Ahmad, N: Journey from Ceramics to Porcelain

Today the concept of dental aesthetics is in initiation of tooth substitute so realistic as to almost defy detection. Dental ceramics are known for their natural appearance and their durable chemical, mechanical and optical properties. The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word Keramos which means burnt stuff. A ceramic is an earthy material, usually of a silicate nature and may be defined as a combination of one or more metals with a non-metallic element, usually Oxygen. It is relating to the manufacture of any product made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay) by firing at a high temperature. Ceramics were the most sophisticated materials of stone age more than 10,000 years ago and they have retained their importance in human societies ever since. Dental porcelains actually are non-crystalline glasses [Maclean, 1979] and whether by convention or convenience are referred to as ceramics. Mostly all ceramics are characterized by their refractory nature, hardness, susceptibility to brittle fracture and chemical inertness.