Does ceramic break? (→Long-term stability with proper material selection and bonding)

“Ceramic breaks easily, right?”

This is a question we often hear from patients. While known as a white, beautiful material, many worry, “Doesn’t it break like glass?”

Ceramic has different types and applications

Actually, even though we use the term “ceramic,” there are several types, each with different strengths and uses.

• Feldspar-based Ceramic Used for anterior laminate veneers. Offers the highest translucency but has lower strength.
• Lithium Disilicate (e.max, LiSi, etc.) Combines natural coloration with moderate strength, ideal for single crowns and small restorations. However, it is not suitable for bridges.
• Zirconia Possesses extremely high strength, making it suitable for areas subject to heavy forces like molars and implant superstructures. Aesthetics have also improved, allowing for a wide range of applications.
• Metal-Ceramic A material combining a metal framework with ceramic, offering excellent strength. Particularly advantageous for bridgework (treatments connecting multiple teeth) and suitable for abutment design in patients with reduced tooth structure.

Conditions for preventing breakage

Even materials with lower strength, like feldspar-based ceramics, can remain stable long-term if certain conditions are met.

The following two points are especially crucial:

1. Preserving as much enamel as possible
2. Accurate bonding procedures under rubber dam isolation

This allows the ceramic to integrate with the tooth, sometimes achieving even greater stability than natural teeth.

What Clinical Experience Reveals

In my 10 years of private practice, I have performed ceramic restorations on thousands of teeth. In reality, cases where the restoration “simply cracked” amount to fewer than 10. With thorough material selection and technique, ceramic is by no means a “fragile material.”

Summary

The indications for ceramic vary by type. Lithium disilicate is best for single crowns, zirconia for areas requiring high strength, and metal-ceramic for bridges. Leveraging each material’s strengths is crucial.

With proper diagnosis and technique, ceramic offers long-term stability, combining aesthetics and function as a reliable treatment option.