Evaluating mechanical and optical patterns of translucent zirconia ceramics

Translucent zirconia ceramics are increasingly used in dentistry, but improvements in translucency often compromise strength and alter microstructure. This <i>in vitro</i> study compared mechanical and optical properties of 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ zirconia. Forty disc specimens were tested for biaxial flexural strength, surface roughness, translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio (CR) and microstructure under SEM. Results showed 3Y-TZP had significantly higher flexural strength, whereas 5Y-PSZ exhibited superior translucency, with comparable surface roughness between groups. Thus, we show that 3Y-TZP is better suited for load-bearing regions, while 5Y-PSZ is preferable for anterior esthetic restorations, highlighting the need to balance strength and translucency in material selection.