The ZIRMAX M brand of zirconia is a high-quality material that works well for crowns and bridges, including long-span bridges. Also, this material can be used as high-strength substructures when layering is the best option for a specific case.

One of the critical factors in choosing a zirconia material is to consider its flexural strength. With over 1000 MPa, ZIRMAX M is one of the most durable monolithic zirconia options on the market. This strength helps to provide for long-lasting restorations that resist fracture and breakage.

ZIRMAX M also offers 25 percent more translucency than other comparable high-strength materials. This translucency helps to create more natural and lifelike restorations.

The ZIRMAX ME brand of zirconia is a high-quality esthetic zirconia option. The flexural strength of this material is 750 Mpa.

It is an excellent option for anterior bridges of up to 4 units and posterior bridges of up to 3 units. Bridges can extend to the second premolar.

This material is 47 percent more translucent than other zirconia brands.

The shades of this zirconia have been formulated to offer more esthetic options, and their unique color formulations eliminate graying in the lighter shade spectrum.

The esthetic characteristics of this material make it a good choice for anterior monolithic restorations.

• This material is metal-free, ensuring there will be no metal margins exposed and causing issues to the gums. There is no chance of discoloration around the gum area.
• Zirconia is biocompatible and does not produce any toxic or immunological reactions in the mouth. These restorations create a healthy tissue response, and the smooth nature of the surface of the restorations minimizes plaque buildup.
• Zirconia can be prescribed for patients with metal allergies.
• This material is extremely strong, making the possibility of fractures or chipping rare.
• Esthetic elements are achieved through the full range of shades available and the option of different translucencies. This selection provides for easy shade matching of the patient’s surrounding dentition.
• Zirconia can be used for crowns, bridges, long-span bridges, including implant-retained prostheses. Restorations can either be layered or designed to full contour. The customization of this versatile material ensures excellent results for each patient.

Layered Zirconia

When fabricating zirconia, there are two types to choose from, either layered or solid zirconia.

Layered Zirconia is often used when esthetics are extremely important. It is frequently prescribed for use on the anterior teeth. It can be used in the posterior, but sufficient clearance is a must. These are best prescribed when the patient’s number one concern is the overall esthetics.

Layered Zirconia offers beautiful natural-looking results like the ones in the case below.

This patient presented wanting to improve their smile. They had old anterior crowns that were not esthetically acceptable.

Before ZIRMAX Layered

The patient wanted to enhance the shapes, length, and overall color. In addition, the buccal corridor was deficient, and it was apparent that this needed to be brought out to help widen her whole smile.

This patient also had severe tetracycline staining, and it was essential to mask the discoloration and provide her with a bright new result.

Burbank Dental Lab fabricated her 28 ZIRMAX layered crowns.

Solid Zirconia is used when strength is the number one case criteria. For patients with grinding or bruxing issues, solid zirconia offers a restorative option that can withstand these concerns.

There is a wide selection of shades available to make these an option for any shade match.

Solid Zirconia is also excellent at masking dark preparations such as those found with endodontically-treated teeth, posts, and implant abutments.

• When prepping for zirconia crowns, it is vital to ensure a passive fit.
• As with most preparation designs, sufficient reduction is necessary for the best esthetic results.
• To ensure the crown is fabricated to achieve its ideal strength, a uniform reduction throughout the prep is critical.
• Make sure all edges are smooth to decrease stressors and reduce the chance of fractures.

  Also, digital scanners will be able to read smoother surfaces with more accuracy.

During the cementation of zirconia crowns, it is essential to remove all excess cement to avoid the chances of contributing to periodontal disease or tooth sensitivity.

Margins should be finished with non-cutting finishing burs. If any adjustments are necessary, use only diamond burs that are meant for use with zirconia. It is important not to generate heat while adjusting zirconia as this can lead to micro-fractures that can compromise the restoration’s overall strength and longevity.

Zirconia is easily one of the most widely prescribed restorations in the dental industry. It can be used to fabricate single units and long-span bridges that are extremely strong and virtually indestructible.

Understanding which type of zirconia to use is critical in achieving the ideal outcome for any particular case.

The ZIRMAX Family of restorations from Burbank Dental Lab offers the benefits of strength coupled with the elements of esthetics.