The intraoral scanning is faster and more pleasant, and the computer software is impressively cutting edge, but it's the advancements in materials that really powers CAD/CAM dentistry. Zirconia is among these materials making it possible to provide patients with quickly produced, durable and esthetic crowns and bridges. With its strength and easy milling properties, zirconia is a great option for a variety of clinical situations, especially posterior and long-span restorations. Now new zirconia formulations are finding ways to sacrifice a bit of strength to gain vastly enhanced esthetic capabilities, allowing the material to be used anywhere in the mouth. Zirconia discs are a mainstay in most dental labs, and now with the advent of new furnaces, more CAD/CAM dentists are working with the material for chairside digital dentistry. Here's a side by side look at some of the zirconia options available to dental laboratories and practices.