Of the following machined dental ceramics, which has the highest flexural strength?

Zirconia is recognized for having the highest flexural strength among machined dental ceramics. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable in restorative dentistry, where durability and resistance to fracturing under stress are critical. The microstructure of zirconia allows for a higher density and toughness compared to other ceramics, contributing to its superior mechanical properties.

Zirconia's flexural strength, often exceeding 1,000 MPa, is attributed to its unique ability to undergo a phase transformation when subjected to stress, effectively absorbing energy that could otherwise lead to failure. This transformation toughens the material, enhancing its resilience in load-bearing applications such as dental crowns and bridges.

In contrast, the other ceramics mentioned, such as alumina, feldspar, and leucite, while strong, do not achieve the same levels of flexural strength as zirconia. Alumina, known for its strength and wear resistance, falls short in terms of absolute flexural strength compared to zirconia. Feldspar ceramics, primarily used for their esthetic qualities, have lower mechanical strength and are more prone to fracture under load. Leucite-reinforced ceramics, although improved in strength over traditional feldspar, still do not reach the performance levels of zirconia.

Consequently, zircon