Novel Zirconia Materials in Dentistry

Zirconias, the strongest of the dental ceramics, are increasingly being fabricated in monolithic form for a range of clinical applications. Y-TZP (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal) is the most widely used variant. However, current Y-TZP ceramics on the market lack the aesthetics of competitive glass-ceramics and are therefore somewhat restricted in the anterior region. This article reviews the progressive development of currently available and next-generation zirconias, representing a concerted drive toward greater translucency while preserving adequate strength and toughness. Limitations of efforts directed toward this end are examined, such as reducing the content of light-scattering alumina…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: R01DE026279, R01DE017925, R01DE026772, CMMI-0758530, 0758530
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01DE017925, R01DE026772, R01DE026279
• NI
  National Institute of Standards and Technology
• DO
  Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation