Zirconia restorations have been rapidly used in dentistry for the past few years, owing to their biocompatibility and advantageous mechanical properties. The improvement of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has enabled the rapid, accurate fabrication of monolithic zirconia crowns. These crowns eliminate the need of the veneering ceramic layer, have superior fracture strength and significantly reduces the occlusal space requirements. It seems reasonable that monolithic zirconia crowns have the potential to be a dominant restorative choice in the posterior tooth region where esthetic concerns are less acute in the future. However, scientific evidence is required to support the application of monolithic zirconia crowns for clinical use. This article reviewed the research progress on mechanical properties, wear behaviors, surface roughness, low temperature degradation, esthetic aspects and short-term clinical researches of monolithic zirconia crowns.
