Focsaneanu Sergiu-Ciprian, Antoniac Iulian, Ciuca Ion, Kamel Earar
Abstract
Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies have revolutionized prosthodontics by enabling the fabrication of restorations with enhanced accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency. Ceramic materials remain at the forefront of digital restorative dentistry due to their combination of esthetics, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. Among them, feldspathic ceramics, lithium disilicate, and zirconia represent the most clinically relevant categories, each characterized by distinct microstructural and surface properties. Surface topography and roughness are critical parameters that directly influence adhesion, optical behavior, bacterial colonization, and resistance to wear, thereby shaping both short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that smoother ceramic surfaces improve plaque resistance, gloss retention, and antagonist preservation, while improper finishing can compromise restoration durability. Lithium disilicate offers an optimal balance of translucency and strength, feldspathic ceramics excel in esthetics but require reinforcement, whereas zirconia provides superior fracture toughness with esthetic limitations. Recent innovations, including zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate and nanoparticle-based coatings, illustrate ongoing efforts to optimize surface behavior. Clinical performance is therefore determined not only by material choice but also by processing parameters and finishing protocols. Looking ahead, nanotechnologies and bioactive coatings promise to further enhance the biological and mechanical integration of CAD/CAM ceramics, consolidating their role as essential materials in modern prosthodontics.
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