazing is to obtain a smooth surface that
simulates a natural tooth surface
● It is done either by:
○ Auto Glazing: rapid heating up to the
fusion temperature for 1-2 minutes to melt
the surface particles
○ Add on Glazing: applying a glaze to the
surface and re-firing
ALL CERAMIC RESTORATION
● It consists of ceramic core and veneer
● The ceramic core consists of a variety of
crystalline phases up to 99% by volume
● Factors affecting the properties of all ceramic
restoration”
I. The nature, amount and particle size
distribution of the crystalline phase
influence the mechanical and optical
properties of all ceramic restoration
II. The match between the refractive indices
of the crystalline and glassy phases of
the ceramic core controls the
translucency of all ceramic restoration
● Types of all ceramic restorations according to
the processing technique:
HEAT-PRESSED ALL CERAMIC MATERIAL
● (High temperature injection molding)
● Heated ceramic ingot is injected under air
pressure into a refractory mold. After
solidification and divesting, the ceramic core is
ready for veneering
● Types:
○ IPS Empress: glass ceramic + leucite
crystal for inlay, onlay, veneer and crown
○ IPS Empress 2: glass ceramic + lithium
disilicate crystals for crown and bridge
III. Slip-Cast All Ceramic Material:
● It is supplied as one of the three core
ceramics
○ Inceram alumina, inceram spinell,
inceram zirconia
IV. Machinable Ceramics:
● CAD/CAM (computer assisted
design/computer assisted machining)
● It is used to produce ceramic inlay, onlay
or veneer in one visit
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGNING/COMPUTER
AIDED MILLING (CAD/CAM)
● After the tooth is prepared
● The preparation is optically scanned and the
image is computerized
● Restoration is designed with the aid of a
computer
● Restoration is the machined from ceramic
blocks by a computer-controlled milling
machine
● CEREC AC, Sirona Dental System
● Advantages Of Machine Ceramics
○ Reduced chair time
○ Single appointment (in CAD/CAM
restoration)
○ High strength due to less porosity
● Disadvantages Of Machinable Ceramics
○ Expensive
○ Poor marginal accuracy
PROPERTIES OF DENTAL PORCELAIN
1. Biological properties:
○ Dental porcelain is inert i.e., tissue friendly
and biocompatible
2. Solubility and disintegration:
 ○Dental porcelain is indestructible in oral
fluids
○ Only strong chemicals i.e., hydrofluoric
acid can dissolve dental porcelain
3. Dimensional changes during firing:
○ A considerable amount of shrinkage and
porosity occurs due to:
⇒ Densification as result of sintering
⇒ Evaporation of excess water
⇒ Loss of binder (kaolin) if present
4. Mechanical properties:
○ High compressive strength (strong bond)
○ High hardness
○ Dental porcelain is even harder than
enamel causing wear of the opposing
natural teeth
○ Brittle i.e., low tensile strength, low
fracture toughness
○ Bulk thickness is required
5. Optical properties:
○ Dental porcelain is a translucent material
○ Three basic shades of dental porcelain
powder are used:
- Opaque, dentin and enamel shades to
recreate the color of the tooth
- Once the exact color is obtained, it is
quite satisfactory and stable
6. Bonding to tooth structure:
○ Since dental porcelain restorations are of
indirect type, thus their bonding depends
on:
⇒ The type of the used cemt (GIC luting
type?)
⇒ The surface treatment of the tooth and
restoration
7. Thermal properties:
○ Dental porcelain is electrical and thermal
insulator
CEMENT
● A non metallic material used for luting, filling
permanent or temporary restorative purposes
made by mixing components into a plastic
mass that sets or as an adherent sealer in
attaching various dental restorations in or on
the tooth - CRAIG
● A substance that holds two surfaces together,
it also serves as an agent as esthetic
restorative material, thermal insulator,
temporary restorative material and
medicament for pulpal protection under large
restorations - Karl F. and Jack Moons
● A substance that hardens to act as a base,
liner, filling material or adhesive to bind devices
and prosthesis to tooth structure to each other
- Anusavice
● Are materials that are hard and brittle, and
which are formed by mixing powdered oxides
with a liquid. Depending on their mix
consistencies and composition they are used
in various ways and they are classified
according to their function.
○ Luting
○ Base
○ Liner
○ Varnisher
○ Bonding agents
○ Perio/Endodontic
● Dental cements are ,ateria;s that set intraorally
and that are commonly used to join a tooth and
a prosthesis
● Supplied as a powder (basic, composed of
glass or metal oxides) and a liquid (usually
acids) or as two pastes
● Every cement must be assessed for its
biocompatibility, safety and effectiveness
● The reaction between the powder and liquid is
usually acid-base reaction
ACID-BASE REACTION
● Chemical reaction between a compound with
replaceable hydrogen ions (acid) and a
substance with replaceable hydroxide ions
(base) that yields water and salt.
● For aqueous cements, the liquid is the acid
and the powder is the base
LUTING AGENT
● When mixed to a primary consistency are used
to hold restorations on prepared teeth either for
final or temporary cementation of final as well
as temporary restorations.
○ Glue two different structure together
○ temporary , permanent filling
 LINER
● Cements of low strength used to provide
protection to the pulp from irritants or serve
therapeutically as pulp capping agents.

BENEFITS OF USING A LINER/BASE

● Prevents microleakage
● Inhibits bacterial growth
● Reduces postoperative sensitivity
● Helps reduce the effect of shrinkage
● Versatile protection for every restoration

VARNISHES
● Materials painted on cavity walls or surfaces to
serve as a chemical barrier protecting the pulp
from irritating effects of some cements or
restorative materials and reduce the initial
micro-leakage of amalgam restorations

BASE
● When mixed to a secondary consistency, are
used as temporary filling materials to provide
thermal insulation and mechanical support to
teeth restored with other materials such as
amalgam.

DENTAL BONDING AGENTS

● Materials used to enhance the adhesion of
some restorative materials to dentinal walls.
They are sometimes used as a substitute for
varnish in some restorations.

TYPES:
● High Strength Bases:
○ Are used to provide thermal protection for
the pulp, as well as mechanical support for
the restoration
○ Zinc phosphate
○ Zinc polycarboxylate
○ Glass ionomer cement (type III)
○ Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol SURGICAL/PERIODONTAL AGENTS
● Low Strength Bases: ● Mixed from a paste-paste system to form one
○ Have minimum strength and low rigidity. paste which is packed over surgical sites to
Their main function is to act as a barrier to protect the underlying tissues.
irritating and to provide therapeutic benefit
to the pulp.
○ Calcium hydroxide
○ Zinc oxide eugenol
 ● Advantages
○ Compressive strength
○ Thermal insulator
○ Does not dissolve in oral liquids
● Disadvantages
ENDODONTIC SEALERS ○ No chemical adhesion
● Cements used to coat the canal space and dill ○ Pulp irritation
in any voids between the canal wall and the ○ Poor esthetics
gutta percha filling material ● Composition
○ Powder:
⇒ Zinc oxide: 90.2%
⇒ Magnesium oxide: 8.2% → Aids in
sintering
⇒ Other oxide: 0.2% → improve
smoothness of mix
⇒ Silica: 1.4% → filter
● Mixing Time
⇒ Sintering: is the process of
○ The amount of time the auxiliary has to
compacting and forming a solid mass
bring the components
of material by heat or pressure without
● Working Time
melting it to the point of liquefaction
○ The time permitted to manipulate the
○ Liquid:
material in the mouth
⇒ Phosphoric acid: 38.2% → react with
● Setting Time
zinc oxide
○ The time that begins when the material
⇒ Water: 36.0% → control rate of
can no longer be manipulated in the mouth
reaction
○ The time when the material has reached
⇒ Aluminum phosphate: 16.2% → buffer
its ultimate state (desired hardness or
⇒ Aluminum: 2.5%
consistency)
⇒ Zinc: 7.1%
⇒ Buffer: a substance capable in
ZINC PHOSPHATE
solution of neutralizing both acids and
● ADA SPECIFICATION NUMBER 96
bases and thereby maintaining the
● Zinc phosphate is the oldest of the luting
original acidity or basicity of the
cements and thus serves as a standard with
solution
which newer cements can be compared.
● Setting Reaction
● ADA Spa. No. 96 designates them as:
○ When the powder is mixed with liquid,
○ Type I: Fine grained for luting. Film
phosphoric acid attacks the surface of the
thickness should be 25 micrometer
particles and releases zinc ions.
○ Type II: Medium grained for luting and
○ The aluminum in the liquid is essential for
filling. Film thickness should not be more
cement formation
than 40 micrometers.
⇒ Exothermic: releases heat
1. Powder and liquid system
⇒ Setting time: average of 7 minutes
2. Capsulated
⇒ Mixing time: 1 minute 15 seconds
⇒ P/L ratio: 1.4mg/0.5ml
○ Biological Properties
⇒ At the time of cementation the pH is 2
⇒ Starting pH is 3.5
⇒ After 24 hours the pH is 5.5
 ○ Low p/l increases the solubility *P/L 1.5
APPLICATION parts powder/1 parts L
● Luting for restoration ○ Thermal insulator → good
● High strength bases ○ Adhesion properties: micromechanical and
● Temporary restoration chemical
● Luting for orthodontic bands and brackets ○ Opaque
○ Anticariogenic properties: less as
ZINC POLYCARBOXYLATE compared to GIC
● First dental cement to exhibit chemical bonding ● Advantages
to teeth ○ Chemical bonding
● Not used for restorative purpose because the ○ Good marginal adaptation
cement is opaque ○ Anticarcinogenic properties
● Uses: ○ Mildly acidic
○ Permanent cement for crowns, bridges, ● Disadvantages
inlays and onlays ○ Less compressive strength
○ Orthodontic cementation ○ High solubility
○ High-strength base ○ Poor esthetics
● Composition
○ Powder: GLASS IONOMER CEMENT (PolyAlkenoate
⇒ Zinc oxide: 89% Cement)
⇒ Magnesium oxide: 9% → aids in ● ADA specification No. 96
sintering ● Developed in the 1970s
⇒ Barium oxides: 0.2% → radiopacity ● Tooth colores; anticarcinogenic restorative
⇒ Other oxide: 1.4% → improve materials
smoothness of mix ● Minimal cavity preparation as it bonds
○ Liquid: adhesively to tooth structure
⇒ Polyacrylic acid: 32-48% → reacts ⇒ Th powder is glass - the setting reaction
with ZnO and adhesive bonding to tooth structure is
⇒ Carboxylic acids: 30-55% → controls due to ionic bond
the rate of reaction
⇒ Stannous fluoride → increases the CLASSIFICATION OF GLASS IONOMER
strength CEMENT (GIC)
● Setting Reaction ● Type I: Luting crowns, bridges, and orthodontic
○ Setting begins by dissolution of the brackets
powder particles by the acid, which ● Type IIa: Esthetic restorative cements
release zinc, magnesium and tin ions ● Type IIb: Reinforced restorative cements
○ The hardened zinc polycarboxylate ● Type III: Lining cements, base
cement is an amorphous gel matrix in ● Composition
which unreacted powder particles are ○ Powder
dispersed. ⇒ Silica (SiO)2 41.9%
⇒ Mixing time: 30 seconds to 90 ⇒ Alumina (Al2O3) 28.6%
seconds ⇒ Aluminum fluoride (AlF3) 1.6%
⇒ Setting time: 6 to 9 minutes ⇒ Calcium fluoride (CaF2) 15.7%
● Properties ⇒ Sodium Fluoride (NaF) 9.3%
○ Compressive S. = 55 MPa ⇒ Aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) 3.8%
○ T.S = 6.2 MPa, less brittle ⇒ Barium/strontium oxide → radiopacity
○ pH: rapidly rises from 3 to 6 ○ Liquid
○ Pulpal response: mild ⇒ Polyacrylic acid or a copolymer of
○ Pulpal Protection: less irritation as the acrylic acid 40-50%
particle size and molecular weights is ⇒ React with SiO and Al2O3
higher and the acidic content is neutralized ⇒ Other carboxylic acids 30% to 55%
rapidly - Controls the rate of reaction
○ Solubility = 0.6% → more soluble than ⇒ Tartaric acid rate - controlling additive
zinc phosphate ● Setting Reaction
 ○ Powder and liquid are mixed together
○ Acid attacks the glass particles leaching
calcium, aluminum, sodium and fluoride
ions into the aqueous medium
○ Polyacrylic acid chains: cross-linked by the
Al ions which is further replaced by
calcium ions - 24 hours
○ The cross-linked phase becomes hydrated
over time as it matures
● Properties
○ Setting time
⇒ Type I: 4 to 5 minutes
⇒ Type II: 7 minutes
⇒ Release of Fluoride
- Release fluoride in amounts
comparable to those released
initially from silicate cement
- Inhibit enamel and dentin
demineralization
- Greater pulpal reaction than ZOE
cement but less than zinc
phosphate cement
- Luting agents pose a greater
pulpal hazard than restorative
agents
- Protective liner such as Ca(OH)2
should be used if the preparation
is closer than 0.5 mm to the pulp
chamber
- Compressive strength is similar to
that of zinc phosphate
ZINC OXIDE-EUGENOL CEMENT (ZOE) 1890s
● ANSI/ADA Specification No. 30
● Used for luting and intermediate restorations
because of its medicament quality and neutral
pH
● Cements of low strength
● They are at least irritating of all dental cements
and are known to have an effect on exposed
dentin.
● Type I: temporary cementation
● Type II: long-term cementation of fixed
prostheses
● Type III: temporary fillings and thermal
insulating bases
● Type IV: intermediate fillings
○ Also used as a root sealer and periodontal
dressings
● Composition
○ Formulated as a powder-liquid or
two-paste system
○ Powder or base paste: zinc oxide particles
○ Liquid or accelerator paste: eugenol
○ Water in the eugenol solution that
hydrolyzes the zinc oxide to form zinc
hydroxide
○ Zinc hydroxide and eugenol chelate and
solidify to form zinc oxide eugenolate
○ Slow but proceeds more rapidly in a warm,
humid environment
○ Powder:
⇒ Zinc oxide 69%
⇒ White sedin 29.3% → reduces
brittleness
⇒ Zinc stearate 1% → accelerator,
plasticizer
⇒ Zinc acetate 0.75% → improves
strength
○ Liquid:
⇒ Eugenol 85% → reacts with zinc oxide
⇒ Olive oil 15% → plasticizer
● Setting Reaction
○ Hydrolysis of ZInc Oxide to its hydroxide
takes palace
⇒ Water is essential for the reaction
○ (dehydration zinc oxide will not react with
dehydrated eugenol)
○ Acid-base reaction
○ Setting time is around 4 to 10 minutes
● Factors Affecting Setting Time
○ Particle size: smaller zinc oxide particles
set faster
○ Powder to liquid ratio: higher the ratio,
faster the set
○ Cooling the glass slab: slows the reaction
○ P/L ratio 4 parts:1 part
● Uses
○ For temporary and permanent
cementation
○ For temporary fillings
○ Cavity lines and base
○ Pulp capping agent
⇒ Secondary use: root canal
restorations
CALCIUM HYDROXIDE Ca(OH)2
● It has multipurpose use though not used as
permanent restorative material
● Ca(OH)2 is a white odorless powder
● Mixed with water or saline to a form a paste
● It is strongly alkaline with a PH of 12.5
● Commonly employed as the direct or indirect
pulp capping agent
● High alkaline PH(11-3) causes neutralization of
acids produced by microorganisms
● Antibacterial effect due to high PH
● Seals the dentinal tubules offering dentin
protection
● Induces reparative dentin below existing dentin
● Biocompatibility and calcific barrier enabling to
maintain pulp vitality
● Ca(OH)2 maintains a local state of alkaline by
that is necessary for bone/dentin formation
● Composition
○ Chemically activated Ca(OH)2 paste
system
○ Catalyst paste
⇒ Calcium hydroxide - 51%
⇒ Zinc oxide - 9.23%
⇒ Zinc stearate - 0.29%
⇒ Ethylene toluene sulphonamide -
39.48%
○ Base plate
⇒ Titanium oxide - 45.1%
⇒ Calcium tungstate - 15.2%
⇒ Barium sulphate - 4%
⇒ Glycol salicylate - 35.7%
● Adverse Effect
○ Calcifications in pulp
⇒ Accumulation of calcium salts in the
pulp
○ Internal resorption
○ Ankylosis
○ Increased brittleness of dentin
FINISHING AND POLISHING MATERIALS
● Finishing and polishing instruments are used to
finish and polish dental material surfaces to
improve their aesthetic quality.
FINISHING
● Process of removing surface defects or
scratches created during the contouring
process through the use of cutting and grinding
instruments.
○ Denotes to cut or remove the excess
● It is usually performed with coarser abrasives
when compared to polishing.
● Finishing a restoration involves contouring to
create optimal marginal finish, without
overhangs or excess material extending
beyond the cavity margin, and establishing an
occlusal anatomy in harmony with the rest of
the dentition.
POLISHING
● Process of providing luster or gloss on material
surface
● The use of progressively finer abrasives to
remove scratches and give a high shine or
luster to the material
● Polishing a restoration involves smoothing the
surface with a series of abrasives to create the
lowest surface roughness and a high surface
luster or polish.
● The advantages of finishing and polishing
include:
○ Minimizing plaque accumulation at
margins and on surfaces of restorations
○ Minimizing the risk of surface staining
○ Minimizing surface degradation and wear
in clinical service
○ Maximizing the aesthetics of the
restoration by creating a high luster polish
 ○ Enhanced patient and dentist satisfaction
○ Reduced likelihood that a dentist will SILICON CARBIDE
decide to replace the restoration ● Is the preferred material for amalgam/gold
unnecessarily polishers and acrylic polishers because it won’t
● There are, however, some potential cause discoloration. These polishers come in a
disadvantages of excessive finishing and variety of shapes suitable for these materials.
polishing:
○ A notable problem is increased heat
generation. Which may adversely affect
the pulp.

● Flexible mylar discs and strips made of

aluminum oxide (called composite discs/strips)
are the most popular choice for finishing and
GRINDING AND FINISHING ABRASIVES AND polishing composites.
CUTTING DISCS
● Provide fast contouring and finishing. They are
made up of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide
and diamonds.
● Aluminum Oxide: is the preferred choice for
composites and enamel.
● Diamond Strips are a reusable, long-lasting
alternative to the mylar strips for interproximal
finishing and polishing on all materials.

DIAMOND ABRASIVES
● Are more expensive, lasts longer, have a faster
working time and provide a mirror finish.
● These instruments are preferred for porcelain,
ceramic, zirconia and metals.

● Porcelain polishers generally come in three

grits (coarse, medium, and fine) and can be
made from aluminum oxide or diamond.
● The aluminum oxide porcelain polishers are
more economical but are less durable and
procedures take longer
● The diamond porcelain polishers are more
effective on the newest restorative materials
● Both types offer points, cups, and discs to suit
all procedures.
 abrasives bound to a nonabrasive binder
medium.
● Contouring: Process of producing a desired
anatomical form by cutting or grinding away
excess material
● Cutting: Process of removing material from the
substrate by use of a bladed bur or an abrasive
embedded in a binding matrix on abur or disk.
● Finished and polished restorations provide
three benefits of dental care:
● Green Stones (silicon carbide) for porcelain,
○ Oral health
composites, and gold/silver
○ Function
● White Stones (aluminum oxide) for enamel,
○ Aesthetics
composites, and porcelain
● A well-contoured and polished restoration oral
● Diamond Abrasives for ceramic, zirconia, and
health by resisting the accumulation of food
aluminum restorations.
debris and pathogenic bacteria.
● This is accomplished through a reduction in
total surface area and reduce roughness of the
restoration surface.
● Smoother surfaces have less retention areas
and are easier to maintain in a hygienic state
when preventive oral home care is practiced
because dental floss and the toothbrush
MATERIALS bristles can gain more access to all surfaces
Proce Comp Porcel Gold Acryl Enam Zirc and marginal areas.
dure osite ain/Ce /Ama ic el onia
ramic lgam

Grindi Green - Gree Whit White Dia

ng/Fini /White Diamo n e stone mon
shing stone nd stone stone s d
Abrasi s abrasiv s s abra
ves es sives
- green
and
whiote ● Tarnished and corrosion activity of some dental
stones materials can be significantly reduced.
● Oral function is enhanced with a well-polished
Polishi - - Amal Acryli - -
restoration
ng Comp Porcel gam/ c Comp Dia
osite ain Gold polis osite mon ● Rough material surfaces lead to the
disc/S polishe polis hers disc/S d development of high-contact stresses that
trips rs hers trips porc cause the loss of functional aid stabilizing
- - - elain contacts between teeth.
Single Diamo Singl polis ● Roughness on ceramics also act as stress
and nd e and hers concentration points.
two-st strips two-st -
● Finishing and polishing surfaces can improve
ep ep Dia
comp comp mon the strength of the restoration, especially in
osite osite d areas under tension
polish polish strip ● Finally, aesthetic demands may require the
ers er s dentist to handle highly visible surfaces of
restorations different;y than those that are not
● Abrasive: A hard substance used (or grinding, accessible.
finishing, or polishing) a less-hard surface. ● The goal of finishing and polishing procedures
● Buffing: Process of producing a lustrous are to obtain the desired anatomy, proper
surface through the abrading action of fine occlusion, and the reduction of roughness,
gouges and scratches that were produced by
the contouring and finishing instruments.