Manufacturing Reliable Ceramic Crowns: The Role of Abrasive Machining in Digital Dentistry

Dental caries is a ubiquitous disease and nearly 100% of the population is affected worldwide. Consequently, reliable dental restorations are in high demand. More and more patients expect and request esthetics and biosafety, and desire metal-free prostheses. Both biocompatible and esthetic ceramics and digital processing of prostheses have been developed to meet these demands. This paper reviews the current status of abrasive machining involved in affordable digital dental ceramic restorations with regard to dental ceramic materials, dental CAD/CAM systems, and extra/intraoral dental handpiece adjustments. It highlights the importance and challenge of abrasive machining technologies in manufacturing of affordable and reliable dental restorations with cutting-edge materials.