ZIRMAX M: Strength in Zirconia Implant Fixed Prosthesis

mm Written by Andrew Sedler

With over 65 years in the dental industry and three generations of experience, Burbank Dental Lab has positioned itself as a leader in restorative dentistry. Through extensive research and development, our goal has been to offer the most advanced technology, materials, and support to our customers. One of the areas this has been most evident is in our ability to fabricate implant hybrid prosthesis.

It is well documented that there are approximately 36 million fully edentulous people in the United States. The number of partially edentulous people is expected to grow to over 200 million over the next 15 years. One of the most successful treatment options for these types of patients is the full-arch implant-supported prosthesis.

The Importance of Fixed Implant-Supported Bridges

Burbank Dental Lab understands that in doing our part to restore these cases, we are not only helping to restore a patient's form and function, but we are also helping to improve the quality of life for the patient. Edentulous patients often suffer from self-esteem issues, inability to chew correctly, and experience pain and discomfort. Also, missing teeth can have several other life-altering consequences such as bone loss, coronary diseases, diabetes, and cancer. One of the best options to combat these maladies is an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis. These restorations help maintain healthy bone structure, provide comfort, support gums, improve mastication, and are extremely esthetic.

Types of Prostheses

There is more than one option to consider when choosing these types of prostheses. These options include composite hybrids (SmartComposite®), porcelain fused to metal fixed dental implant bridge, acrylic fixed prosthesis, and zirconia hybrids (ZIRMAX M®). The type of prosthesis chosen for each case can be decided based on the specific goals to be achieved. While there are many factors to consider, some of these factors may include abnormal function, the patient's financial situation, esthetic demands, and bone issues.

ZIRMAX M®

When strength is of paramount importance, the Zir-MAX.M® Hybrid is one of the most esthetic and durable restorations and has been prescribed by dentists for over ten years. Zir-MAX.M Implant hybrid bridges have a flexural strength of up to 1200 MPa. This strength is especially important with cases that exhibit challenging occlusal loads. Zir-Max.M is highly esthetic and offers a very natural result.

Zir-MAX.M: Strength in Zirconia Implant Fixed Prosthesis

Patients have commented that these restorations offer an extraordinary likeness to the feel of their natural teeth. Because this material is one of the most durable options, it provides longevity and is not likely to fracture or chip.

There is no stronger restorative material on the market today than zirconia. The introduction of the zirconia hybrid to dentistry has provided a solution as an esthetic material that is incredibly durable. It has a wide range of uses in restorative procedures, but the success of this material relies heavily on the expertise of the lab. Factors such as design, finishing techniques, and the quality of the zirconia material used, all play an essential role in the longevity, esthetics, and insertion time of the restorations.

Benefits of ZIRMAX M®

  • Flexural strength of 1200 MPa makes zirconia one of the strongest all-ceramic materials
  • Easy to customize, making it a highly esthetic option
  • High patient satisfaction as it feels like natural dentition
  • Notable longevity
  • Resistant to fractures and chipping
  • Smooth insertion

Edentulous cases are often complex and require proper planning. When proper planning is not done, it is difficult to reach the desired results. Starting with the end in mind can help determine the appropriate steps needed for the desired outcome. Some things to consider in the initial evaluation are:

  • Evaluate bone loss and any facial esthetic issues
  • Evaluate vertical opening
  • Review the smile line

A surgical guide is a great option to help determine the ideal implant placement. The guided surgery appliances from Burbank Dental Lab offer a precision fit and can be fabricated from several different workflows. This appliance will help ensure the proper placement of the implants during dental implant surgery.

Traditional Impression Method

A diagnostic package that includes bite blocks, wax set-ups, and photos are provided in these types of cases to help determine what will be the best options to ensure the best results. These diagnostic steps are necessary to ensure a smooth process that takes into consideration the physical condition of the mouth and makes an informed determination of what actions need to be taken to ensure case success. Below is a list of steps to help guide the process after the first appointment:

Digital dental impression scanner - Figure 11
  1. Take an implant-level impression, including the tissue and palate for maxillary impressions.
  2. Burbank Dental will fabricate a bite block with screw-retained temporary cylinders. It is tried in on the second appointment.
  3. With bite block tried in, record the jaw relationship.
  4. Take impressions of opposing dentition and an impression/duplicate of the patient's current denture to use as a study model.
  5. Select shades of both teeth and tissue. Select other issues, such as desired tooth shapes.
  6. A wax set-up try-in is provided utilizing the information in the previous step.
  7. With wax set up in place, evaluate esthetics, phonetics, centric relation, the vertical dimension of occlusion, and midline. Make any necessary changes.
  8. To ensure a passive fit, try in the verification jig.
  9. Take the final impression.
  10. A PMMA provisional can be fabricated for use as a trial prosthesis. The patient can wear this temporary and provide any necessary feedback before the final restorations are made.
  11. Finally, deliver the final Zir-Max.M restoration.

Be sure to get a FREE Implant Edentulous Hybrid Case Checklist from Burbank Dental Lab which is available below on this page.

Burbank Dental Lab - Implant Lab Help

* Get a free laminted guide by completing the form below.

REQUEST YOUR FREE IMPLANT SUCCESS GUIDE BELOW

Digital Method

The steps above describe the workflow when using traditional impression-taking methods. In keeping with Burbank Dental Lab's core values of bringing the most technologically sound processes to help support our customers, we also offer a new in-office scanning service utilizing the revolutionary ICam4D extraoral scanner. This technology is ideal for multi-unit implant cases. Through photogrammetric and structured light scanning techniques, accurate 3D data is captured using special scan bodies (ICamBodies).

ICam4D - Imetric

With this method, a Burbank Dental Lab Implant specialist will come to your office and provide the special scan bodies. The scan is then taken with the ICAM4d scanner using only a lip retractor. This appointment will capture the exact position of the implants, complete with angles and interrelated distances.

Next, use a standard intraoral scanner to capture the soft tissue. This information is sent to the Burbank Dental Lab digital team, and the data from both the ICam4D scanner and the intraoral scanner are aligned. The result is a high precision model that is a replica of the patient's mouth. This method will ensure a fully digital workflow resulting in a passive fitting prosthesis. The accuracy of the fit can result in fewer try-in appointments.

No matter the method, Burbank Dental Lab is one of the most experienced dental laboratories in restoring edentulous cases. Becoming a true partner to the customers we serve is the driving force behind continually improving our workflow methods and researching, testing, and implementing technology that enhances our products and supports our customers. Start a Chat with us by clicking the blue icon along the bottom right-hand corner or call us at (800) 336-3053 for help with your next implant-supported fixed prosthesis.

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Fabrication
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Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

Our New
State-Of-The-Art
3d Printers

Carbon offers a highly dependable 3D manufacturing solution for many dental applications with its breakthrough Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabled by a wide range of dental materials.

Fabrication
of the future
is here!

Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

Our New
State-Of-The-Art
3d Printers

Carbon offers a highly dependable 3D manufacturing solution for many dental applications with its breakthrough Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabled by a wide range of dental materials.