Fixed Dental Restoration Materials Used in 2026

In today’s dental landscape, material choice is no longer a secondary consideration. It is central to clinical success, long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction, and efficiency for the dental team. With advancements in dental materials, dentists now have more options than ever, which is fantastic, but it also means that choosing the wrong material for the wrong indication can quickly lead to complications, remakes, or unhappy patients.

At Bremadent Dental Laboratory, we work at the interface between science, craftsmanship, and real-world dentistry. This article takes a practical look at the most common materials used for fixed restorations, explains their key properties, and highlights where each material performs best. The aim is clarity, not complexity. No marketing hype, just honest guidance from a laboratory that delivers thousands of fixed cases every year.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations combine a metal substructure with a porcelain veneer, offering a blend of strength and aesthetics. The metal coping provides excellent fracture resistance and structural support, while the porcelain layer delivers acceptable aesthetics, particularly in posterior regions.

From a material properties standpoint, PFMs are highly durable and resistant to occlusal forces. The metal framework offers predictable marginal accuracy and stability over time, which is why PFMs remain a strong option for long-span bridges and cases involving heavy bite forces. The coefficient of thermal expansion between the metal and porcelain must be carefully matched, which is where laboratory expertise plays a critical role.

PFMs are less translucent than all-ceramic restorations and can block light transmission, making them less ideal in the aesthetic zone. There is also the risk of porcelain chipping and metal margin visibility if soft tissue recession occurs. However, when aesthetics are secondary to strength and longevity, PFMs continue to be a dependable solution.

Lithium Disilicate (e.max)
Lithium disilicate is a glass-ceramic material widely used for aesthetic restorations due to its excellent optical properties. Its microstructure consists of interlocking lithium disilicate crystals, which provide a balance between translucency and strength.

With flexural strength typically in the region of 360 to 400 MPa, lithium disilicate is significantly stronger than traditional feldspathic porcelain but not as strong as zirconia. Its ability to mimic natural enamel makes it ideal for anterior crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays. Light transmission and colour stability are major advantages, allowing for seamless integration with natural dentition.

Lithium disilicate bonds exceptionally well using adhesive resin cement systems, which enhances its overall performance when bonded correctly. However, it is more brittle than zirconia and less tolerant of heavy occlusal loads. Careful preparation design, occlusal management, and case selection are essential to ensure longevity.

Zirconia
Zirconia is one of the strongest materials used in fixed dentistry and has rapidly evolved into multiple generations with varying aesthetic and mechanical properties. Structurally, zirconia is a polycrystalline ceramic with no glass phase, which is why it offers exceptional fracture resistance.

High-strength zirconia can exceed 900 - 1200 MPa in flexural strength, making it ideal for posterior crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, and patients with parafunctional habits. It has excellent wear resistance and long-term stability, and modern zirconias can be polished or glazed to minimise wear on opposing dentition.

More translucent zirconia options sacrifice some strength for improved aesthetics, making them suitable for anterior crowns where strength is still required but appearance is critical. Zirconia does not etch like glass ceramics, so bonding protocols differ and must be carefully followed. When handled correctly, zirconia is one of the most predictable materials in modern dentistry.

Full Metal Restorations
Full metal crowns are often overlooked but remain one of the most biologically and mechanically sound restorations available. Made from high noble, noble, or base metal alloys, these restorations offer exceptional strength, precision, and longevity.

One of the key material advantages is minimal tooth reduction. Metal can be cast very thin without compromising strength, preserving more natural tooth structure. Metal restorations exhibit excellent marginal integrity, low wear on opposing teeth, and high resistance to fracture.

From a biocompatibility perspective, high noble alloys are extremely kind to soft tissues. The main limitation is aesthetics, which restricts their use to posterior regions. For patients who prioritise function, longevity, and comfort over appearance, full metal restorations remain an excellent choice.

Composite (Laboratory-Fabricated Composite Restorations)
Composite materials are widely used in dentistry, both chairside and in the laboratory, and have evolved significantly in recent years. Laboratory-fabricated composite restorations utilise high-density, industrially cured composite systems that offer improved strength, wear resistance, and aesthetics compared to direct composites.

From a material standpoint, composites offer moderate flexural strength, good shock absorption, and excellent repairability. Their elastic modulus is closer to dentine than ceramics, which can help distribute occlusal forces more evenly. This makes composite restorations useful in cases where a degree of flexibility is beneficial, such as patients with parafunction or complex occlusal schemes.

Laboratory composites are often used for crowns, inlays, onlays, and implant restorations, particularly where ease of adjustment and repair is valued. They are also useful as long-term provisional or semi-definitive restorations. However, composites are more prone to wear and staining over time compared to ceramics and are generally not suitable for high-load posterior bridges.

When prescribed appropriately, composite restorations offer a practical, cost-effective solution with excellent clinical versatility.

PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)
PMMA is a resin-based material commonly used for provisional restorations, long-term temporaries, and diagnostic cases. With modern CAD/CAM manufacturing, PMMA restorations are significantly stronger and more accurate than traditional chairside temporaries.

PMMA offers good flexural strength for a temporary material, is lightweight, and provides acceptable aesthetics for provisional use. It is easy to adjust, polish, and repair, making it ideal for extended provisionalisation in complex cases such as full-mouth rehabilitations or implant treatments.

While PMMA lacks the wear resistance and longevity required for definitive restorations, its shock-absorbing properties make it useful for testing occlusion, vertical dimension, and aesthetics before committing to final materials.

Acetal (Polyoxymethylene)
Acetal is a thermoplastic polymer known for its flexibility, resilience, and low allergenic potential. It is often used in cases where metal-free solutions are preferred or where flexibility is beneficial.

Material properties include high fatigue resistance, low water absorption, and excellent patient comfort. Acetal is commonly used for aesthetic clasps, temporary bridges, and specific fixed or semi-fixed applications where rigidity is not essential.

However, acetal has lower stiffness and wear resistance compared to ceramics and metals. It is not suitable for heavy occlusal loads or definitive posterior crowns. Its strength lies in niche applications where comfort, flexibility, and aesthetics are required.

Hybrid and Resin-Ceramic Materials
Hybrid materials combine ceramic fillers within a resin matrix, aiming to deliver the aesthetics of ceramics with the flexibility of resin. These materials offer good shock absorption, reduced brittleness, and easier intraoral adjustment.
They are often used for inlays, onlays, and selected crowns in low to moderate load situations. While they provide good aesthetics and patient comfort, they generally do not match the long-term wear resistance or strength of zirconia or lithium disilicate.

Case selection is critical, and clear communication with the laboratory is essential to ensure expectations align with material performance.

Why Material Properties Matter
Understanding material properties allows dentists to prescribe restorations with confidence. Strength, translucency, bonding behaviour, wear characteristics, and biocompatibility all influence long-term success. There is no single “best” material, only the most appropriate material for each clinical situation.

At Bremadent Dental Laboratory, we believe the best dentistry happens when clinicians and technicians collaborate. Our role is not just to manufacture restorations, but to support decision-making that leads to predictable, high-quality outcomes.

If you’re ever unsure about material selection, occlusal considerations, or aesthetic demands, a quick conversation with the laboratory can save time, money, and frustration.