What Is in Your Zirconia?

The immense popularity of zirconia as an indirect restorative material in dentistry has led to seemingly countless numbers of companies selling zirconia discs and blocks. The reliability of zirconia, however, is subject to specific manufacturing and processing protocols. Thus, it is of paramount importance for any dental professional utilizing zirconia to be aware of the source of the material and the various factors that can affect the success or failure of a final restoration. This article discusses the journey of zirconia, from being found among the elements of the earth to being placed in the patient's mouth. It also touches on drawbacks, such as translucency, associated with zirconia.