Do zirconia ceramics have a future in restorative dentistry?

摘要

Zirconium oxide is a material that has attracted attention in the dental community over the past decade. Several studies have shown that the biologic properties of zirconia ceramics are excellent. However, important issues have arisen with dental usage of these materials. In the case of zirconia materials, there are a number of clinical and laboratory procedures that may contribute to aging and initiate low temperature degradation. The addition of di- and trivalent metallic ions, such as magnesium, calcium, and yttrium, leads to the stabilization of high-temperature tetragonal or cubic phases. This makes possible a stress-induced transformation around crack tips resulting in a highly significant increase in fracture toughness and strength.