A broad class of materials made from a variety of nonmetallic compounds with a metallic component, which are fired at high temperatures to achieve their physical characteristics of high hardness, brittleness, low thermal and electrical conductivity, and high corrosion resistance. They are generally oxides but can also be composed of calcium phosphates, alumina, zirconia, nitrides, borides, carbides, silicides, and sulfides, alone or in combination with glass or metals (cermets). In dentistry, the term is used liberally to include all materials that mimic the optical qualities of natural tooth structure or gingivae and have the characteristics of this class. They are also sometimes used as synthetic osseous grafting materials and biocompatible surface coatings.
Of or relating to the application of ceramics.