The present invention is directed to a porous pre-densified CeO2-stabilized ZrO2 ceramic having a density of 50.0 to 95.0%, relative to the theoretical density of zirconia, and an open porosity of 5 to 50% as well as to a densified CeO2-stabilized ZrO2 ceramic having a density of 97.0 to 100.0%, relative to the theoretical density of zirconia, and wherein the grains of the ceramic have an average grain size of 50 to 1000 nm, methods for the preparation of the pre-densified and densified ceramics and their use for the manufacture of dental restorations.