NewsletterA solution that combines fit, strength, and esthetics
May 6, 2011, is the first day that dentists prescribed more BruxZir® Solid Zirconia restorations than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations. At that time, BruxZir restorations were 2 years old and PFMs were 50 years old. Sales of BruxZir restorations never dipped below those of PFMs again, and the gap between them continues to grow wider.
Ten years ago, the research and development department asked what restorative material would most benefit dentists and patients. The answer was simple: cast gold in shade A2. Five years later, BruxZir restorations were presented to fulfill the request. As translucency and esthetics improved, BruxZir restorations could be used in almost any clinical situation instead of only in the posterior. As monolithic restorations with no porcelain, BruxZir restorations have the lowest fracture rate of any restoration (besides cast gold) manufactured by Glidewell Laboratories. It is clear that strength is one of the most desirable characteristics for an everyday crown and bridge.
Dentists noticed that the emergence profile of BruxZir crowns blended with the tooth and soft tissue better than previously used materials (except for cast gold). A high-strength monolithic material, BruxZir Solid Zirconia has a much better emergence profile than a bilayered crown (PFM) on an identical preparation (Figure 1).
Fit, strength, and improved esthetics have made BruxZir restorations the most prescribed restoration in the laboratory. The final frontier for BruxZir zirconia is veneers. With translucency and esthetics improving monthly, that day is not too far away.
BruxZir Solid Zirconia is indicated for crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays. It is an esthetic alternative to PFM metal occlusal/lingual or full-cast restorations and provides extra durability for crowns under partial restorations or screw-retained implant crowns. BruxZir restorations are ideal for bruxers who have broken natural teeth or previous PFM restorations and for patients lacking the preparation space for a PFM.
Preparation requirements include using a feather edge (a shoulder preparation not needed) and a minimum occlusal reduction of 0.5 mm, though 1 mm is ideal (Figure 2).
Michael DiTolla, DDS, graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and was awarded his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1995. In 2001, he became director of clinical research and education at Glidewell Laboratory.
for more information, contact:
Glidewell Laboratories
Phone: 800-854-7256
Web: www.glidewelldental.com
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry.
Image 1 of 2
A typical porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) preparation with a conservative feather-edge margin (left) compared with the typical PFM preparation with a BruxZir crown in place (right). The bulky 1-mm margin on the PFM catches on the explorer. Even if the margin is sealed, the emergence profile is unacceptable. The monolithic crown can be milled to a feather edge without bulk of material at the margin.
Image 2 of 2
This represents an ideal 1-mm reduction for a BruxZir crown with feather-edge margins. Although 1.5 to 2 mm of reduction is acceptable for BruxZir restorations, this amount of reduction is not always possible. Maintaining 1 mm of thickness allows the crown to be adjusted safely. BruxZir crowns can be milled as thin as 0.5 mm, but may break when adjusted. In that case, consider adjusting the opposing tooth instead.
