Biterite, as an approved Lava design Centre equipped with a Lava ST scanner, holds firm to the idea that the more you, the dental clinician, know about the materials and processes available to you from us the better we both can provide your patients with the very best aesthetic and practical outcomes.
CAD/CAM technology had made it possible to prepare restorations out of high strength ceramics like zirconia. This is due in part to the high flexural strength (almost two times higher compared to alumina) and high fracture toughness of the zirconia ceramic material.
Several companies are offering zirconia materials in dentistry and these materials are chemically similar, consisting of 3% yttrium oxide treated tetragonal zirconia polycrystals.
In many cases they are also treated with a very small concentration of alumina to prevent leaching of the yttrium oxide. This combination ensures the safety and longevity of zirconia restorations.
Even though zirconia from various manufacturers can be chemically similar does not mean that they are necessarily the same.
Loaves of bread are often chemically similar, but many factors outside of chemistry influence the final result; i.e., ingredients and baking process, the skill of the baker.
Although the zirconia ceramic is chemically similar, once processed, it can exhibit different mechanical and optical characteristics.
Working with zirconia, I really can experience the differences in machinability (e.g., wet milling and dry milling) and in sintering (e.g., temperature for Vita™ YZ-Cube > 1,530°C; temperature for 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Frameworks > 1,500°C; temperature for Cercon™ > 1,350°C).
As I pointed out at the start of this blog post, the more you know about Biterite’s work, including our products, equipment and services, the better we can serve your patients’ aesthetic and practical needs.
Please feel free to call or email us with your questions or concerns. You can also leave a comment here or find me on social media:
As always, I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.
