zirconia
Pronunciation: zir-KOH-nee-uh
A high-strength ceramic material (zirconium dioxide) widely used in dental laboratories for milling full-contour crowns, bridges, and implant components.
Full Definition
Zirconia (zirconium dioxide, ZrO₂) is a polycrystalline ceramic prized in dental laboratory fabrication for its exceptional flexural strength, biocompatibility, and tooth-like opacity or translucency depending on grade. It is supplied as pre-sintered pucks or blocks for CAD/CAM milling, then sintered in a furnace to achieve final density and dimensions. Editors should note that 'zirconia' is the preferred editorial spelling; 'zirconium oxide' and 'ZrO₂' are acceptable in technical data sheets. 'Zirconium' alone refers to the metal element, not the ceramic.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'zirconia' (not 'zirconium') when referring to the ceramic material. Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence.
In Context
- "High-translucency zirconia has largely replaced PFM restorations in the anterior region at this laboratory." — Internal technical bulletin
- "Post-sintering dimensions must be checked against the CAD design file to confirm zirconia shrinkage compensation." — QA checklist