Dental zirconia block (a type of ceramic material) has proved to be a revolutionary material in modern dentistry. Primary applications of dental zirconia blocks include manufacturing zirconia-based dental crowns and bridges, implants, and dental restorations. It is used in advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing to manufacture dental restoration.
This article explains what is dental zirconia block and how it is used in modern restorative dentistry. You’ll also find information about different types of dental zirconia material including solid, high-translucency, layered, and pre-shaded dental zirconia blocks. Dental zirconia material has many advantages over other dental materials which are also discussed in this article.
What is a Dental Zirconia Block?
A dental zirconia ceramic block is a dental material made from zirconium dioxide ZrO₂. It is a pre-sintered, high-strength material designed and ready to be used in CAD/CAM systems.
It is crucial to select the right dental zirconia block for cad cam. The dental zirconia block for dental restoration use offers durability and natural aesthetics.
Types of Dental Zirconia Blocks
Solid Dental Zirconia Block
Solid zirconia is the strongest and most durable of all other dental zirconia ceramic blocks. Its exceptional strength makes it suitable for load-bearing restorations. Here are some key features of dental zirconia blocks.
- It is made from zirconium dioxide stabilized with Yttria.
- Strength of more than 1200MPa.
- It can withstand strong chewing forces.
- Do not cause adverse reactions.
- It is fully sintered to maximum strength.
- Ideal for molars and bridges.
High-Translucency Dental Zirconia Blocks
High-translucency Zirconia Blocks are a perfect combination of strength and aesthetic precision. These dental zirconia blocks are perfect for restorations where appearance matters as much as durability. Key features of high-translucency dental zirconia blocks include:
- Designed to mimic the natural radiance of enamel and gradation of teeth.
- Offer impressive strength of 700-900 MPa.
- Suitable for crowns, bridges, and veneers.
- Provide a balance of durability and beauty.
Layered Dental Zirconia Blocks
Layered zirconia blocks are engineered with several layers of zirconia that vary in translucence, and color to closely match the complex structure of natural teeth. These dental zirconia blocks are pre-shaded which eliminates the need for additional staining. Let’s have a look at the key features of these dental zirconia blocks:
- The high strength of 700-900MPa.
- Offer a realistic tooth-like appearance.
- Ideal for anterior crowns, bridges, and veneers.
Pre-Shaded Zirconia Blocks
These blocks are pre-colored to match common tooth shades. These dental zirconia blocks allow for quick, natural-looking restorations without the need for additional staining or layering. Key features of Pre-shaded Zirconia Blocks:
- As they are pre-shaded they improve work-flow efficiency.
- Blend seamlessly with surrounding natural teeth.
Advantages of Dental zirconia blocks over other materials
- With a flexural strength ranging from 900–1200 MPa, zirconia dental blocks are much stronger than materials like nanoceramics and acrylic, which typically have strengths of 200–400 MPa. This superior strength contributes to their outstanding fracture resistance.
- Zirconia blocks are highly biocompatible, ensuring no immune response or adverse reactions in the body. Unlike metal-based materials, zirconia is an ideal choice for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies.
- The ultra-translucent nature of dental zirconia blocks allows for a natural appearance in dental restorations. This translucency ensures that the material balances strength with a highly aesthetic outcome, mimicking the natural shine and appearance of teeth.
- Zirconia blocks are highly resistant to wear and are less affected by factors such as food, saliva, pH changes, or bruxism. This makes zirconia a low-maintenance material that remains durable even in the most challenging oral environments.
- Dental restorations made from dental zirconia blocks are known for their longevity, often lasting between 10 to 20 years with proper care. This durability ensures that zirconia restorations are a cost-effective and reliable solution over time.
- One of the standout features of zirconia blocks is their ability to closely match the color and shine of natural teeth. Their high translucency allows them to replicate the visual properties of enamel, providing excellent aesthetic outcomes in restorative dentistry.
Applications of Dental Zirconia Blocks in CAD/CAM:
Computer-aided design and manufacturing is a used technology to design and manufacture dental restoration. It is used to design and create dental prostheses, crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, etc. CAD CAM technology simplifies and speeds up the whole process of design, creation, and fitting of dental restorations. Here’s the process of creating dental restorations using CAD-CAM technology:
- The doctor will examine the patient’s teeth looking for decayed and damaged teeth needing restorations. The next step is preparing the teeth to fit the desired restoration.
- Digital scans are captured using an intraoral scanner. This scan creates a 3D digital model of the mouth. These cans are uploaded in CAD software.
- Based on a 3D digital model the doctor will design restorations ( crowns, bridges, veneers, etc) in computer-aided software.
- Next is milling. A pre-shaded zirconia block is chosen and placed in the milling machine. A 3D printer will carve the dental zirconia block in the final restoration. Then zirconia needs to be sintered.
- The restoration is placed in a sintering furnace, where it is heated to a high temperature (usually around 1,500–1,600°C) for several hours.
- The last step is making minor adjustments to ensure that the restoration fits perfectly on the tooth.
The best dental zirconia block for CAD/CAM processing should have a strength of at least 700MPa. These blocks should be engineered for precise milling. Dental zirconia blocks should have thermal expansion equal to that of a natural tooth.
Aidite: Manufacturer of Dental Zirconia Block
Aidite dental zirconia block supplier is a trusted name in dental material, specializing in advanced zirconia solutions. Our products meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and aesthetics. Aidite provides dental professionals with reliable materials designed for seamless workflows and superior patient outcomes. Visit our website today and join the evolution of dental care.
Aizir
Aizir or AIZIR Zirconia Zirconia Material has advanced R&D integration for larger systematic processing. Here are features that make it a superior dental zirconia block:
- Ultra-wide sintering temperature ranging from 1510 to 1570 ℃.
- Super high translucency for excellent aesthetic results.
- Stable 3D gradient effect.
- Wide 16-color range.
- High Sintered Density (≥6.0 g/cm³)
- Bionic Aesthetic Effect
- Fracture Toughness (≥5 MPa√m
FAQs related to Dental Zirconia Blocks
What is a dental zirconia block made of?
Dental Zirconia blocks are made of ceramic material zirconium dioxide. These blocks are often mixed with other elements to enhance properties.
What are the properties of dental zirconia blocks for a milling machine?
Dental Zirconia blocks which are used for milling are pre-sintered for easier milling and shaping. These blocks are designed to work with CAD/CAM milling machines. These characteristics make dental zirconia blocks highly compatible with milling machines.
Is dental Zirconia a metal?
Dental Zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide which is metallic. But due to its composition and nature dental zirconia is classified as a ceramic material. It is 100% metal-free.
Are zirconia veneers better than porcelain?
Both materials offer their pros and cons. Porcelain is a better choice for aesthetic purposes in the anterior teeth. For patients who prioritize strength and durability zirconia material should be preferred.
Are zirconia crowns toxic?
Zirconia dental material is highly biocompatible. It does not cause any immune response in the body. Dental zirconia crowns are safe and non-toxic.
Conclusion
Dental Zirconia blocks are ceramic materials that are designed and pre-sintered for use in CAD/CAM technology to make dental restorations. Different types of dental zirconia blocks include solid, high-translucency, layered, and pre-shaded zirconia blocks. These dental zirconia blocks are specifically designed to be used in different dental restoration materials. Solid blocks are suitable for restorations requiring high strength. Layered dental zirconia blocks are preferred for their aesthetic appeal. It is very crucial to choose the right type of dental zirconia material for the manufacturing of dental restorations. Aidite dental zirconia blocks are designed with cutting-edge technology and offer unmatched strength, durability, and aesthetic precision for dental restorations. These dental zirconia blocks deliver perfect results and outstanding efficiency.