Abstract
Objective: Assist in choosing and indicating the ceramic material according to the clinical situation, clarifying the expectations that can be generated and thus minimizing the failures resulting from misuse and selection failures. Methods: A descriptive and informative literature review was carried out, in which the elaboration procedure was performed by searching for scientific literature in databases, with the following descriptors: The use of dental ceramics, porcelain and dental prosthesis. Results: Several desirable properties in ceramics whes used as a natural tooth replacement such as the coefficient of tooth-like thermal expansion, translucency, chemical stability, fluorescence, abrasion and compressive strength, biological compatibility, enamel and dentin mimicry, good marginal fit and good relationship with periodontal tissues, make them have a great clinical use, thus contributing to a longevity of restorative treatment. Final Considerations: For the proper selection of ceramics, the practitioner should evaluate differently, several aspects to ensure a longer longevity and success of restorative treatment since the ceramic systems have evolved a lot and the necessary prerequisites as to the characteristics and limitations for each clinical situation are many.