monolithic restoration
Pronunciation: mon-oh-LIH-thik
A dental prosthesis fabricated entirely from a single material without a separate veneering layer, commonly used with high-strength ceramics such as zirconia.
Full Definition
A monolithic restoration is one that is carved, milled, or pressed from a homogeneous block of material, meaning it has no separate substructure or veneering ceramic applied to it. Monolithic designs eliminate the risk of veneer chipping or delamination and are favoured for posterior restorations where aesthetics are secondary to strength. In dental laboratory documentation, monolithic restorations are frequently contrasted with bi-layered or veneered restorations. Editors must take care not to confuse 'monolithic' with 'full-contour,' though the terms are closely related; all monolithic restorations are full-contour, but full-contour is the more specific geometric descriptor. The term is increasingly common in CAD/CAM workflow documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenation is not required. Editors should be aware that 'full-contour' and 'monolithic' are often used interchangeably in trade literature but carry subtly different emphases.
In Context
- "The clinician requested a monolithic zirconia crown for the lower molar to reduce the risk of ceramic fracture." — Laboratory prescription
- "Monolithic restorations require precise shade characterisation since no veneering porcelain is applied post-milling." — Dental laboratory technical bulletin