Zirconia
Definition
A high-strength ceramic material (zirconium dioxide) used for dental crowns. Zirconia is approximately 5 times stronger than traditional porcelain, making it ideal for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces. It's metal-free, biocompatible, and available in natural tooth shades.
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Ceramic
A broad category of non-metallic materials used in dentistry. Dental ceramics include porcelain, zirconia, and lithium disilicate. They are valued for their natural appearance, biocompatibility, and ability to bond to tooth structure. Modern ceramics offer excellent strength and aesthetics.
Porcelain
A ceramic material commonly used for dental crowns and veneers. Dental porcelain can be color-matched to natural teeth and provides a lifelike appearance. Modern porcelain is stronger than earlier versions but is typically fused to other materials for added strength.
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