The new way of micro-layering

Case by Andreas Chatzimpatzakis

With CERABIEN™ ZR, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. offers a whole porcelain portfolio for the finishing of restorations based on zirconia. Originally developed for complex layering techniques, the synthetic feldspathic porcelain powders, liquid ceramics, internal and external stains allow for the creation of beautiful dental artwork. We love to work with the system as it offers consistent handling and mechanical properties, allowing us to produce predictable outcomes.

However, the complexity of the system with its huge number of different shades can pose challenges to less experienced users. This complexity is further increased when different substructure materials are used, as CERABIEN™ ZR works exclusively on zirconia, so that users would need to select and manage a second porcelain system when opting for a lithium disilicate framework, for example.

For dental technicians who would like to keep it smartly simple, the new CERABIEN™ MiLai line-up is certainly a great solution. Specifically developed for micro-layering on pre-shaded, highly translucent substructure materials such as lithium disilicate or a latest-generation zirconia, CERABIEN™ MiLai porcelains and internal stains may be applied in a thin (micro-) layer on restorations with a small (vestibular) cut-back. Just like CERABIEN™ ZR, the new system is based on synthetic feldspathic porcelain delivering consistent properties, but the line-up is reduced to 15 internal stains and 16 porcelains. As the CERABIEN™ MiLai has a firing temperature of 740 °C (1,364 °F), it works on oxide ceramics like zirconia, but also on reinforced silicate ceramics like lithium disilicate*.

*The material should have CTE value within 9.5~11.0×10^-6 /K (50~500 °C)

Consequently, the system may be used as the universal porcelain system for micro-layering on aesthetic ceramics. With its slim portfolio, it fits the philosophy of creating impressive restorations with fewer components, layers and bakes very well, as demonstrated in two different case examples below.

VENEERS BASED ON LITHIUM DISILICATE

Fig. 1. Six anterior veneers made of lithium disilicate (Amber Press LTA2 HASS Bio), designed with a slight cut-back to create the space needed for micro-layering.

Fig. 2. Restorations after the application of CERABIEN™ MiLai Value Liner 1 followed by wash firing and internal staining. This type of porcelain increases the value of lithium disilicate restorations. By staining the core, we control the chroma and add some internal characteristic effects. In this case, we added Cervical 2 to the marginal area and characterized the incisal third with Cervical 2 and Incisal Blue 1 & 2.

Fig. 3. First porcelain layer consisting of CERABIEN™ MiLai LT1 applied to the cervical, ELT1 to the mesial third and TX to the incisal third before …

Fig. 4. … and after the first bake.

Fig. 5. Application of internal stains for special effects like cracks, intense chroma etc.

Fig. 6. Second porcelain layer consisting of CERABIEN™ MiLai LT1 applied to the canines as well as the cervical third of the central and lateral incisors, while the middle and incisal third of the four incisors is individualised with LTx.

Fig. 7. Finished restorations on the master cast.

Fig. 8. Lateral view of the restorations highlighting their natural surface texture.

ANTERIOR BRIDGEWORK BASED ON ZIRCONIA

Fig. 1. KATANA™ Zirconia HTML Plus (A2 shade) structure immediately after milling.

Fig. 2. Appearance of the substructure after sintering.

Fig. 3. High translucency of the zirconia with the applied CERABIEN™ MiLai stains and porcelains on teeth and gingiva.

Fig. 4. Palatal view of the individualized restoration before the firing process.

Fig. 5. Restoration ready for try-in.

CONCLUSION

The two different cases confirm that CERABIEN™ MiLai works very well on lithium disilicate and zirconia. Despite the reduced number of stains and shades, it is possible to imitate most of the shades and individual effects found in natural teeth, which are important for lifelike outcomes. Hence, the new material is worth a try for everyone who prefers standardized and simplified procedures.

Dental technician:

ANDREAS CHATZIMPATZAKIS

Andreas graduated from the Dental Technology Institute (TEI) of Athens in 1999. During his studies he followed a program at the Helsinki Polytechnic Department of Dental Technique, where he trained on implant superstructures and all ceramic prosthetic restorations. As of 2000, he is running the ACH Dental Laboratory in Athens, Greece, specialized on refractory veneers, zirconia and long span implant prosthesis.

In 2017 Andreas visited Japan where he trained under the guidance of Hitoshi Aoshima, Naoto Yuasa and Kazunabu Yamanda and become International Trainer for Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc..