Zirconia as a Biomaterial for Implant-Supported Long Span and Full-Arch Prostheses
Presened by A/Prof Max Guazzato
DDS (Milan) PhD DClinDent (Pros) (Syd)
Lecture Synopsis
Zirconia as a Biomaterial for Implant-Supported Long Span and Full-Arch Prostheses
Zirconia was introduced into dentistry in the late 1990s. Since then, it has become the most widely used material in fixed prostho-
dontics and a preferred choice for high-end, long-span and full-arch implant-supported prostheses.
The aim of this presentation is to explore three decades of research and development in zirconia and its clinical application in full-
arch restorations.
Topics will include the material’s history, properties, prosthesis design, advancements in zirconia technology, surgical and pros-
thetic protocols, and future directions. These aspects will be illustrated through personal publications and clinical case studies.
What has made zirconia the dominant material in long span and full-arch implant prostheses? This presentation explores thirty
years of evolution (from early research to today’s advanced restorations) covering material properties, design principles, surgical
and prosthetic protocols, and future directions. These aspects are illustrated through personal clinical cases and publications.
A/Prof Max Guazzato – Prosthodontist
DDS (Milan) PhD DClinDent (Pros) (Syd)
A/Professor Max Guazzato holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Milan, Italy, where he also
obtained a Diploma in Dental Technology and completed a residency in Oral Surgery. In 1998, he relocated to Australia, where he
earned a PhD in dental ceramics and a Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Prosthodontics from the University of Sydney.
Since 2001, A/Prof Guazzato has been lecturing at the University of Sydney, and since 2010, he has been actively involved in
postgraduate teaching in the fields of materials, implantology, bone grafting, and fixed prosthodontics.
Over the course of his academic career, A/Prof Guazzato has supervised 14 research projects and secured more than 10
competitive research grants from both public institutions and private industry. His primary research interests lie in the fields of
dental implants and dental ceramics.
In addition to his academic commitments, A/Prof Guazzato maintains a specialist prosthodontic practice in Pyrmont and Bowral,
New South Wales. He has published 45 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and co-authored three books. He is a Fellow
of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (by examination), a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and a
member of the Academy of Australian and New Zealand Prosthodontists.
