Radiant smile emerging from a CAD/CAM milling machine with dental tools and adhesive.

Unlock Stronger Smiles: The Truth About Dental Materials and Your Oral Health

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A guide to understanding CAD/CAM materials, bonding techniques, and how they impact the longevity of your dental work."

In the world of dentistry, achieving a healthy and beautiful smile often involves restorative procedures. From fillings to crowns, the materials used play a crucial role in the success and longevity of these treatments. Recent advancements in dental technology, particularly in CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) materials, are transforming how dental restorations are created and bonded, promising enhanced strength and durability.

Understanding the properties and performance of these materials is essential for both dentists and patients. Factors such as hardness, fracture toughness, and bonding strength significantly impact how well a restoration will withstand the stresses of daily use. This article delves into the mechanical performance of various CAD/CAM materials and the techniques used to bond them effectively, offering insights into how these innovations contribute to improved oral health.

We'll explore how materials like lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic, resin matrix ceramic, and nanohybrid composite are being used in modern dentistry. By examining the research and data, we aim to provide a clear picture of what makes these materials different and why choosing the right one is so important for your dental health journey.

The Science Behind Stronger Dental Restorations

Radiant smile emerging from a CAD/CAM milling machine with dental tools and adhesive.

The quest for durable and reliable dental restorations has led to significant advancements in material science. CAD/CAM technology allows for the precise design and milling of dental prosthetics, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal function. However, the choice of material and the effectiveness of the bonding technique are equally critical in determining the long-term success of these restorations. Understanding these factors can empower patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.

One key aspect of dental restoration is the material's ability to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Hardness and fracture toughness are two essential mechanical properties that indicate how well a material will resist wear and fracture. Studies have shown that materials like lithium disilicate (LD) exhibit high hardness and fracture toughness, making them a popular choice for dental crowns and bridges. On the other hand, materials like resin matrix ceramic (RM) and nanohybrid composite (NC) may offer different advantages, such as better aesthetics or ease of use, but may require specific bonding techniques to maximize their strength.

Here's a brief overview of common dental materials and their key properties:

Lithium Disilicate (LD): Known for its high strength and excellent aesthetics.
Feldspathic Ceramic (FC): Offers good aesthetics but may be less durable than other options.
Resin Matrix Ceramic (RM): Combines the benefits of ceramic and resin, providing a balance of strength and aesthetics.
Nanohybrid Composite (NC): A versatile material that is easy to handle and can be used for a variety of applications.

The process of bonding these materials to the underlying tooth structure is just as important as the material itself. Adhesive cementation techniques have revolutionized dental restorations by creating a strong and durable bond between the restoration and the tooth. This bond not only provides structural support but also helps to prevent microleakage, which can lead to decay and sensitivity. The choice of adhesive cement and the technique used can significantly impact the longevity of the restoration. For instance, a well-executed adhesive cementation can enhance the fracture resistance and reduce the risk of debonding, ensuring that the restoration remains intact for years to come.

Ensuring the Longevity of Your Smile

Choosing the right dental materials and bonding techniques is a collaborative effort between you and your dentist. By understanding the properties of different materials and the importance of adhesive cementation, you can work with your dentist to create a restoration that not only looks great but also stands the test of time. Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices are also essential for maintaining the health and integrity of your dental restorations, ensuring a confident and lasting smile.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.dental.2018.08.009, Alternate LINK

Title: Mechanical Performance Of Cad/Cam Materials Adhesively Bonded To Ng10

Subject: Mechanics of Materials

Journal: Dental Materials

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: I.S.S.L. Weitzel, M.P. Perim, J.H.R. Rangel, L.R. Silva-Concílio, A.L.S. Borges, R.M. Melo, M. Amaral

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does CAD/CAM technology improve the quality and durability of dental restorations, and what materials are commonly used with this technology?

CAD/CAM technology has significantly advanced the creation of dental prosthetics by allowing for precise design and milling, which ensures an optimal fit and function of dental restorations. This technology uses materials like lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic, resin matrix ceramic, and nanohybrid composite. The choice of material, along with effective bonding techniques, is critical for the long-term success of dental restorations. The combination of CAD/CAM technology and appropriate materials empowers patients to make informed decisions about their dental care, resulting in durable and reliable dental restorations.

Why are hardness and fracture toughness important when considering dental restoration materials, and how do materials like lithium disilicate and resin matrix ceramic compare in these properties?

The mechanical properties of dental materials, particularly hardness and fracture toughness, significantly impact the longevity of dental restorations. For instance, lithium disilicate (LD) is known for its high hardness and fracture toughness, making it a popular choice for dental crowns and bridges because it can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. In contrast, resin matrix ceramic (RM) and nanohybrid composite (NC) may offer better aesthetics or ease of use but might require specific bonding techniques to enhance their strength and durability. Understanding these properties allows dentists to select the most suitable material for each specific case.

What is adhesive cementation, and why is it essential for ensuring the long-term success and integrity of dental restorations?

Adhesive cementation is crucial for the success and longevity of dental restorations as it creates a strong and durable bond between the restoration and the tooth. This bond provides structural support and prevents microleakage, which can lead to decay and sensitivity. The proper selection of adhesive cement and the execution of the technique can significantly enhance the fracture resistance and reduce the risk of debonding. When adhesive cementation is done well, it ensures that the restoration remains intact for years, contributing to the overall health and integrity of the dental work.

Can you describe the key properties and ideal applications of lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic, resin matrix ceramic, and nanohybrid composite in modern dentistry?

Materials like lithium disilicate offer high strength and excellent aesthetics, making them suitable for crowns and bridges where durability is essential. Feldspathic ceramic provides good aesthetics but may be less durable, making it better suited for veneers or inlays where aesthetics are a primary concern. Resin matrix ceramic combines the benefits of ceramic and resin, offering a balance of strength and aesthetics. Nanohybrid composite is versatile and easy to handle, making it ideal for a variety of applications, including fillings and minor repairs. Each material's unique properties make it suitable for different clinical scenarios.

How does the selection of dental materials and bonding techniques affect the long-term health of dental restorations, and what role do regular check-ups play in maintaining their integrity?

The choice of dental materials and bonding techniques has a direct impact on the longevity and success of dental restorations. Selecting a material like lithium disilicate, known for its high strength and durability, and combining it with a proper adhesive cementation technique can significantly extend the lifespan of a crown or bridge. Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices are also essential to maintain the integrity of these restorations, ensuring a confident and lasting smile. The collaborative effort between the dentist and patient in choosing the right materials and techniques is key to achieving long-term oral health.