Material Selection for Single-Unit Crown Anterior Restorations.

Lithium disilicate and layered zirconia appear to be the most prevalent materials used for single-unit anterior crowns. These materials offer the necessary mechanical properties as well as sufficient optical characteristics needed in this type of restoration. There now are also more translucent versions of zirconia available that can be used for monolithic anterior restorations. This article discusses the factors that clinicians must take into account when determining a restorative material for single-unit anterior crowns. Considerations for lithium-disilicate crowns, 4 and 5 mol% yttria-containing (4Y and 5Y) zirconia materials, and layered 3Y zirconia restorations are provided.