HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What dental material often contains silica?

1. Composite resin

2. Amalgam

3. Dental porcelain

4. Glass ionomer

The correct answer is: Dental porcelain

Dental porcelain is known for containing silica, which is a key component that contributes to its glassy and ceramic properties. Silica, or silicon dioxide, helps enhance the strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities of dental porcelain, making it an excellent choice for creating lifelike restorations, such as crowns and veneers. The inclusion of silica in porcelain aids in achieving a smoother surface and mimics the appearance of natural teeth, thus making it highly favored for aesthetic demands in dentistry. In contrast, while composite resin contains various organic and inorganic fillers, including silica, it is not predominantly identified with silica as its main composite feature like dental porcelain is. Amalgam is primarily made of metals such as silver, mercury, tin, and copper, and does not contain silica. Glass ionomer is a type of restorative material that bonds chemically to the tooth structure and contains glass particles, but again, its composition does not focus on silica as a primary element.