This document discusses polycrystalline dental ceramics. It describes the properties and fabrication techniques of aluminous oxide and zirconia oxide, the two main polycrystalline ceramics used. Aluminous oxide is indicated for crowns but cannot be etched, while zirconia has higher strength and toughness due to a phase transformation mechanism. The document outlines the crystal structures and stabilization of zirconia, as well as methods to strengthen dental ceramics including introducing compressive stresses, interrupting crack propagation, and minimizing tensile stresses through design.
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