final restoration will be. The mass is then left to cool slowly to prevent cracking and reduced strength of the final restoration. Adding more layers to build up the restoration to the desired shape and/or size requires the ceramic to undergo further rounds of firing. Staining Ceramic can also be stained to show tooth morphology such as occlusal fissures and hypoplastic spots. These stains can be incorporated within the ceramic or applied onto the surface. Glazing Glazing is required to produce a smooth surface and it's the last stage of sealing the surface as it will fill porous areas and prevent wear on opposing teeth. Glazing can be achieved by re-firing the restoration, which fuses outer layers of the ceramic, or by using glazes with lower fusing temperatures; these are applied on the outer surface of the restoration in a thin layer. Any adjustments are then made with polishing rubbers and fine diamonds. Use of CAD-CAM Recent developments in CAD/CAM dentistry uses special partially sintered ceramic (zirconia), glass-bonded ceramic or glass-ceramic (lithium disilicate) formed into machinable blocks, which are fired again after machining. By utilising in-office CAD/CAM technology, clinicians are able to design, fabricate and place all-ceramic inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers in a single patient visit. Ceramic restorations produced by this method have demonstrated excellent fit, strength and longevity. Two basic techniques can be used for CAD/CAM restorations: Chairside single-visit technique Integrated chairside–laboratory CAD/CAM procedure Ceramic restorations Ceramic restorations are indicated for most dental applications including: Veneers Inlays Onlays Crowns Bridges Implant supra- and sub-structures Denture teeth However, each system will have its own set of specific indications and contraindications which can be obtained from the manufacturers guideline. Contraindications for ceramic restorations Ceramic restorations are contraindicated when a patient presents with the following: Parafunction; individuals who suffer from bruxism or clenching Short clinical crown Immature teeth Unfavourable occlusion Supragingival preparations (when used alongside adhesive cements) Other uses Denture teeth Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the material of choice for denture teeth, however ceramic denture teeth have been, and still are used for this purpose. The main benefit associated with the use of ceramic teeth is their superior wear resistance. There are however a number of disadvantages to using ceramic for denture teeth including their inability to form chemical bonds with the PMMA denture base; rather, ceramic teeth are attached to the base via mechanical retention which increases the chance of