Influences of Oral Environment on Natural Enamel and Zirconia Crown: A Short Review

Abstract

Changes in the oral environment can affect the properties of teeth and restorative materials. Teeth tend to demineralize when exposed to an acidic oral environment, thereby decreasing the mechanical strength of the natural enamel. The demineralization of enamel worsens with temperature since the rate of chemical reaction is usually increased at an elevated temperature. As for restorative materials, exposure to an acidic oral environment resulting from external or internal factors and temperature change would increase the risk of surface degradation of zirconia where the tetragonal–monoclinic phase transformation occurs and the surface roughness increases. This condition would increase the possibility of wearing out the opposing tooth and tooth erosion. Furthermore, other wear processes, such as attrition and abrasion, might occur separately or simultaneously on the teeth during daily functions. The combination of the wear processes on teeth may increase the wear of natural enamel and restorative materials. This paper briefly discusses the effect of various oral conditions on natural enamel and restorative materials, particularly dental zirconia.