1. Technological Background
Over the past decade, the material landscape of digital dentistry has undergone a profound transformation. Where metal-based solutions and conventional ceramics once dominated, high-performance zirconia, hybrid ceramics, and advanced polymers now define the CAD/CAM market. The technological foundation of this evolution rests on three pillars: materials science, CAD/CAM manufacturing technology, and fully digitalized process chains.
1.1 Overview of Modern CAD/CAM Material Classes
Zirconia – The Driving Force of Fixed Prosthetics
Zirconia has been the core material of digital prosthetic manufacturing for years. The latest generation offers significantly improved translucency without compromising mechanical strength—a breakthrough enabled by optimized microstructures and adjusted yttria stabilization (Zhang & Lawn, 2018).
Multilayer zirconia materials are now well established. They combine dentin-like strength zones with more translucent enamel regions, enabling aesthetic restorations with high load-bearing capacity.
Hybrid Ceramics and Composite Materials – Versatile and Chairside-Ready
Hybrid ceramics consist of an organic polymer matrix reinforced with ceramic fillers. They combine the impact resistance of composites with the surface quality of ceramics, resulting in excellent milling properties and reduced tool wear (Miyazaki et al., 2013).
In chairside dentistry, they are considered key materials because they require no sintering and integrate naturally into the tooth color spectrum.
Modern Polymers – From Temporary to Long-Term Materials
CAD/CAM polymers such as PMMA were long regarded as purely provisional materials. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques, polymer-based materials now achieve a level of strength and homogeneity that makes them suitable for semi-permanent or implant-supported applications.
Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs)—using glass fibers or polymer fibers—offer additional strength and resistance to fatigue loading (Skorulska et al., 2021).
Bioactive Materials – A Glimpse into the Future
Bioactive glasses and ceramics with ion-releasing or regenerative properties expand the traditional functional concept of dental restorations. These materials can promote remineralization or provide antimicrobial effects (Hench, 2015).
Although still a niche segment, their potential is increasingly discussed in research and industry.
1.2 Advances in CAD/CAM Manufacturing Technology
Material innovation is only effective if manufacturing technologies keep pace. Recent developments include:
Five-axis milling systems enable complex geometries, precise fits, and an expanded range of indications. Especially for zirconia and fiber-reinforced polymers, optimized feed rates and tool strategies are essential to fully leverage material properties.
1.3 Interaction Between Material and Digital Workflow
Modern materials only reach their full potential when integrated into a coordinated digital workflow:
This systemic approach is essential to fully exploit the material trends of 2026 (Mörmann et al., 2016).
2. Practical Application / Use Cases
Material trends only demonstrate their true value in daily practice. Dental practices, laboratories, and milling centers each have different requirements regarding strength, aesthetics, turnaround time, and processability. Modern materials therefore represent not only technical innovations but also practical solutions that simplify workflows and improve outcomes.
2.1 Applications in the Dental Practice (Chairside)
Single-Visit Restorations Without Sintering
Hybrid ceramics and modern composite ceramics can be milled and placed immediately, improving patient comfort and saving time (Miyazaki et al., 2013).
Typical indications:
Highly Aesthetic Anterior Restorations
Translucency-optimized multilayer zirconia is increasingly used chairside, enabling excellent aesthetic outcomes due to its natural light transmission (Zhang & Lawn, 2018).
Minimal Post-Processing
New polymer and hybrid materials produce smooth surfaces directly after milling, significantly reducing polishing time.
2.2 Applications in the Dental Laboratory
Multi-Unit Bridges and Complex Frameworks
High-strength zirconia enables durable bridge constructions with natural aesthetics. Multilayer zirconia reduces the need for manual characterization.
Implant-Supported Restorations
Fiber-reinforced polymers and high-performance polymers such as PEEK offer elasticity and biocompatibility, making them attractive for suprastructures (Skorulska et al., 2021).
Long-Term Provisionals
Next-generation PMMA materials exhibit high homogeneity and are well suited for durable temporary restorations (Stawarczyk et al., 2013).
Increased Efficiency
Reduced tool wear and milling-friendly composites shorten production times and improve laboratory capacity.
2.3 Applications in Milling Centers
Series Production with Stable Zirconia Blanks
Optimized pre-sintered zirconia ensures consistent quality across large production batches.
Industrial Processing of Titanium and High-Performance Polymers
Advanced CAD/CAM systems allow precise fabrication of individual abutments, implant components, and large frameworks.
Hybrid Manufacturing Chains
Combining 3D printing (frameworks, preforms) with subtractive finishing is gaining importance. Modern materials must be compatible with both processes (Hench, 2015).
2.4 Material and Machine Compatibility as a Key Factor
New materials only deliver their full potential when machines, tools, and CAM strategies are perfectly aligned, including:
CAM optimization is particularly critical for zirconia, hybrid ceramics, and fiber-reinforced polymers to avoid microfractures, delamination, and internal stresses.
3. Benefits for Target Groups
Material trends in 2026 do more than introduce new substances—they fundamentally change the value that practices, laboratories, and milling centers derive from digital manufacturing.
3.1 Benefits for Dentists (Chairside)
3.2 Benefits for Dental Laboratories
3.3 Benefits for Milling Centers
4. Challenges / Limitations
As promising as the material developments of 2026 are, they do not come without challenges. New materials mean new technical requirements, greater complexity in processing, and changed economic conditions. Precisely because modern materials are becoming increasingly powerful, expectations regarding process reliability and expertise in practice, laboratories, and milling centers are rising.
4.1 Economic factors and material costs
Sophisticated zirconia, hybrid ceramics, and fiber-reinforced polymers are more complex to manufacture and therefore often more expensive than traditional materials.
This affects:
• Acquisition costs for material blocks and blanks
• Higher quality standards in production
• Partially specialized storage or transport requirements
For smaller practices and laboratories, the price difference can be significant—especially if new machines or sintering equipment are required.
4.2 Technical requirements and CAM complexity
Modern materials require precisely coordinated milling strategies in order to exploit their full potential.
This includes:
• Suitable tool geometries
• Optimal cutting parameters
• Material-dependent feed and speed strategies
• Defined cooling or drying processes
4.3 Training and qualification requirements
New materials also mean new processing rules.
Particularly relevant are:
• Minimum thicknesses appropriate for the material
• Design rules for implant-supported restorations
• Polishing and surface protocols
• Sintering and tempering programs
• Suitable attachment systems
The learning curve affects both clinical staff and dental technicians. A lack of training often leads to fractures, fit problems, or aesthetic compromises.
4.4 Limitations due to post-processing and sintering processes
Even though many materials are now “chairside-ready,” some limitations remain:
• Zirconia: Sintering times—even if shortened—continue to determine the turnaround time.
• Hybrid ceramics: Require precise polishing to ensure long-term abrasion stability.
• Polymers: Are sensitive to temperature and surface conditions.
• Fiber-reinforced materials: Require specific finishing protocols to avoid exposing the fibers.
The interaction between material, milling process, and post-processing ultimately determines the quality of the final restoration.
4.5 Regulatory requirements and documentation obligations
The current European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) increases the requirements for:
• Material verification
• Batch traceability
• Validations for material and machine combinations
• Quality control and documentation
5. Market & Future Perspectives
Dental material development is undergoing a cycle of innovation characterized by rapid research dynamics, rising aesthetic expectations, and ongoing digitalization. The coming years will be determined by how well new materials can be integrated into digital production processes—and how practices, laboratories, and manufacturing centers strategically exploit this potential.
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
The material trends of 2026 clearly demonstrate that digital dentistry is entering a phase where materials and manufacturing technology are more tightly connected than ever before.
Key Takeaways:
