What is a reason for incorporating aluminum oxide into dental ceramics?

Incorporating aluminum oxide into dental ceramics is primarily intended to improve mechanical strength. Aluminum oxide provides increased toughness and resistance to fracture, making the ceramic material more durable for use in dental restorations. This enhanced mechanical strength is critical, as dental ceramics must withstand the significant forces encountered in the oral cavity, including mastication and various stresses from biting and chewing.

Meanwhile, aluminum oxide does not significantly enhance translucency; instead, it can affect the aesthetic properties by adding opacity. While it may mildly influence thermal conductivity, its primary role isn't to increase it. Thus, the inclusion of aluminum oxide is mostly about reinforcing the ceramic's structural integrity, which is essential for long-lasting dental applications.