429 Too Many Requests

Case by DT Vasilis Vasiliou

MICRO-LAYERING WITH CERABIEN MiLai

No matter whether young or old, male or female: Our patients deserve a beautiful smile that matches their adjacent teeth, their face, their character and their individual needs. To be able to produce beautiful restorations that change their life for the better, we (as dental technicians) have to observe closely – and to listen attentively to the stories they tell.

‘We have to observe closely – and to listen attentively to the stories our patients tell us.’
– Vasilis Vasiliou –

Mr Andreas is a perfect example. He presented in the dental office in need of a full-mouth rehabilitation and the wish to improve the aesthetics of his smile. He asked for an age-appropriate, natural restoration design.

After careful observation and listening, I decided that the best way to restore his maxillary incisors would be with zirconia restorations. The plan was to mill the frameworks using low-value KATANA™ Zirconia YML, shade D3 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.). To facilitate the integration of some natural characteristic effects, a framework design with a primarily vestibular cutback was selected. The finishing technique of choice was micro-layering with CERABIEN™ MiLai (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.), a porcelain designed specifically for this approach.

Important steps in the finishing procedure were:

• Characterization of the milled zirconia with colouring liquids
• Pre-treatment of the sandblasted zirconia surfaces with SS Fluoro and Margin porcelain
• Internal staining with CERABIEN™ MiLai internal stains
• Application of CERABIEN™ MiLai luster porcelains

LABORATORY WORKFLOW

Zirconia splinted crowns were designed in full contour with the aid of the Leahu Library featuring tailored tooth designs (part of the Truedental Library available for exocad DentalCAD design software; Fig. 1), cut back merely in the vestibular area using the ‘calma’ reduction option (Fig. 2), and then milled and characterized with colouring liquids to optimize the chroma.

Figure 3 shows the sintered frameworks on the model, Figure 4 the try-in in the patient’s mouth. As the fit and shape of the restorations turned out to be excellent, it was time to plan the internal staining and micro-layering procedure (Figs. 5 and 6), always trying to imitate nature as closely as possible.

The tricky part is to use the available space wisely – the reason why a detailed layering sketch is useful even when in the context of micro-layering. Once the planned layering procedure had been put to practice (Figs. 7 to 10), the surface texture was finalized and the restorations were tried in again for an aesthetic evaluation. Finally, they were cemented with the adhesive resin cement PANAVIA™ V5 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.).

The beautiful treatment outcome is shown in Figure 11.

Fig. 1. Computer-aided design of the zirconia frameworks: Splinted crows displayed in a transparent mode to show the abutment teeth.

Fig. 2. Computer-aided design of the zirconia frameworks: Outer contour of the splinted crowns with a strongly elaborated surface texture and sufficient room for micro-layering.

Fig. 3. Restorations after characterization with colouring liquids and sintering on the model.

Fig. 4. Try-in of the restorations.

Fig. 7. Internal staining – specific characteristics elaborated for a natural depth effect.

Fig. 8. Layering in the cervical and body areas.

Fig. 9. Final layering with luster porcelains to complete the morphology.

Fig. 10. Final restorations after surface finishing and polishing as well as glazing on the model.

Fig. 11. Treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

The patient was thoroughly satisfied with the treatment outcome and confident that his investment was well worth it. By tailoring my approach to his unique needs, carefully observing his teeth, smile, and facial expressions, and utilizing my extensive knowledge of materials, I was able to achieve this goal successfully.

Nonetheless, I remain committed to continuous improvement by critically evaluating each restoration and seeking areas for enhancement. My dedication to growth, supported by exceptional mentors who share innovative techniques and insights, supports me in staying at the forefront of my field, striving at consistently delivering the best possible care.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Zinonas Evagorou for invaluable partnership and clinical expertise, which were instrumental in achieving this result.

Dental Technician:

VASILIS VASILIOU

Vasilis Vasiliou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, and graduated from the Technical School for Dental Technicians in Athens in 2004. He has furthered his education by attending several advanced seminars led by mentors and experts in the field, such as Ilias Psarris and Nondas Vlachopoulos.

Throughout his career, Vasilis has made significant contributions to the dental community, including presenting at various conferences in Greece and publishing articles in Greek dental magazines. Since 2020, he has been a key opinion leader for MPF Brush Company and, since 2022, a HASS Ambassador.

Vasilis has been an active member of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) since 2019.

Together with his father, Vasilis runs a successful dental laboratory in Nicosia, specializing in all-ceramic and implant restorations. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence have established him as a respected professional in his field.

Dentistry is evolving fast, and so are the expectations of patients and dentists. Nowadays, most dental practitioners know that different zirconia variants are available and that there are certain quality standards the selected material should meet to provide for aesthetic, functional and durable outcomes. Consequently, they often demand the use of a specific zirconia variant for their planned restorations.

Due to the widespread use of Tosoh zirconia in the market, however, many of these dentists are only familiar with the Tosoh 3Y / 4Y / 5Y zirconia terminology. This means that when prescribing a specific type of zirconia, they mention the desired yttria concentration. Unfortunately, this can create confusion in communication between dentists and dental laboratories: Not every zirconia brand and variant on the market fits into this Tosoh classification system.

KATANA™ Zirconia discs of Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. are made of proprietary powders and advanced multi-layered technology developed in-house. The unique performance these blanks deliver cannot be simply described with the aid of the Tosoh system. Instead, we rely on the internationally recognized ISO 6872 classification — a standard that reflects clinical indications and material performance with precision.

WHY THE ISO 6872 CLASSIFICATION MATTERS

Unlike brand-specific powder classifications, ISO 6872 provides a clear, scientific, and globally accepted framework. It ensures that when a dentist prescribes a solution, or a technician selects a material, everyone speaks the same language – based on strength, translucency, and indication range. 

CONCLUSION

KATANA Zirconia is an advanced dental zirconia family that does not fit into standard boxes like 3Y, 4Y, or 5Y. It redefines what zirconia can do – blending beauty and strength with a scientifically validated ISO classification system. By embracing globally defined and accepted ISO 6872, we can contribute to peace of mind and eliminate confusion in the market.

Always follow Information for Use provided with the product and any other relevant local regulations.

Marketing Programmes Lead (Full-time)

About Kuraray Noritake Dental

Kuraray Noritake Dental is an international player in the dental industry, developing high-quality and innovative materials for dentists and dental technicians. Our products support dental professionals worldwide in delivering the best possible care.

Our headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray Noritake Dental is part of Kuraray Inc., a global multinational with an annual turnover of approximately €4 billion. From our Northern European office in IJmuiden, the Netherlands, we support the Benelux, Nordics, Baltic States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. We combine the stability and strength of a global organisation with the speed, flexibility, and short lines of a modern working environment.

Within this organisation, we work with a professional marketing department, consisting of specialists in areas such as digital marketing and concept development, alongside colleagues who are responsible for marketing activities in the various countries where we operate. Together, we ensure consistent, effective, and locally relevant marketing.

The role

As Marketing Programmes Lead, you are responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering marketing programmes that contribute to brand visibility and commercial growth. You manage multiple campaigns and initiatives simultaneously, maintaining focus, structure, and momentum.

You continuously switch between strategy and execution and work closely with sales, product management, and external partners. The role is hands-on, dynamic, and international, with a clear focus on the UKI market. This position requires regular travel to the United Kingdom.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate marketing programmes and campaigns across multiple countries, with a strong focus on the UKI.
• Translate commercial objectives and sales input into concrete marketing initiatives.
• Take ownership of project management, including planning, budgets, quality, and progress.
• Coordinate external agencies, suppliers and internal teams for content, media and events.
• Safeguard consistent brand execution across channels and markets.
• Monitor and optimize marketing performance based on data, insights, and KPIs.
• Actively contribute to improving and innovating marketing processes and ways of working.

 Your profile

Experience working in a commercial environment in the United Kingdom and Ireland is essential. Strong familiarity with the UK market and business culture is required to be effective in this role.

• Master's or bachelor's degree (or equivalent level) in marketing, communication or related field.
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in B2B marketing, campaigns, and project management.
• Experience working with or within the UK market and familiarity with UK business culture is essential.
• Experience with marketing tools such as HubSpot, Canva, and CMS platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and a structured, organised approach.
• Excellent communication skills in English (native, written and spoken) and good communication skills in Dutch.
• Proactive, independent and hands-on, comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment.
• Experience in the medical, dental, or technical sector is a plus.

What we offer

• A senior marketing role with a high level of ownership and visible impact.
• A modern, international organisation with short lines and a fast pace.
• A committed team where professionalism and enjoyment go hand in hand.
• A pleasant working environment in IJmuiden, the Netherlands.
• A competitive salary, excellent secondary benefits, annual bonus, company smartphone and laptop.
• Room for personal development within an innovative and fast-evolving industry.

How to apply?

Excited about this opportunity or curious to learn more? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to Saskia van Daalen – ten Brink, Marketing Manager Benelux, Nordics, Baltics, UK & Ireland if you have any questions.

Email: [email protected]

Ready to apply? Please send your CV to [email protected], for the attention of
Christy Brandjes. We look forward to hearing from you!

Kuraray Europe Benelux B.V.
Margadantstraat 20, 1976 DN IJmuiden
+31 (0)255 523 701
www.kuraraynoritake.eu/uk/
www.kuraraynoritake.eu/nl

A personal assessment is part of the application procedure!

Case by Dt. Koray Kendir, DDS, Turkey (İzmir)

SYNOPSIS

Dit klinisch casusrapport beschrijft een posterieure directe composietrestauratie uitgevoerd met behulp van het “Universal Excellence”-productconcept van Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. Een universeel adhesief (CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2) en een hooggevuld, universeel flowable composiet (CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal) werden toegepast om zowel eenvoud als voorspelbaarheid te bereiken. Een stapsgewijze documentatie toont alle verschillende fasen van isolatie, preparatie van de caviteit, deep margin elevation, adhesief protocol tot de uiteindelijke restauratie. 

BESCHRIJVING

Een 38-jarige vrouwelijke patiënt meldde zich met klachten van bloedend tandvlees en gevoeligheid voor kou tussen haar maxillaire hoektand links en haar eerste premolaar (tanden #23 en #24 volgens de internationale nummering). Tijdens klinisch onderzoek werden een open marge en secundaire cariës geconstateerd bij de gingivale bodem van de bestaande restauratie op element #23. Na isolatie met een cofferdam werd de stapsgewijze behandeling gestart.

KLINISCHE PROCEDURE

Stap 1. Element #23 vertoonde een open gingivale marge en cariës (afb. 1).

Stap 2. Na verwijdering van het glazuur werden de cariës geëxcaveerd tot op het gingivale niveau. Er werd geconstateerd dat de laesie op Element #24 zich subgingivaal had uitgebreid (afb. 2).

Stap 3. Na volledige excavatie van de cariës en verfijning van de caviteit werd duidelijk dat er een deep margin elevation (DME) nodig was op element #24 (afb. 3).

Stap 4. De Deep margin elevation (DME) werd uitgevoerd op element #24 met behulp van een op maat gemaakte sectionele matrix. Eerst werden selectieve ets en CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 aangebracht, gevolgd door het aanbrengen van CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Super Low) (afb. 4 tot 6).

Stap 5. Na het voltooien van de DME werden matrixbanden geplaatst gevolgd door een directe restauratie van elementen #23 en #24 met CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal (Super Low) (afb. 7 tot 9). Dankzij de gemakkelijke verwerking van het materiaal, kleuradaptatie en de uitstekende polijstbaarheid kon deze uitdagende DME casus succesvol en efficiënt worden voltooid.

Het resultaat van de behandeling is te zien in afbeeldingen 10 en 11.

Afb. 1. Preoperatief aanzicht onder isolatie met cofferdam 

Afb. 2. Klinische situatie na excavatie van de cariës

Afb. 3. Verfijnde caviteiten met een diepe marge op de premolaar 

Afb. 4. Op maat gemaakte wig om de marge te verhogen 

Afb. 5. Buccaal aanzicht van de tanden na Deep Margin Elevation met universele producten

Afb. 6. Occlusaal aanzicht na Deep Margin Elevation met universele producten

Afb. 7. Plaatsing van een sectionele matrix 

Afb. 8. Buccaal zicht van de elementen, hersteld met een universeel flowable composiet met zeer lage viscositeit

Afb. 9. Occlusaal aanzicht van de gerestaureerde elementen

Afb. 10. Occlusaal aanzicht van de gerestaureerde elementen #23 en #24, met zichtbare kleuradaptatie, anatomische vorm en oppervlakteglans

Afb. 11. Buccaal aanzicht van de gerestaureerde elementen #23 en #24, met esthetische kleuradaptatie, anatomische vorm en oppervlakteglans

DISCUSSIE

Universele adhesieven en moderne flowables vereenvoudigen posterieure directe restauraties door de techniekgevoeligheid te verminderen en tegelijkertijd duurzame resultaten te bieden. In deze casus zorgde CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 voor sterke adhesie met een minimale applicatietijd. Het universele flowable composiet toonde uitstekende aanpassingsvermogen, polijstbaarheid en duurzaamheid. Zelfs bij een subgingivale marge die DME vereiste, werd een gestroomlijnde aanpak bereikt zonder kwaliteitsverlies.

CONCLUSIE

De combinatie van CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 en CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal stelt clinici in staat posterieure restauraties op voorspelbare en efficiënte wijze uit te voeren. Hun universele toepasbaarheid en gebruikseigenschappen sluiten aan bij het “Universal Excellence”-concept, dat een vereenvoudigde maar betrouwbare dagelijkse praktijk ondersteunt.

Ethics & Disclosure

All procedures were performed in accordance with standard dental practice. The patient provided informed consent for treatment and publication of anonymized clinical images. Author collaborates with Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. as an advisor; content reflects clinical experience.

Tandarts:

KORAY KENDIR

Dt. Koray Kendir is afgestudeerd aan de Faculteit Tandheelkunde van de Hacettepe Universiteit en is medeoprichter van een tandheelkundige privékliniek in İzmir. Hij is gespecialiseerd in digitale tandheelkunde, smile design en computerondersteunde restauratieve behandelingen. Vanwege zijn innovatieve benaderingen wordt Dr. Kendir vaak gevraagd als gastspreker op nationale tandheelkundige congressen en heeft hij een adviserende rol bij meerdere tandheelkundige bedrijven.

Our recent webinar “Chasing the Halo: Aesthetic Layering Secrets for Anterior Composites” with Algimantė Lošytė-Jančė is now available on-demand in the Events section of our website.

In this session, participants explored the optical and anatomical principles behind the halo effect and learned step-by-step composite layering techniques to achieve lifelike anterior restorations.

Algimantė, an experienced aesthetic dentist specialized in minimally invasive dentistry and natural smile design, shared her clinical insights through practical examples and artistic approaches.

If you missed the live webinar or would like to revisit the content, you can now watch it anytime at your convenience.

Case by Dr. Michał Jaczewski

FLOWABLE INJECTION TECHNIQUE

What are the most important properties of a flowable composite used for the flowable injection technique? Personal experience shows that balanced optical properties are essential, with an appropriate translucency, blend-in ability and surface gloss leading the way. However, the mechanical properties are also important, not least because the restorative material will be in direct contact with the antagonist teeth. And finally, handling properties are essential: The right level of flowability is needed for proper injection, while a void-free application is required for an intact, stain-resistant surface.

For the last seven years, CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Low (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) has been my go-to flowable composite for the flowable injection technique. Its level of flowability is ideal for the technique in the anterior and posterior region. Whenever a lower flowability is needed, it is possible to switch to the Super Low variant. Moreover, I like the shade offering, which – together with the superior polishability of the material – leads to natural aesthetics. Finally, its mechanical properties are so good that the product is approved for a wide indication range without load limitations.

When the company announced the introduction of CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES Flow Universal, which comes in just two universal shades and two different levels of flowability (Low and Super Low), I immediately decided to give it a try: The prospect of balanced properties I am already familiar with, combined with a simplified shade selection sounded very promising. So far, the new product comes up to my expectations: The following case example reveals the simplicity of the procedure and the beauty of the results. The patient presented during orthodontic (aligner) treatment for a shape correction in the anterior region due to wear of the incisal edge.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical situation: Patient in need of a shape correction in the maxillary incisor region.

Fig. 2. Application of CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) to the enamel of a central incisor, which has been merely roughened by air abrasion with aluminium oxide (50 μm at low pressure) followed by etching with a phosphoric acid etchant.

Fig. 3. Transparent silicon index placed in the mouth and CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal Low (U shade) already injected in the position of the maxillary right central incisor.

Fig. 4. Shape correction on the maxillary right central incisor completed.

Fig. 5. Situation after finishing and polishing of the incisor restorations.

Fig. 6. Nice shade match leading to a smooth blend-in with the surrounding natural tooth structure.

Fig. 7. Immediate treatment outcome supporting an improvement of the smile aesthetics and hence, the patient‘s quality of life during aligner therapy.

RESULTS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Like its related product CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow, the universal-shade version CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Universal offers properties which are – from a personal perspective – ideal for the flowable injection technique. The shade-matching properties are astonishing; the translucency is quite high when placed in thin layers (so that enamel is very well imitated), and the polishability is as good as that of CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow. For virtually effortless, bubble-free injection, the product comes in a nicely designed syringe. And last but not least, the product’s mechanical properties provide peace of mind even in the posterior region.

Dentist:

MICHAŁ JACZEWSKI

Michał Jaczewski graduated from Wroclaw Medical University in 2006 and today runs his private practice in the city of Legnica, Poland. He specializes in minimally invasive dentistry and digital dentistry and is the founder of the Biofunctional School of Occlusion. Here he lectures and runs workshops with focus on full comprehensive patient treatments.

A SMARTER GUIDE TO SELECTIVE DENTIN EXCAVATION

The modern approach to restorative dentistry emphasizes tissue preservation and clinical precision. Instead of extensive removal, today’s clinicians aim to conserve as much sound and remineralizable dentin as possible.

Caries Detector provides a simple yet effective way to achieve this precision by visually differentiating infected from affected dentin during caries excavation.

UNDERSTANDING THE DENTIN LAYERS

Dentin carious lesion is not homogeneous. It can be divided into two distinct zones:

• Infected dentin — irreversibly demineralized and heavily contaminated with bacteria; must be completely removed.
• Affected dentin — partially demineralized but capable of remineralization; should be preserved to maintain tooth vitality and strength.

The difficulty lies in identifying the exact transition between these two layers. Caries Detector facilitates this decision by providing a visual endpoint for excavation.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Caries Detector selectively stains the infected outer dentin a vivid scarlet red while leaving the affected and sound dentin unstained.

This clear chromatic differentiation allows clinicians to identify residual infected tissue and avoid unnecessary removal of reparative dentin.

Depending on the clinical situation, the material can be used:

• In shallow cavities, prior to cavity opening for assessment.
• In deep lesions, following initial excavation to guide further selective removal while preventing pulpal exposure.

CLINICAL PROTOCOL

1. Preparation – After rubber dam placement, wash and dry the carious tooth.
2. Application – Place one drop of Caries Detector on a disposable brush and apply to the cavity.
3. Reaction time – Allow ten seconds for staining to occur.
4. Rinsing – Rinse thoroughly with water to remove excess dye and reveal the stained areas.
5. Selective removal – Excavate the red-stained infected dentin with a low-speed rotary instrument, avoiding the unstained tissue.
6. Verification – Repeat application if necessary to ensure complete removal of infected dentin.

The procedure yields a clean, sound dentin surface ready for adhesive bonding and restoration.

INTEGRATING WITH MINIMALLY INVASIVE RESTORATIVE WORKFLOWS

Caries Detector represents the first step in a conservative restorative protocol, aligning with the philosophy of minimum intervention dentistry (MID).

When combined with Kuraray Noritake Dental’s range of adhesive and restorative materials, clinicians can achieve:

• Controlled removal of infected dentin 
• Enhanced bonding to sound, remineralizable dentin
• Optimized aesthetic and long-term restorative outcomes

CONCLUSION

By translating histological principles into a practical chairside tool, Caries Detector allows clinicians to perform caries excavation with greater accuracy and confidence.

It supports minimally invasive principles, preserves tooth vitality, and lays the groundwork for durable, esthetic restorations.

Caries Detector — precision you can see.

Restorative dentistry continues to evolve — driven by smarter materials, refined techniques and a growing demand for streamlined solutions that do not compromise the outcomes.

In BOND 12 Magazine, we explore how modern ceramics, composites and adhesive technologies are shaping more efficient, predictable and aesthetic restorative workflows.

This latest issue brings together clinical expertise and material science, featuring inspiring case reports, expert insights and innovative techniques for both dental practitioners and dental technicians. Highlights include a tribute to Kiyoko Ban, a pioneer in dental technology, in-depth perspectives on the evolution of zirconia, and practical approaches to anterior and posterior restorations — from simplified composite layering to flowable injection and hybrid techniques.

Check out BOND Magazine Vol. 12 to discover the stories, techniques, clinical cases and ideas shaping contemporary restorative dentistry.

Start Reading: BOND | VOLUME 12 | 12/2025

Previous versions:

BOND | SPECIAL LAB SIDE EDITION | 07/2025

BOND | VOLUME 11 | 07/2024

BOND | VOLUME 10 | 10/2023

BOND | VOLUME 9 | 08/2022

BOND | VOLUME 8 | 12/2021

Case by DT Andreas Chatzimpatzakis

AESTHETIC AND EFFICIENT SMILE MAKEOVER

Most patients asking for a smile makeover desire custom solutions rather than an off-the-peg smile: Individual tooth shapes that fit their face and their character, an internal play of colours that matches their age and natural dentition. Modern dental materials allow us to deliver what they demand in many situations – usually at a reasonable price.

For a long time, however, we have been facing challenges when combining cosmetic and medically indicated treatment – e.g. a smile makeover including the rehabilitation of a missing lateral incisor. A straightforward solution – using lithium disilicate veneers alongside a zirconia cantilever bridge, both finished with their respective porcelain systems – would have been complicated by potential differences in the final appearance. With CERABIEN™ MiLai (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.), a set of internal stains and porcelains designed for micro-layering, the situation is different: Suitable for micro-layering on zirconia and lithium disilicate, it supports its user ideally in creating a harmonious smile even when the two framework materials are combined.

A NEW CUSTOM SMILE

The following patient case is a perfect example: A female patient with a missing lateral incisor, multiple visible composite restorations in the anterior region and an enamel fracture at her incisal edge desired a smile makeover. The selected materials were Amber Press LT (HASS), shade A1, for four veneers on the central incisors and the left lateral incisor and canine (teeth # 11, 21, 22 and 23 according to the FDI notation) and KATANA™ Zirconia YML (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.), shade A2, for the planned cantilever bridge on the maxillary right canine, replacing the missing lateral incisor (teeth # 12 and 13).

Fig. 1. Female patient with a missing maxillary lateral incisor and multiple composite restorations in the anterior area – a smile makeover is desired.

Fig. 2. Patient with mock-up.

Fig. 3. Minimally invasive preparation through the mock-up, which takes into account the minimum space required for the planned materials and restorations.

Fig. 4. Teeth prepared for the all-ceramic restorations.

Fig. 5. Occlusal view of the maxillary teeth after tooth preparation.

Fig. 6. Full-contour veneers and cantilever bridge on the model.

Fig. 7. Restorations after a cutback limited to the vestibular and incisal area.

Fig. 8. CERABIEN™ MiLai LT₁ is applied to the middle and cervical area of the zirconia cantilever bridge.

Fig. 9. CERABIEN™ MiLai Value Liner 2...

Fig. 10. … and Value Liner 1 applied to the incisal area of the central and lateral incisor restorations.

Fig. 11. CERABIEN™ MiLai porcelain Creamy Enamel mixed with Value Liner 2 (70/30) added to the middle and cervical areas of the four lithium disilicate restorations to increase and control the value.

Fig. 12. ... while E2 is added to the incisal area of both canines.

Fig. 13. Restorations covered by a layer of Tx ...

Fig. 14. ... and LTx.

Fig. 15. Appearance of the restorations after the first bake.

Fig. 16. Adding translucency and opalescence to the cervical area with LT₁ and brightness to the ridges with Creamy Enamel.

Fig. 17. Completion of the enamel surface with a cover layer of LTx, which is responsible for a high translucency and opalescence.

Fig. 18. Result of the second bake.

Fig. 19. Final restorations with a natural self-glaze effect on the model.

Fig. 20. Final restorations with a natural self-glaze effect in the patient’s mouth.

Fig. 21. Smooth optical integration of the restorations.

Fig. 22. Beautiful treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

With the described approach and selected materials, it was possible to create restorations with a natural shade, shape and texture. They matched not only the appearance of the remaining natural teeth, but also showed internal consistency across the selected framework materials. The technical procedure was quite straightforward and efficient, while the result speaks for itself.

Special thanks to Dr. Kanellos Ioannis for the collaboration on this case and for kindly providing the pre- and post-treatment photographs that complemented it.

Dental technician:

ANDREAS CHATZIMPATZAKIS

Based in Athens, Greece, Andreas Chatzimpatzakis is the founder and director of ACH Dental Laboratory (since 2000), specializing in refractory veneers, lithium disilicate, zirconia, and implant prostheses. He graduated in Dental Technology from the University of West Attica and received advanced training in all-ceramic restorations in Helsinki and Japan under renowned masters including Shigeo Kataoka.

Since 2017, he has served as an international trainer for Kuraray–Noritake Dental Inc., delivering lectures and hands-on courses worldwide on advanced ceramic techniques. He has also held roles as Key Opinion Leader for MPF Brush Co., Ambassador for Hass Co., and Editor-in-Chief of Laborama. An active member of the Hellenic Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, his work and articles have been published in both Greek and international journals.

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.

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