How does Nondas Vlachopoulos baking schedule optimize aesthetic quality and mechanical performance?

HOW TO OPTIMIZE ALL-CERAMIC RESTORATION BOTH AESTHETIC AND MECHANICAL?

A homogeneous porcelain structure, a strong bond between framework and veneering layer and a natural play of colours: All those characteristics of a high-quality all-ceramic restoration are not only strongly dependent on manual skills of the dental technician, but also on ideal firing conditions.

Only with a well maintained and properly functioning furnace and the right protocols, it is possible to obtain consistently great results in terms of aesthetics and function.

This is true for all kinds of all-ceramic restorations consisting of a framework and a veneering layer: It applies to full layering with a classical anatomical framework design and a relatively thick layer of porcelain, as well as to various cut-back designs finished using the modern micro-layering technique. A material that belongs to the latter category of porcelains and is becoming increasingly popular among dental technicians worldwide is CERABIEN™ MiLai (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.). The set of low-fusing porcelains and internal stains has been specifically developed for micro-layering, and works well with different variants of lithium disilicate and zirconia.

While the firing parameters provided by manufacturers like Kuraray Noritake Dental serve as reliable and thoroughly tested guidelines, experienced technicians often explore beyond these standards to achieve the highest possible aesthetic and functional outcomes.

This is precisely what MDT Nondas Vlachopoulos has done with CERABIEN MiLai. A distinguished expert in porcelain layering, he uses this material in his own dental laboratory “AestheticLab” in Athens and during his trainings. Drawing on his deep understanding of ceramic behaviour and extensive experience with a variety of furnaces, he has developed a refined protocol tailored to his lab conditions and artistic goals.

CERABIEN MiLai Baking Schedule by MDT Nondas Vlachopoulos.

His adjustments — such as overbaking the wash layer for structural homogeneity, adding vacuum during internal staining to avoid opacity, or fine-tuning temperatures depending on the ceramic zone (tissue vs. enamel) — are all examples of how small changes can lead to noticeable improvements in both aesthetics and function. Such expert refinements are only possible due to the exceptional flexibility of CERABIEN MiLai, enabled by its unique synthetic feldspar matrix. This advanced material composition offers excellent thermal stability and responsiveness, making it ideal for both standard use and high-level customization. Several leading technicians, including Alek Aronin, have independently followed similar approaches — confirming that Nondas’ schedule reflects a broader best practice among top users.

The above baking schedule has been validated on the furnaces Nondas Vlachopoulos uses in his laboratory on a daily basis – AUSTROMAT™ 624 (Dekema) and checked also in Programat® P510 (Ivoclar Vivadent). He truly recommends using this baking schedule independent of the ambient conditions and the furnace used: “As a hands-on course instructor at the International Dental Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) Istanbul 2025 on May 9, I used a local furnace for the first time. With the aid of my protocols, baking CERABIEN MiLai restorations in this type of furnace the outcome was as if have been fired my laboratory.”

According to Nondas Vlachopoulos, getting started with the new schedule is easy: “Just follow the IFU of your materials and equipment, enter the parameters and that’s it.” He recommends to conduct a trial bake first, before moving on to real patient cases.

For more information on how to maximize the potential of your furnace and material, have a look at our firing guide!

Dentist:

NONDAS VLACHOPOULOS

Nondas Vlachopoulos was born in Toronto, Canada, and graduated from the School of Dental Technology in 1985. He earned a BSc (Hons) from the Technological Educational Institution of Athens in 1989 and founded AestheticLab in Athens in 1990. An expert in aesthetic all-ceramic and implant restorations, Nondas is an international member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an editorial reviewer for the Journal of the AACD, and a member of the Hellenic Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. In 2024, he received the Kenneth D. Rudd Award from the American Prosthodontic Society.

He collaborates with the Department of Prosthodontics at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (University of Rochester, USA),  and has worked with the Dental School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2015, he contributes to the postgraduate MSc program in Dental Biomaterials.

Nondas is a global lecturer and hands-on educator, presenting in the USA, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. He has published in both Greek and international dental journals and serves as an opinion leader for Noritake Dental and MPF Brush Co. in Greece.

• 25.11.2025

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