A Guide to Modern Dental Biomaterials
Composite, lithium disilicate, zirconia — what each material is, and where it belongs.
Contemporary restorative dentistry is defined less by technique than by the materials it can now use with confidence.
Composite resin
Direct, aesthetic, and increasingly durable. The workhorse for small to medium restorations.
Lithium disilicate
A glass-ceramic prized for its combination of strength and translucency — ideal for onlays, crowns, and many veneers.
Zirconia
The strongest ceramic in routine clinical use, favored for posterior crowns, bridges, and implant restorations under high load.
Adhesive systems
The bond between material and tooth is often more important than the material itself. Modern adhesives are what make minimally invasive dentistry possible.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed and edited by Dr. Marianna Zadov, DDS. Last updated August 2026.
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