RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON LITHIUM DISILICATE DENTAL CERAMICS

Recently, many improvements have been done in the field of the production and the mechanical properties of the ceramics, particularly in the field of dentistry. In this review at first, we will make a brief introduction to dental ceramics. Special emphasis will be given to lithium disilicate (Li2O center dot 2SiO(2)) based ceramics. Li2O-SiO2 binary system will be examined and then will be evaluated in terms of controlled crystallization of SiO2-Al2O3-K2O system. Also, P2O5 has an important affect for lithium disilicate crystallization. Studies have concluded that fine-grained interlocking microstructures are observed in dental lithium disilicate (Li2O center dot 2SiO(2)) ceramics with the addition of P2O5 nucleating agent. In the present review, we summarize the mechanical strength of dental lithium disilicate (Li2O center dot 2SiO(2)) ceramics depending on the microstructural evolution.