New versions of zirconia claim to be as translucent as lithium disilicate. Dr. Edward McLaren compares newer zirconias to older versions, looking at physical properties, potential long-term clinical situations and translucency differences. He compares the zirconia’s translucency to translucent forms of lithium disilicates, and anterior monolithic and posterior molar cases with both gradient and painted versions. He also reviews time and temperature relationships to translucency and chroma development to obtain a predictable result in under 60 minutes of firing time for the Cuzr (cubic zirconia), and customization techniques for these new materials.