Zirconia is a newer material for dental restorative treatments. It’s a type of ceramic — or, in more specific terms, a zirconium oxide — that’s stronger than porcelain and some metal alloys, and it gets fewer sharp edges from the normal “wear and tear” that happens over time. Zirconia crowns tend to cause less stress and damage on opposing pieces than their porcelain counterparts. The latter might act like sandpaper when rubbing against your other teeth and causing enamel erosion. That’s one of the many reasons dentists might recommend you to consider zirconia for your dental procedures.