Shaded zirconia ceramic material and machinable sintered ceramic bodies made therefrom

A ceramic powder suitable for use in dental restoration applications that comprises

• a. a ceramic material comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia that comprises from 2 mol % to 7 mol % yttria, and
• b. a coloring agent comprising 0.002 mass % to 0.65 mass % Tb and Cr combined, measured as metal ions,
• wherein a mass ratio of Tb ions to Cr ions is in a range of approximately 93:7 Tb:Cr to 99.5:0.5 Tb:Cr, and
• c. optionally, a binder.

A millable, pre-sintered ceramic body for use in making dental restorations comprising:

• a. a ceramic material comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia having from 2 mol % to 7 mol % yttria,
• b. optionally comprising alumina, which if present comprises between 0 mol % and 1 mol %, and
• c. a coloring agent comprising 0.03 mass % to 2 mass % of metal-containing components measured as metal ions,
• wherein the coloring agent comprises terbium (Tb) and chromium (Cr) which are present in a mass ratio in a range of 93:7 Tb:Cr to 99.5:0.5 Tb:Cr, and
• wherein Tb comprises 0.002 mass % to 0.65 mass %.