Kingsport, TN
The use of all-ceramic material for restoring teeth in the front of the mouth has grown exponentially over the last ten years due to developments in material science and patient desires for metal-free restorations. Zirconia and lithium disilicate are two of the more well-known ceramics used by dentists worldwide, providing strength, beauty, and longevity in tooth restorations. These materials offer natural aesthetic results while providing structural integrity to match surrounding teeth. In addition, patients get an attractive, substantial repair using these ceramic materials with confidence. Our dental lab experts at Premier Dental Arts share on the blog today the best practices for using all-ceramic restorations so that you can provide your patients with quality care and stunning results.
Zirconia or Lithium Disilicate?
Zirconia and Lithium Disilicate are both types of glasses used for dental implants. However, they have different properties, which make them suitable for various purposes. Lithium Disilicate is a high-strength glass used to make dental implants. It has a high compressive strength and is resistant to thermal shock, which makes it an ideal candidate for dental implants. On the other hand, Zirconia is also a high-strength glass, but it has a lower compressive strength than Lithium Disilicate. It does not have as much resistance to thermal shock as Lithium Disilicate either. Still, lithium does not react with the body fluids and tissues in the mouth like lithium disilicate, making it more suitable for use when making implant dentures.
Our dental lab experts explain that the restoration you choose should depend on the restoration’s purpose. For example, patients who desire maximum strength may benefit most from Zirconia, but patients who prioritize beauty over strength may benefit most from lithium disilicate. So, the choice between zirconia or lithium disilicate restorations depends on the patient’s desire for their new smile.
Cement or Bond?
Cement is one of the most common dental materials used in dentistry, also known as dental cement or dental fillers. Cement is a tooth-colored material used to fill in any gaps or holes on the surface of a tooth. A bond refers to any substance that binds two surfaces together. In dentistry, it refers to a composite resin that bonds to teeth, metal, or porcelain.
Cementing or bonding a restoration will depend on the preparation, according to our dental lab professionals. For example, seating zirconia restorations on a retentive preparation can be successful with a resin-modified glass ionomer or RMGI. On the other hand, non-mechanical retentive preparations that are over-angulated or over-prepped will benefit most from bonding.
Fluoride- or No-Fluoride-Based Cleaning Agents?
Restoration treatment success may depend on your preparations before applying the restoration. For example, contaminated bonding surfaces may cause debonding or restoration failure. Therefore, our expert dental lab techs recommend thoroughly cleaning this site with fluoride and oil-free prophy paste. In addition, removing the blood, saliva, temporary cement, and other contaminants before the adhesive process can drastically improve restoration success rates.
Understanding ceramic restoration best practices can help you provide quality patient care. Additionally, patients can have peace of mind that their restoration will last for years. If you have questions about ceramic restorations or want to know more about best practices for excellent results, please contact our dental lab professionals at Premier Dental Arts by calling (888) 732-5221 or contacting us online.
