Introduction

Abstract

Materials used in dentistry need to fulfill a certain performance in order to become indicated for an individual clinical case. This performance generally consists of demands toward biological and chemical stability as well as optical appearance and—most decisive—the mechanical resistance against intraoral loading. As materials for a restorative filling or prosthetic replacement are commonly in occlusal contact with the opposing dentition and need to function under load over time, the mechanical stability becomes the central property in dental decision-making.