Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material stabilized with 5 mol % yttria to 8 mol % yttria, and methods for making a sintered body from the ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 300 MPa, or at least 500 MPa, when fully sintered.

Abstract: A method that includes applying a liquid pre-coloring solution to a gum section of a zirconia dental prosthesis, wherein the liquid pre-coloring solution comprises erbium in an amount of at least 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method for coloring a porous ceramic dental body that includes: applying at least one coating of a liquid coloring composition to at least a portion of a surface area of the porous ceramic dental body, the liquid coloring composition comprising: (a) at least one opaquing agent comprising a material comprising Zn, Al, Si, or a combination thereof; (b) at least one coloring agent comprising a material comprising Fe, Ni, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Mo, Pr, Nd, Er, Ce, Tb, or a combination thereof, (c) at least one wetting agent; and (d) at least one solvent; and sintering the coated porous ceramic dental body to obtain a fully sintered ceramic body having a density that is at least 98% of the theoretical density.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.

Abstract: Translucency of a yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic is improved to achieve even higher translucency than what is currently offered on the market, without greatly altering its mechanical properties. The enhancement is done by incorporating magnesium-containing dopants into the microstructure of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic dental ceramics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pressure casting ceramic bodies. Methods and apparatus are provided for rapid ejection of cast ceramic bodies from a mold. A mold is described that has an impermeable cavity surface to provide dry release of the cast body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pressure casting ceramic bodies. Methods and apparatus are provided for rapid ejection of cast ceramic bodies from a mold. A mold is described that has an impermeable cavity surface to provide dry release of the cast body. Ceramic bodies produced by the methods and apparatus have smooth, non-tacky surfaces after ejection from the mold.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material stabilized with 5 mol % yttria to 8 mol % yttria, and methods for making a sintered body from the ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 300 MPa, or at least 500 MPa, when fully sintered.

Abstract: A method is provided for making ceramic bodies having improved properties, such as optical and/or strength properties in which the ceramic bodies are densified by new sintering processes. The sintering profiles may have shorter run times than conventional sintering processes. Ceramic bodies made by these methods are suitable for use in dental applications, for example, as crowns.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material stabilized with 5 mol % yttria to 8 mol % yttria, and methods for making a sintered body from the ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 300 MPa, or at least 500 MPa, when fully sintered.

Abstract: A method is provided for making ceramic bodies having improved properties, such as optical and/or strength properties in which the ceramic bodies are densified by new sintering processes. The sintering profiles may have shorter run times than conventional sintering processes. Ceramic bodies made by these methods are suitable for use in dental applications, for example, as crowns.

Abstract: A method for masking the appearance of a support structure underlying a highly translucent ceramic dental restoration s provided. The porous form of a zirconia ceramic dental restoration is treated with a liquid masking composition comprising 0.4 wt % to 50 wt % of one or more masking agents. The masking composition is applied to the internal surface of a restoration and a region of the facial surface of the restoration that is opposite the internal surface. After application of the masking compositions, treated zirconia restoration is sintered to greater than 98% theoretical density.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pressure casting ceramic bodies. Methods and apparatus are provided for rapid ejection of cast ceramic bodies from a mold. A mold is described that has an impermeable cavity surface to provide dry release of the cast body.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material stabilized with 5 mol % yttria to 8 mol % yttria, and methods for making a sintered body from the ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 300 MPa, or at least 500 MPa, when fully sintered.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.

Abstract: A method is provided for making ceramic bodies having improved properties, such as optical and/or strength properties in which the ceramic bodies are densified by new sintering processes. The sintering profiles may have shorter run times than conventional sintering processes. Ceramic bodies made by these methods are suitable for use in dental applications, for example, as crowns.

Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.

Abstract: A method of making high purity crystalline AlON bodies by synthesizing and calcining AlON powders having less than 80 ppm Si, Mg, Ca, Na, and K impurities. The AlON powders are milled to reduce the particle size of the AlON powders using a high purity milling media. An AlON body is formed from the milled AlON powders. Such AlON bodies are particularly suitable for semiconductor process chamber components.