Powers: Dental Materials, 10th Edition

Chapter 14: Dental Ceramics

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Porcelain refers specifically to ceramics composed mainly of:

A. feldspar.
B. quartz.
C. kaolin.
D. A, B, and C.
E. A and C.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D Porcelain refers to ceramics composed mainly of feldspar, quartz, and kaolin.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 188

2. Ceramics:
A. are opaque.
B. are translucent.
C. have low corrosion and wear.
D. A and C.
E. B and C.
ANS: E

Feedback
A Ceramics are translucent unless opaquers are added.
B B and C are both correct.
C B and C are both correct.
D B and C are correct.
E Ceramics are translucent and have low corrosion and wear.

REF: Pg. 188

3. Which of the following is the most common application of ceramics in dentistry today?
A. Denture teeth
B. Porcelain-jacket restorations

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C. Ceramic–alloy restorations
D. All-ceramic restorations
ANS: C

Feedback
A Ceramic denture teeth are rarely used today.
B Porcelain-jacket crowns have low strength.
C Ceramic–alloy restorations are the most common application of ceramics in
dentistry today.
D All-ceramic restorations are rapidly becoming the treatment of choice.

REF: Pg. 188

4. Dental porcelain is manufactured primarily from:

A. feldspar.
B. silica.
C. alumina.
D. A, B, and C.
E. A and C.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D Dental porcelain is manufactured primarily from feldspar, silica, and alumina.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 188

5. Which of the following statements is(are) true of fluxes used in the fabrication of dental
ceramics?
A. Examples of fluxes include sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate.
B. Fluxes disrupt the crystal lattice.
C. Fluxes promote formation of an amorphous glass.
D. A, B, and C are true statements.
E. A and C are true statements.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D Examples of fluxes include sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate. Fluxes

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disrupt the crystal lattice and promote formation of an amorphous glass.

E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 188

6. Leucite is a(n):
A. crystalline phase that forms under certain conditions within the glassy phase of
dental ceramics.
B. amorphous non-crystalline phase in dental ceramics.
C. by-product that forms on the surface of dental porcelain.
D. oxide layer that forms on the surface of the alloy substructure.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Leucite is a crystalline phase that forms under certain conditions within the
glassy phase of dental ceramics.
B Leucite is part of the crystalline phase.
C Leucite is an additive.
D Flux removes oxidation.

REF: Pg. 188

7. The fusing temperature of a medium-fusing dental ceramic is _____° C to _____° C.

A. 1400; 1731
B. 1288; 1371
C. 1093; 1260
D. 871; 1066
ANS: C

Feedback
A These would be excessive temperatures.
B These would be excessive temperatures.
C The fusing temperature of a medium-fusing dental ceramic is 1093° C to 1260°
C.
D These would be inadequate temperatures.

REF: Pg. 195

8. High-fusing types of dental ceramics are used to:

A. fabricate porcelain-jacket crowns.
B. fabricate some all-ceramic restorations.
C. make ceramic–alloy restorations.
D. make some all-ceramic restorations.
E. make denture teeth.

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ANS: E

Feedback
A Indirect ceramic restorations are made using medium-fusing dental ceramics.
B Indirect ceramic restorations are made using medium-fusing dental ceramics.
C Indirect ceramic restorations are made using medium-fusing dental ceramics.
D Indirect ceramic restorations are made using medium-fusing dental ceramics.
E High-fusing types of dental ceramics are used to make denture teeth.

REF: Pg. 195

9. Which of the following statements is true regarding the color of ceramics?

A. Hue is the intensity of the color.
B. Value is the basic shade of the color.
C. Chroma is the amount of lightness or darkness.
D. A low chroma indicates grayness.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Hue is the basic shade of the color.
B Value is the amount of lightness or darkness.
C Chroma is the intensity of the color.
D A low chroma indicates grayness.

REF: Pg. 196

10. The light source is critical for proper matching because it has a major influence on how
color appears to an observer, a principle called:
A. reflectance.
B. transmittance.
C. metamerism.
D. translucence.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Reflectance is the amount of incident light reflected from the surface.
B Transmittance is the fraction of incident light.
C The light source is critical for proper matching, because it has a major influence
on how color appears to an observer, a principle called metamerism.
D Translucence is the penetration of light.

REF: Pg. 196

11. In ceramic–alloy restorations, the alloy substructure is generally less than _____ mm
thick in areas that will be covered by the ceramic.

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A. 5
B. 2.5
C. 2
D. 0.5
E. 0.1
ANS: D

Feedback
A This would be too thick and interfere with occlusion.
B This would be too thick and interfere with occlusion.
C This would be too thick and interfere with occlusion.
D In ceramic–alloy restorations, the alloy substructure is generally less than 0.5
mm thick in areas that will be covered by the ceramic.
E This would be too thin to be stable.

REF: Pg. 198

12. The failure of a ceramic–alloy bond is commonly due to:

A. an inadequate oxide layer.
B. formation of an oxide layer that is too thick.
C. failure within the ceramic layer itself.
D. failure within the alloy casting.
ANS: C

Feedback
A The oxide layer is controlled by flux.
B The oxide layer is controlled by flux.
C The most common failure of the ceramic–alloy bond is caused by failure within
the ceramic layer itself.
D Ceramic would not be bonded to a failed casting.

REF: Pg. 198

13. The ceramic should have a coefficient of thermal expansion _____ than that of the alloy
in most cases.
A. significantly greater
B. slightly greater
C. slightly less
D. significantly less
ANS: C

Feedback
A The coefficient of thermal expansion of the ceramic should be slightly less than
that of the core material. Other extremes would be detrimental to the efficacy of

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the restoration.
B The coefficient of thermal expansion of the ceramic should be slightly less than
that of the core material. Other extremes would be detrimental to the efficacy of
the restoration.
C The ceramic should have a coefficient of thermal expansion slightly less than
that of the alloy in most cases.
D The coefficient of thermal expansion of the ceramic should be slightly less than
that of the core material. Other extremes would be detrimental to the efficacy of
the restoration.

REF: Pg. 193

14. During fabrication of a ceramic–alloy restoration, the alloy substructure is degassed in a

ceramic oven to:
A. remove organic impurities from the alloy surface.
B. remove hydrogen cyanide gas formed during the metal casting process.
C. promote the formation of an oxide layer on the alloy.
D. do A, B, and C.
E. do both A and C.
ANS: E

Feedback
A A and C are both correct.
B There is no evolution of gas in the process.
C A and C are both correct.
D Only A and C are correct.
E During fabrication of a ceramic–alloy restoration, the alloy substructure is
degassed in a ceramic oven to remove organic impurities from the alloy surface
and promote the formation of an oxide layer.

REF: Pg. 198

15. Which type of ceramic is applied to the ceramic–alloy restoration in order to hide the
color of the alloy?
A. Opaque
B. Gingival
C. Incisal
D. Body
E. Glaze
ANS: A

Feedback
A Opaque ceramic is applied to the ceramic–alloy restoration to hide the oxide of
the alloy.
B Gingival surface ceramic is placed over the opaque material.

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C Incisal edge ceramic is placed over the opaque material.

D Thickness of the body of the ceramic-alloy restoration precludes need to opaque.
E Glaze is added last.

REF: Pg. 198

16. During firing, the particles of ceramic melt together at their edges in a process called:
A. condensation.
B. sintering.
C. abfraction.
D. rheology.
ANS: B

Feedback
A Condensation is the process in which a viscous slurry of the porcelain particles
in water or water-glycerol is applied to the substructure, using vibration.
B During firing, the particles of ceramic melt together at their edges in a process
called sintering.
C Abfraction is loss of tooth structure from flexural forces.
D Rheology is the study of the flow of matter.

REF: Pg. 190

17. The principal advantage of any all-ceramic crown in contrast to a ceramic–alloy crown is:
A. simpler manufacturing process.
B. lower cost.
C. superior fracture resistance.
D. excellent esthetics.
ANS: D

Feedback
A The manufacturing process is complex.
B The cost is higher.
C There is a higher fracture potential.
D The principal advantage of any all-ceramic crown may often be excellent
esthetics.

REF: Pg. 193

18. Which of the following statements is(are) true of all-ceramic restorations that use a high-
strength core ceramic beneath traditional porcelains?
A. The high-strength core replaces the alloy substructure.
B. The core ceramic is used for the entire restoration.
C. CAD–CAM techniques may be used to design and cut the core material out of a
block of high-strength starting material.

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D. A, B, and C are true statements.

E. A and C are true statements.
ANS: E

Feedback
A A and C are both correct.
B The core ceramic is not used for the entire restoration.
C A and C are both correct
D Only A and C are correct.
E The high-strength core replaces the alloy substructure and CAD–CAM
techniques may be used to design and cut the core material out of a block of
high-strength starting material.

REF: Pg. 193

19. The decision to use an all-ceramic restoration is most controversial for:

A. anterior crowns.
B. anterior bridges.
C. posterior crowns.
D. posterior bridges.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Stresses on these restorations are not as great as on posterior bridges.
B Stresses on these restorations are not as great as on posterior bridges.
C Stresses on these restorations are not as great as on posterior bridges.
D The decision to use an all-ceramic restoration is most controversial for posterior
bridges.

REF: Pg. 200

20. Which of the following are limitations of all-ceramic restorations when contrasted with
ceramic–alloy restorations?
A. They will fracture in service more often than ceramic–alloy restorations.
B. All-ceramic restorations require the removal of more tooth structure than ceramic–
alloy restorations.
C. The fit of many all-ceramic restorations is not as precise as their ceramic–alloy
counterparts.
D. A, B, and C are all limitations.
E. A and C and both limitations.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.

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B A, B, and C are all correct.

C A, B, and C are all correct.
D All-ceramic restorations will fracture in service more often than ceramic–alloy
restorations; they require the removal of more tooth structure than ceramic–alloy
restorations to try to limit fractures; and the fit of many all-ceramic restorations
is not as precise as their ceramic–alloy counterparts.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 193

21. Ceramic veneers are used most often on _____ teeth.

A. maxillary anterior
B. maxillary posterior
C. mandibular anterior
D. mandibular posterior
ANS: A

Feedback
A Veneers are used most often on maxillary anterior teeth.
B Veneers are only used on anterior teeth.
C Veneers are used most often on maxillary anterior teeth.
D Veneers are only used on anterior teeth.

REF: Pg. 202

22. Veneers are bonded to the tooth using _____ cements and acid-etching techniques.
A. resin-based.
B. shade-controlled.
C. light-activated.
D. A, B, and C.
E. A and C.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D Veneers are bonded to the tooth using resin-based, shade-controlled, and light-
activated cements and acid-etching techniques.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 202

23. Ceramic inlays are generally cemented using _____ cements.

A. zinc polycarboxylate

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B. zinc phosphate
C. zinc oxide–eugenol
D. resin-based
ANS: D

Feedback
A Using a bonded cement is critical in the success of the restoration.
B Using a bonded cement is critical in the success of the restoration.
C Using a bonded cement is critical in the success of the restoration.
D Ceramic inlays are generally cemented using resin-based cements.

REF: Pg. 202

24. When contrasting ceramic inlays and composite to esthetically restore small posterior
lesions:
A. ceramic inlays use a less aggressive tooth preparation.
B. ceramic inlays require more manipulation of materials by the practitioner.
C. composites require more chair time.
D. composites are less customizable in terms of shade, shape, and restoration design.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Preparation for inlay is more aggressive.
B Composites require much more clinical finesse.
C When contrasting ceramic inlays versus composite to esthetically restore small
posterior lesions, composites require more chair time.
D Customization of composites is easier.

REF: Pg. 203

25. Which material is used intraorally to repair fractured ceramic restorations?

A. Ceramic
B. Resin composite
C. Hybrid ionomer
D. Methyl methacrylate
ANS: B

Feedback
A In most cases the most prudent resolution to the damage is to replace the
restoration.
B Resin composite may be used in the mouth to repair a broken ceramic
restoration.
C In most cases the most prudent resolution to the damage is to replace the
restoration.

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D In most cases the most prudent resolution to the damage is to replace the
restoration.

REF: Pg. 198

26. At the atomic level, ceramics are composed of metal-_____ ionic bonds.
A. hydrogen
B. oxygen
C. glycerol
D. silica
ANS: B

Feedback
A Hydrogen is an element on the periodic table that can be used as an alternate fuel
source.
B At the atomic level, ceramics are composed of metal-oxygen ionic bonds.
C Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, syrupy, sweet liquid.
D Silica is a dioxide of silicon occurring specifically in quartz.

REF: Pg. 187

27. A common metallic element(s) that occurs in ceramics in combination with oxygen
is(are):
A. silicon.
B. zirconium.
C. aluminum.
D. A, B, and C.
E. A and B.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D Silicon (Si), zirconium (Zr), and aluminum (Al) are all common metallic
elements that occur in ceramics in combination with oxygen.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 188

28. The terms ceramic and porcelain are often used interchangeably. Porcelain is a type of
ceramic that results when feldspar, silica, and alumina are fired together with fluxes.
A. Statement 1 is correct; statement 2 is correct.
B. Statement 1 is correct; statement 2 is incorrect.
C. Statement 1 is incorrect; statement 2 is correct.

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D. Statement 1 is incorrect; statement 2 is incorrect.

ANS: A

Feedback
A The terms ceramic and porcelain are often used interchangeably, but incorrectly.
Ceramic refers to any material composed of the arrays of metallic-oxygen bonds
described above. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a type of ceramic that results
when feldspar (K2O-Al2O3-SiO2), silica (SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3) are fired
together with fluxes.
B Both statements are correct.
C Both statements are correct.
D Both statements are correct.

REF: Pg. 188

29. _____ ceramics are the oldest of the dental ceramics and very esthetic, but they are
relatively weak.
A. Leucite
B. Amorphous
C. Feldspathic
D. Crystalline
ANS: C

Feedback
A Leucite, small islands of a crystalline phase, results when feldspar silica and
aluminum are fired together with sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate.
B Amorphous is a term used to describe ceramic crystalline arrays.
C Feldspathic ceramics are the oldest of the dental ceramics and very esthetic, but
they are relatively weak.
D During the firing of feldspar and aluminum, large areas of amorphous ceramic
are formed, with small islands of a crystalline phase called leucite.

REF: Pg. 188

30. Leucite makes the porcelain:

A. more translucent.
B. stronger.
C. lower-fusing.
D. lower-expanding.
ANS: B

Feedback
A Leucite makes the porcelain more opaque.
B Leucite makes the porcelain more opaque, stronger, higher-fusing, and higher-

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expanding upon heating.

C Leucite makes the porcelain higher-fusing.
D Leucite makes the porcelain higher-expanding.

REF: Pg. 188

31. Techniques used to form the final dental restoration include:

A. stacking.
B. machining.
C. condensing.
D. all of the above.
E. only A and B.
ANS: E

Feedback
A A and B are both correct.
B A and B are both correct.
C The green state is achieved through a process called condensation.
D Only A and B are correct.
E Techniques that are used to form the final dental restoration include stacking,
infusing, pressing, and machining.

REF: Pg. 189

32. Ceramics are fired using a technique called:

A. quenching.
B. casting.
C. sintering.
D. pickling.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Quenching is rapid cooling by dipping cast in cold water.
B Casting is the process of injecting molten metal into an investment mold.
C After forming the green state, the ceramic is fired in a process called sintering.
D Pickling is the immersion of new cast into a hot acid bath.

REF: Pg. 190

33. Which is an advantage of milling a ceramic crown?

A. Green state is maximized.
B. It is a one-step process.
C. It requires an elastomeric impression.
D. Laboratory turnaround is minimized.

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ANS: B

Feedback
A Because there is no heat and no condensation, shrinkage associated with stacked
ceramics is not an issue (although there is some shrinkage associated with
ceramics milled in a green state).
B Newer ceramics are machined into final form; no condensation or sintering or
melting is needed. The replica of the tooth preparation is scanned into a
computer, and then a highly sophisticated program drives fine machining tools to
mill the ceramic block to the final form, usually in several minutes.
C Impressions are digital.
D Milled ceramic crowns are milled in-house in the same appointment.

REF: Pg. 193

34. Ceramics exhibit extremely _____ compressive strengths and moduli, but relatively
_____ tensile strengths and elongation.
A. low; low
B. low; high
C. high; low
D. high; high
ANS: C

Feedback
A Ceramics exhibit extremely high compressive strengths and moduli, but
relatively low tensile strengths and elongation.
B Ceramics exhibit extremely high compressive strengths and moduli, but
relatively low tensile strengths and elongation.
C Ceramics exhibit extremely high compressive strengths and moduli, but
relatively low tensile strengths and elongation.
D Ceramics exhibit extremely high compressive strengths and moduli, but
relatively low tensile strengths and elongation.

REF: Pg. 193

35. A high flexural strength suggests that a ceramic will:

A. better resist fracture.
B. be susceptible to fracture.
C. have a low clinical survival rate.
D. only A and C.
E. only B and C.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Based on empirical evidence, a high flexural strength suggests that a ceramic

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will better resist fracture in clinical service.

B It will have better resistance to fracture.
C It will have a high clinical survival rate.
D A is the only correct answer.
E A is the only correct answer.

REF: Pg. 193

36. The coefficient of thermal expansion is important when a ceramic is bonded to an alloy
because:
A. ceramic offers thermal insulation.
B. it improves restoration hardness.
C. the expansion and contraction must be matched.
D. all of the above.
E. only A and C.
ANS: C

Feedback
A The coefficient of thermal expansion has no impact on thermal insulation.
B Ceramic hardness is higher than human enamel.
C The coefficient of thermal expansion is important when a ceramic is bonded to
an alloy (ceramic–alloy restoration) or ceramic core (all-ceramic restoration).
The expansion of the alloy or core and veneering ceramic must be appropriately
matched, or the ceramic will fracture when the restoration cools from firing
temperature to room temperature.
D C is the only correct answer.
E C is the only correct answer.

REF: Pg. 193

37. Glassy porcelains are classified according to their:

A. fusing temperature.
B. sintering temperature.
C. coefficient of thermal expansion.
D. all of the above.
E. only A and B.
ANS: E

Feedback
A A and B are both correct.
B A and B are both correct.
C The coefficient of thermal expansion is the degree of expansion and contraction.
D Only A and B are correct.
E Glassy porcelains are classified according to their fusing temperature (also called
sintering temperature).

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REF: Pg. 195

38. The amount of lightness or darkness of a ceramic restoration is the:

A. color.
B. hue.
C. chroma.
D. value.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Color results when a material reflects light from within, but the wavelength (or
color) of the reflected light is changed.
B Hue is the basic shade of the color.
C Chroma is the intensity of the color.
D Value is the amount of lightness or darkness.

REF: Pg. 196

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.