For many years, zirconium oxide ceramics were available with a uniform composition, namely partially stabilized zirconium oxide with a yttria content of 3 mol%. A large number of different modifications and further developments are now available, and the materials differ in terms of their translucency and strength. This leads to different indication areas and differing preparation recommendations and luting protocols. This article provides an overview of the different generations of zirconia ceramics, the possible indication areas and currently available clinical data.