The amazing capabilities of zirconia

True or false?

• Zirconium oxide is opaque.
• Zirconium oxide frameworks always have to be built up with ceramic.
• In contrast to lithium disilicates, oxide ceramics are not suitable for anterior teeth.

All the answers are true, at least for the first generation of zirconia. In the meantime, however, the fourth generation of zirconia, together with a variety of coordinated materials for different applications, has been developed. Nevertheless, the shortcomings of earlier versions still seem to be foremost in the minds of many people.

Flexible creativity booster

Modern zirconia materials offer what all laboratories want: that is, utmost flexibility. Zirconia provides an all-ceramic alternative to metal-ceramic materials. Restorations made of zirconia can be customized if desired. Moreover, they deliver high-end esthetic results for very demanding patients. State-of-the-art zirconia materials have a pleasing appearance and are processed using CAD/CAM techniques. As a result, they are extremely efficient to use. Furthermore, they allow you to be as creative as you wish. Innovative characteristics such as Gradient Technology provide optimum prerequisites for achieving esthetic outcomes. The new production method imparts IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime with a smooth, transition-free progression of shade and translucency.

Experts share their tips and experiences

In a series of publications, six dental technicians from all over Europe show the creative possibilities of zirconia using a variety of techniques: infiltration, staining, partial build-up, cut-back and layering. These experts share their tips and experiences and give step-by-step descriptions of their personal workflows on the basis of actual case histories. By the way, sometimes, several different paths lead to the same goal …

We hope that you will be inspired by the work of this group of colleagues, and we invite you to download the instructions (in PDF format) on how to use zirconium oxide!

Carola Wohlgenannt from Austria presents an exciting comparison: two versions of a 5-unit bridge made of IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime – one monolithic and one lightly cut-back restoration.

Michele Temperani from Italy shows how to fabricate highly esthetic monolithic restorations with IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime. Using the staining technique (IPS Ivocolor), he characterizes an anterior crown and a posterior bridge. He highlights the most important aspects of this process.

Dominique Vinci from Switzerland explains how he combines two different methods in the fabrication of a multi-unit bridge. In addition, he presents his personal staining and cut-back technique on the basis of an anterior crown.

Stefan Strigl from Italy introduces his cut-back technique. He shows how to apply highly esthetic characteristics to an anterior crown and a three-unit posterior bridge.

Vincent Fehmer from Switzerland demonstrates his personal fabrication method on the basis of a five-unit anterior bridge.

In this issue, Hilal Kuday from Turkey works with monolithic restorations: He explains in detail how to fabricate a highly esthetic crown and a 4-unit bridge from IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime