Ceramics are ubiquitous in the $10.7 billion U.S. dental industry,¹ with applications in prosthetics, fillings, orthodontic appliances, cosmetic products, process materials, preventive products, toothpaste, and more. Below are some highlights of the roles that ceramics play in this industry.

Dental caries: From prevention to treatment

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is the most common bacterial disease of children and adults worldwide.² Formerly, tooth loss due to bacteria attacking the tooth enamel was inevitable, but advances in dental materials and techniques during the last few decades have greatly reduced chances of this outcome.