Innovations in technology and restorative materials have enabled dentists to provide more durable and esthetic restorative options. The launch of BruxZir^® Zirconia in 2009 introduced doctors to a durable monolithic zirconia, and doctors transitioned away from PFMs and other ceramic materials.¹

In 1994 and 1995, we saw the launch of Captek™, InCeram, Artglass and Empress. At their peaks, these materials represented 10.3%, 6.1%, 17.9%, and 10.2% of restorations fabricated by Glidewell. Unfortunately, the clinical results of these early all-ceramic materials were often disappointing. As new materials with better strength and esthetics became available, treatment preferences shifted. By 2015, all these once-popular materials were no longer clinically relevant.

BruxZir Zirconia restorations produced by Glidewell since the material’s 2009 introduction.

In 2007, PFM restorations made up 65.3% of restorations fabricated by Glidewell. By 2022, this number had dropped to 6.1%.