Complete rehabilitation of patients with bruxism by veneered and non-veneered zirconia restorations with an increased vertical dimension of occlusion: an observational case-series study

Restorative options for moderate and severe tooth wear: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the failure of different types of restorative treatments for tooth wear.

STUDY DESIGN

A search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase (October 2023) with no limits for publication year or language. Randomized and non-randomized studies comparing restorative options to treat moderate to severe tooth wear were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Failure data was obtained from each study and organised into either 'major failure,' with the need to replace the restoration, or 'minor failure,' where the restoration was repaired or refurbished. Studies that did not bring comparisons or sufficient data to calculate failures were excluded.

RESULTS

3977 articles were found; 43 studies were eligible for analysis. For RCT studies (n = 6), direct composite showed a mean annual failure rate (AFR) of 10.54 % for minor failures and 8.38 % for major failures. For non-RCT studies (n = 37), these were 3.97 % and 0.4 % respectively. For RCT studies, indirect composite showed a mean AFR of 12.84 % for minor failures and 10.41 % for major failures. For non-RCT studies, these were 2.9 % and 0.15 % respectively. For RCT studies, indirect ceramic showed a mean AFR of 0.09 % for minor failures and 0.13 % for major failures. For non-RCT studies, these were 0.83 % and 0.33 % respectively.

CONCLUSION

Indirect restorations demonstrated lower failure rates; however, they can be more invasive and require more operator time than alternatives. Direct methods showed greater failures but offer a minimally invasive modality. (CRD42022358586) CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study will provide clinicians with a more informed view of the success, survival and failure rates of materials when deciding how to restore tooth wear.

Bruxism and direct and indirect restorations failure: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and present the relationship between bruxism and the failure of direct and indirect dental restorations.

METHODOLOGY

The reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Human studies reporting on the failure of dental restorations in relation to bruxism were included.

SOURCES

MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus and Pub Med databases were searched from 2012 to 2024. Additional hand searching was made using Google Scholar, and Scopus were utilized for snowball searching.

STUDY SELECTION

An initial systematic search was made of bruxism and dental restorations failures based on key terms using MeSH and other thesaurus terms appropriate for each database published between 2012 and 2024. Two reviewers screened ten articles using the established criteria for inclusion and exclusion, and a level of agreement of 90 % was established. The available literature on the frequency of studies of the relationship between Bruxism and failure of direct and indirect dental restorations and also identify gaps in the literature for further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

There were 66 manuscripts for full-text evaluation. After further exclusion, 46 manuscripts were selected for data charting. The studies were on the relationship between bruxism and restorations failure: dental implants studies were 58.7 %; mixed restorations were 10.9 %; indirect restoration (Full Coverage Crowns and Fixed Partial Dentures) 15.2 %; indirect partial coverage restoration (inlays/onlays/overlays/crowns) 6.5 %; indirect restoration (veneers) 4.3 %; direct restoration also 4.3 %. The 87.5 % of the implant studies addressed the effects of bruxism on single implant restorations failure.

LIMITATIONS OF EVIDENCE

Most of the included studies were retrospective, with few prospective studies or clinical trials. However, Bruxism is a risk factor for the failure of direct and indirect restorations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Clinicians should be aware that direct and indirect restorations are at risk of failure in the presence of bruxism, with the exception of indirect monolithic Zirconia.

Assessment of complications in adjacent natural teeth compared to contralateral teeth in single posterior implant cases

Osseointegrated dental implants represent a successful treatment modality for partial and complete edentulism. However, concerns persist regarding their impact on adjacent natural teeth. Conflicting literature exists regarding complications such as caries, mobility, and fractures in neighboring teeth, with few studies comparing these effects with those observed in contralateral natural teeth. This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of single posterior implant-supported rehabilitation on adjacent natural teeth compared to contralateral teeth. We retrospectively screened and analyzed electronic records of all patients who underwent treatment with a single posterior implant-supported restoration (premolar or molar) at a single public dental clinic between August 2010 and August 2020. We evaluated adjacent natural teeth for four potential complications: primary caries, secondary caries, tooth cracks or fractures, and tooth mobility. Chi-square tests compared the occurrence and rates of complications between teeth adjacent to single implants and contralateral teeth. Additionally, we conducted statistical comparisons to analyze the types of complications observed in teeth adjacent to single implants. Among the 1100 patients who received posterior single implants during the study period, 167 patients (15.1%) experienced complications in a tooth adjacent to the implant. The majority of these complications were attributed to either primary (41.3%) or secondary (53.3%) caries. A significant correlation was observed between the type of complication in the adjacent tooth and the status of the control tooth (χ2 = 21.73, p = 0.01). Specifically, in cases of primary caries, the majority (68.1%) of control teeth remained classified as intact. Furthermore, in a comparison between teeth with crack/fracture complications and control teeth, 83.3% of control teeth remained intact (p = 0.01). Mobility complications were significantly associated with diabetic patients (p = 0.041) and a longer duration until implant rehabilitation (p = 0.006). Patients experiencing crack/fracture and mobility complications required a higher number of dental implants compared to other categories (p = 0.043). This study revealed a significant correlation between posterior single implants and the occurrence of complications in adjacent teeth, while most of the contralateral teeth remained intact. Clinical relevance. Meticulous monitoring of implant patients is crucial for assessing the condition of adjacent teeth and effectively manage potential complications, particularly in high-risk patients.

Shear bond strength of porcelain to milled and stereolithography additively manufactured zirconia with and without surface treatment: An in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Delamination of veneering ceramic is one of the most common challenges relating to veneered zirconia restorations. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast-expanding technology that has gained widespread acceptance in dentistry and is increasingly being used to produce dental restorations. However, information about bonding of porcelain to AM zirconia is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) of porcelain to milled and additively manufactured zirconia, and the effect of surface treatment on bond strength.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A Ø12×5-mm disk was designed virtually to fabricate all specimens, which were divided into 2 groups according to the manufacturing technique: additively manufactured or milled zirconia. The effect of airborne-particle abrasion and a zirconia liner before porcelain application was investigated in both groups. Veneering porcelain was fired into an alumina ring mold on the zirconia surface. SBS was measured by using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min before and after aging (n=10). SBS data were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA (α=.05) RESULTS: A significant difference was found between milled and AM zirconia. The SBS of porcelain to milled zirconia was significantly higher (1.38 MPa) than to AM zirconia (0.68 MPa) (P<.001). The surface treatment of zirconia had no significant effect on porcelain SBS in either group (P=.254), whereas thermocycling significantly reduced the SBS of porcelain to zirconia in both milled and AM groups (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Porcelain bonding to milled zirconia was better than to AM zirconia. Pretreating the zirconia substrate before porcelain application did not improve the porcelain bond.

A Retrospective Evaluation of 5 Years of Clinical Results of Metal-Ceramic vs. Monolithic Zirconia Superstructures in Maxillary All-on-4TM Concept

The aim of the current study was to present the clinical and radiological outcomes of monolithic zirconia superstructures compared to the metal-ceramic ones in the All-on-4 concept for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the maxillae. A total of 30 patients were subdivided into groups according to their superstructure type (metal-ceramic (n = 15) or monolithic zirconia (n = 15)). All implants were functionally loaded within 24 h after insertion with provisional acrylic superstructures. Prosthetic complications, marginal bone loss, plaque accumulation, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and bite force were documented over a period of 5 years. Marginal bone loss around the implants of the ceramic group remained well over the five years (1.21 ± 0.23 mm). However, marginal bone loss was significantly lower around the implants in the monolithic zirconia group (0.22 ± 0.14 mm) (p < 0.001). Bleeding on probing, plaque accumulation, and probing pocket depth values were correlated with marginal bone loss. Among all evaluated parameters, no differences could be detected in terms of the angulation of the implants. Detachment or chipping was observed in seven cases in the metal-ceramic superstructure group. In all cases, dentures were removed and repaired in the laboratory. In the monolithic zirconia group, chipping was detected after one year in two cases, after two years in four cases, and after five years in one case and could be managed by polishing in situ. Monolithic zirconia superstructures presented superior results regarding the parameters evaluated.

3D-Printed Overlay Template for Diagnosis and Planning Complete Arch Implant Prostheses

Dental implants are a reliable alternative to treating edentulism. In clinical situations where the dentition has been severely affected by partial edentulism, advanced wear, or periodontal disease, establishing important occlusal elements such as the occlusal plane, incisal guidance, and esthetics can be hard to visualize at the diagnostic stage. Contemporary data-acquisition technologies such as 3D scanners and CAD/CAM systems permit the precise manufacture of highly complex devices applicable to any stage of restorative treatment. The present clinical report presents an alternative technique for evaluating the projected artificial tooth relationships, vertical dimension, and occlusal plane in patients with severely weakened dentition by using a 3D-printed overlay template.

Outcomes and Complications of 33 Soft-Milled Cobalt-Chromium-Ceramic Full-Arch Screw-Retained Implant-Supported Prostheses: A Retrospective Study with up to 10-Year Follow-up

This retrospective study assessed outcomes and complications related to implants and prostheses in edentulous patients treated with soft-milled cobalt-chromium-ceramic full-arch screw-retained implant-supported prostheses (SCCSIPs). After the final prosthesis was delivered, patients participated in an annual dental check-up program, including clinical and radiographic assessments. Outcomes of implants and prostheses were evaluated, and biological and technical complications were categorized as major or minor. Implant and prosthesis cumulative survival rates were assessed using the life table analysis. A total of twenty-five participants (mean age 63.6 ± 7.3 years) with 33 SCCSIPs were observed for a mean of 68.9 ± 27.9 months (range 1–10 years). A total of 7 out of 245 implants were lost, with no effect on prosthesis survival, leading to cumulative survival rates of 97.1% for implants and 100% for prostheses. The most recurrent minor and major biological complications were soft tissue recession (9%) and late implant failure (2.8%). Among 25 technical complications, porcelain fracture was the only major technical complication, requiring prosthesis removal (1%). Porcelain chipping was the most frequent minor technical complication, affecting 21 crowns (5.4%), which required polishing only. At the end of the follow-up, 69.7% of the prostheses were free of technical complications. Within the limitations of this study, SCCSIP showed promising clinical performance after 1–10 years.

Clinical Outcomes of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns on Posterior Natural Abutments Performed by Final Year Dental Medicine Students: A Prospective Study with a 5-Year Follow-Up

The conventional metal-ceramic is still considered the gold standard in fixed prosthetics especially in terms of longevity. Among alternative materials used, Monolithic Zirconia has shown the capability to reconcile excellent biomechanical properties with acceptable aesthetic performance and to overcome several inconveniences related to veneer restorations. This study aims to clinically evaluate Monolithic Zirconia prosthetic crowns on natural abutments in the posterior sectors, performed by final-year dental medicine students (undoubtedly with less experience in the management of such material) by the standardized California Dental Association score system evaluation, to better understand the viability of Monolithic Zirconia. This prospective study was carried out at the Dental School of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy. Prosthetic rehabilitation included single crowns or a short pontic prosthesis with maximum one intermediate. Final-year dental students performed tooth reduction under the supervision of three expert tutors. The California Dental Association systematics (based on color, surface, anatomical shape, and marginal integrity) were adopted to evaluate the prosthetic maintenance status over time. Annual follow-up visits were re-evaluated by the same parameters each year. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes and the Kaplan-Meier plot to report survival. The sample consists of 40 crowns performed on 31 patients, 15 males (48.4%) and 16 females (51.6%) with an average age of 59.3 years. The clinical cases subjected to experimental study were found to be "Excellent" (1a/2a/3a/4a) in 34 cases (85%), "Acceptable" in 4 cases (10%), and "To be re-done" in 2 cases (failures) (5%). Our conclusive data support the predictability of Monolithic Zirconia restorations on natural posterior abutments at a long-term follow-up of five years, even when performed by less-experienced clinicians.

Hot Isostatically Pressed Nano 3 mol% Yttria Partially Stabilised Zirconia: Effect on Mechanical Properties

Objective: To investigate the flexural strength of hot isostatically pressed nano 3 mol% yttria partially stabilised zirconia and conventionally sintered micro 3 mole% yttria partially stabilised zirconia. Methods: A total of 40 bar-shaped (2 mm × 4 mm × 16 mm) specimens were prepared from hot isostatically pressed nano 3 mol% yttria partially stabilised zirconia (CeramaZirc Nano HIP, Precision Ceramics) and conventionally sintered micro 3 mole% yttria partially stabilised zirconia (CeramaZirc, Precision Ceramics). Two groups were prepared for each material (n = 10), with one serving as ‘control’ and the other being cyclically loaded using a chewing simulator (7 kg; 250 k cycles): SEM imaging was also undertaken on selected specimens. Flexural strength until fracture was recorded (ISO 6872). Paired and unpaired t-tests were chosen to compare mean outcomes between the four groups (p < 0.05). Results: Significant statistical difference was only found between the means of control specimens. CeramaZirc Nano HIP had the highest mean value (1048.9 MPa), whilst the lowest was seen for CeramaZirc after loading (770 MPa). Values for both materials were higher without loading than after loading. Values after cyclical loading showed large SD values (276.2−331.8) in comparison to ‘control’ (66.5−100.3). SEM imaging after cyclical loading revealed a smoother and less destructed surface of CeramaZirc Nano HIP compared to CeramaZirc. Significance: HIP nano zirconia exhibited inferior strength, surface polishability and behaviour to loading. Therefore, further investigation on the behaviour of such materials should be conducted before recommending for clinical use.

Impact of different axial wall designs on the fracture strength and stress distribution of ceramic restorations in mandibular first molar

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture strength and stress distribution of four ceramic restorations.

METHODS

Forty human mandibular first molars were collected and randomized into four groups after establishing the distal defect: full crown group with 4 mm axial wall height (AWH) (FC4); short AWH crown group with 2 mm AWH (SC2); occlusal veneer group with 0 mm AWH (OV0); occlusal distal veneer group with only the distal surface prepared, and 4 mm AWH (OD4). The teeth were prepared according to the groups and the ceramic restorations were completed using celtra duo ceramic blocks. The ceramic thickness of the occlusal surface is about 1.5 mm and the edge is about 1 mm. The failure load values and fracture modes of each group were detected by mechanical test in vitro. According to the groups to establish three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) models, a 600 N loading force was applied vertically using a hemispherical indenter with a diameter of 6 mm. and compare the stress distribution under the condition of different restorations.

RESULTS

In vitro mechanical tests showed that the failure load values were SC2 (3232.80 ± 708.12 N) > OD4 (2886.90 ± 338.72 N) > VO0 (2133.20 ± 376.15 N) > FC4(1635.40 ± 413.05 N). The failure load values of the short AWH crown and occlusal distal veneer were significantly higher than that of occlusal veneer and full crown (P<0.05). The fracture modes of the full crown and occlusal veneer groups were mainly ceramic fractures and some were restorable tooth fractures. The short AWH crown and occlusal distal veneer groups presented with three fracture modes, the proportion of non-restorable tooth fracture was higher. The results of FEA show that under the spherical loading condition, the stress of ceramic was concentrated in the contact area of the loading head, the maximum von Mises stress values were FC4 (356.2 MPa) > VO0 (214.3 MPa) > OD4 (197.9 MPa) > SC2 (163.1 MPa). The stress of enamel was concentrated in the area where the remaining enamel was thinner, the maximum von Mises stress values was OD4 (246.2 MPa) ≈ FC4 (212.4 MPa) > VO0 (61.8 MPa) ≈ SC2 (45.81 MPa). The stress of dentin is concentrated in the root furcation and the upper third region of the root. However, stress concentration was observed at the tooth cervix in the full crown.

CONCLUSION

Under certain conditions, the occlusal distal veneer shows better performance than the full crown.

Retrospective 1- to 8-Year Follow-Up Study of Complete Oral Rehabilitation Using Monolithic Zirconia Restorations with Increased Vertical Dimension of Occlusion in Patients with Bruxism

AIM

The aim of this paper is to perform a retrospective assessment of the clinical performance of the complete oral rehabilitation of patients with bruxism treated with implants and teeth-supported veneered and non-veneered monolithic zirconia restorations with increased occlusal vertical dimension.

METHODS

In this retrospective follow-up study, 16 bruxer patients, mean age 59.5 ± 14.9 years, were treated with 152 veneered and 229 non-veneered monolithic zirconia and followed for a mean of 58.8 ± 18.8 months (range 1-8 years). The patients were examined clinically and radiographically, annually. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records. In the recall appointments, modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria were used to evaluate the restorations. Implant and restoration survival and success rates were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The cumulative survival rates of implants and restorations were 97.7% and 97.6%, respectively. Nine restorations were replaced: three due to horizontal tooth fractures, two because of implant failure and four had secondary caries. A total of 43 biologic and technical complications were recorded. In the veneered group, the predominant complication was minor veneer chipping (16.4%), which required polishing only (grade 1). In the non-veneered group, the main complication was open proximal contacts between the implant restorations and adjacent teeth (14.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The survival rates of restorations and implants in patients with bruxism are excellent, even though veneered zirconia restoration exhibited a high rate of minor veneer chipping, which required polishing only. The biologic complication of fractured single-tooth abutment may occur.

Prosthodontic Treatment in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain and/or Bruxism: A Review of the Literature

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, the jaw muscles, and related structures. Patients with temporomandibular signs and/or symptoms frequently present with indications for prosthetic treatment. The management of these patients aims to achieve patient comfort, occlusal stability, and the complex restoration of the teeth. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the relationship between prosthodontics and temporomandibular disorders and/or bruxism with a focus on the cause-and-effect implications and the strategies for planning prosthetic treatments in patients with temporomandibular disorders and/or bruxism.

Revolution of Current Dental Zirconia: A Comprehensive Review

The aim of this article is to comprehensively review the revolution of dental zirconia (Zir), including its types, properties, applications, and cementation procedures. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase was conducted. The search was limited to manuscripts published in English. The final search was conducted in October 2021. Newly developed monolithic Zir ceramics have substantially enhanced esthetics and translucency. However, this material must be further studied in vitro and in vivo to determine its long-term ability to maintain its exceptional properties. According to the literature, monolithic translucent Zir has had promising results and a high survival rate. Thus, the utilization of this material is indicated when strength and esthetics are needed. Both the materials and methods used for cementation of monolithic Zir have significantly improved, encouraging dentists to use this material, especially when a conservative approach is required. Zir restorations showed promising outcomes, particularly for monolithic Zir crowns supported with implant and fixed dental prostheses.

Survival and Success Rates of Monolithic Zirconia Restorations Supported by Teeth and Implants in Bruxer versus Non-Bruxer Patients: A Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the survival and success rates of monolithic zirconia restorations supported by teeth and implants in bruxer versus non-bruxer patients. Methods: A total of 15 bruxer and 25 non-bruxer patients attended the recall appointment. The bruxer group (mean age of 61.2 ± 13.3 years and follow-up of 58.7 ± 16.8 months) were treated with 331 monolithic zirconia restorations, while the non-bruxer group, with a comparable mean age and follow-up time, were treated with 306 monolithic zirconia restorations. Clinical data were retrieved from the patients' files. At the recall appointment, all supporting teeth and implants were examined for biological and technical complications, and the restorations were evaluated using modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria. Data were statistically analyzed using survival analysis methods. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used. A total of 31 versus 27 biologic and technical complications were recorded in the bruxer and non-bruxer groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding overall complications and survival rate. Regarding the type of complication, a significantly higher rate of veneered porcelain chipping (p = 0.045) was observed in the bruxer group. With regard to biological complications, the only complications that exhibited a borderline, although not significant, difference were three fractured teeth exclusively in the bruxer group (p = 0.051), which were replaced with implant-supported restorations. Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that there were no significant differences in the overall survival and success rates of the monolithic zirconia restorations in bruxer versus non-bruxer patients, although veneered zirconia restorations and single tooth abutments exhibited a higher rate of complications in the bruxer group.

Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Posterior Third-Generation Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Fabricated with Complete Digital Workflow: Two-Year Follow-Up

Clinical studies on the behavior of posterior translucent monolithic zirconia restorations are lacking. We assessed the clinical outcome and survival rate of posterior third-generation monolithic zirconia crowns over a 2-year period. A total of 24 patients, requiring 30 posterior full-contour restorations were selected. All abutments were scanned, and crowns were milled and cemented with a self-adhesive dual cure cement. Crowns were assessed using the California Dental Association’s criteria. Gingival status was assessed by evaluating the gingival index, plaque index, periodontal probing depth of the abutments and control teeth, and the margin index of the abutment teeth. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. During the 2-year follow-up, no biological or mechanical complications were observed, and the survival and success rate was 100%. All restorations ranked as satisfactory throughout the follow-up period. The gingival index and plaque index were worse at the end of the 2-year follow-up. The margin index was stable during the 2 years of clinical service. No significant differences were recorded in periodontal parameters between crowns and control teeth. Third-generation monolithic zirconia could be a reliable alternative to posterior metal–ceramic and second-generation monolithic zirconia posterior crowns.

Survival and success rates of soft-milled cobalt-chromium-ceramic full-arch screw-retained implant-supported prostheses: a 2- to 7-year follow-up retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess implant and prosthesis survival and success and patient satisfaction in edentulous patients treated with soft-milled cobalt-chromium-ceramic full-arch screw-retained implant-supported prostheses (SCCSIPs) over a mean clinical follow-up period of 4 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one edentulous patients, aged 47-80 years, underwent restoration with 27 SCCSIPs (210 implants, 349 crown units). After definitive prosthesis insertion, patients participated in a yearly dental check-up recall program, including clinical and radiographic examinations. All supporting implants were examined for biological and technical complications, and the restorations were evaluated using modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria. Life table and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed. Patient satisfaction regarding chewing, esthetics, comfort, and phonetics was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

After a mean of 4 years, two implants (3.8%) failed, with no effect on prosthesis survival. The cumulative survival rate was 98.6% and 100% for implants and prostheses, respectively. The most frequent minor biological complication was soft tissue recession (11%). Porcelain fracture was the only major technical complication (0.6% of crown units), while the only minor technical complication was porcelain chipping (4% of crown units), which required only polishing. Overall, 66.7% of the prostheses were free of technical complications. Patient satisfaction was high to very high. Less satisfaction was noted with comfort due to soft tissue recession and food impaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the survival and success rates of SCCSIPs in edentulous patients were excellent.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

SCCSIPs should be considered when planning metal-ceramic implant-supported restorations.

Monolithic Zirconia: An Update to Current Knowledge. Optical Properties, Wear, and Clinical Performance

The purpose of this paper was to update the knowledge concerning the wear, translucency, as well as clinical performance of monolithic zirconia ceramics, aiming at highlighting their advantages and weaknesses through data presented in recent literature. New ultra-translucent and multicolor monolithic zirconia ceramics present considerably improved aesthetics and translucency, which, according to the literature reviewed, is similar to those of the more translucent lithium disilicate ceramics. A profound advantage is their high strength at thin geometries preserving their mechanical integrity. Based on the reviewed articles, monolithic zirconia ceramics cause minimal wear of antagonists, especially if appropriately polished, although no evidence still exists regarding the ultra-translucent compositions. Concerning the survival of monolithic zirconia restorations, the present review demonstrates the findings of the existing short-term studies, which reveal promising results after evaluating their performance for up to 5 or 7 years. Although a significant increase in translucency has been achieved, new translucent monolithic zirconia ceramics have to be further evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for their long-term potential to preserve their outstanding properties. Due to limited studies evaluating the wear properties of ultra-translucent material, no sound conclusions can be made, whereas well-designed clinical studies are urgently needed to enlighten issues of prognosis and long-term survival.