Ceramics

Since opening in 1965, we have specialised in high quality restorations. For porcelain bonded to metal systems, we use several porcelains including Vita, Ivoclar and Shofu. We can highly recommend Vita-Omega 900 as it's hardness is close to tooth enamel

In all ceramic systems, we can supply Zirconia, Procera, Empress 2 and the IPS E-MAX.

We have extensive experience in large span brigework, precision attachments and full mouth restoration and implant supported prostheses.

Zirconia

ipsEmpress®2

Vita-Omega 900®

E-MAX

Procera®

Zirconia offers an all ceramic system which is capable of being used for many restorations including bridgework in the posterior region of the mouth.

The recent development of polycrystalline ceramic frameworks, such as Zirconia, is proving extremely successful for prosthetic dental restorations.

While traditional Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns were a great technical improvement when first introduced, one of their disadvantages has been the development of unsightly black lines at the margin edge as gums recede over time.

Zirconia’s toothcoloured core eliminates the risk of black lines. More stable in posterior applications than glass and infiltrated ceramics, Zirconia also has outstanding stability and biocompatibility, and is significantly stronger than conventional ceramic materials.

Zirconia is suitable for a wide range of crown and bridge applications for anterior and most posterior prosthetic requirements.

Zirconia’s superior durability and aesthetics make it the optimum restoration material for all-ceramic systems, proven by the increasing demand for Zirconia crowns over the traditional PFM.

Zirconia’s Advantages Accuracy of Fit
The excellent fit demanded for clinical success is achieved with CAD/CAM milling accuracy combined with precise computerised calculation of the sintering shrinkage so that the cement gap can be adjusted to individual requirements.

Unparalleled Strength
Zirconia’s ability to withstand many times the large occlusal forces in both anterior and posterior areas makes it one of the few polycrystalline ceramics suitable for use in dental framework materials.

Improved Aesthetics
Zirconia’s material properties allow a low wall thickness in order to deliver an ideal tooth-like translucency. The strength of the relatively thin framework allows optimal space for the layering of ceramic, even in difficult situations.

The Zirconia framework is available in a number of different shades and opacity, producing an optimum aesthetic end result with the addition of the specially designed veneer ceramic.

Biocompatibility
Zirconia has a very high level of biocompatibility and has already been in use for more than a decade as a material for surgical implants such as hip joints. Clinical studies show that both the Zirconium oxide and the veneer ceramic produce no measurable solubility of allergic potential and no irritation of the tissue. Unlike metal supported units, Zirconia has low thermal conductivity, eliminating sensitivity to temperature variation, while plaque accumulation is similar to the natural tooth.

top

ipsEmpress®2
The second generation of the revolutionary system in aesthetic dentistry, IPSEmpress 2, now offers the possibility to fabricate all-ceramic bridges. The new lithium disilicate framework ceramic and the apatite layering ceramic permit the fabrication of all ceramic bridges that demonstrate properties similar to those of natural teeth.

Ivoclar claims the strength of IPSEmpress 2 now allows for three unit anterior bridgework or single unit posterior restorations.

top

Vita Omega 900 has a fine grained structure previously found mainly in ceramics used in the metal free system. Vita claims that Omega 900 has the wear characteristice of natural tooth enamel. They also claim Omega 900 has optimal adhesive bonding with metal and is applicable for all alloy types.

Superfine particle size easily polishes to a high lusture, better resisting plaque and stain accumulation. Ease of polishing allows for quicker chair side finishing.

Vita introduced the 3D Master system to allow the choice of colour selection to be made more systematically. By using maths and science to define the method, the 3D master system does allow better communication between the dentist and technician.

Omega 900 is inherently stronger than conventional P.F.M. ceramic due to uniform leucite crystal distribution.

Omega 900 has advanced luminescent and flourescent components which allow the ceramic to adjust to varying light conditions similar to that of natural dentition.

Shade determination now: Systematic precision shade matching

top

The Procera Method in Brief
Below is a summary of the process used to make Procera® AllCeram for densely sintered aluminium oxide crowns and Procera® AllTitan for titanium Bridges. The preparation model (die) is scanned in the Procera® scanner, which transfers the information to a PC data file. The finished data file from the dental technician controls the computerised production of Procera® crowns and bridges.

Procera® Allceram: Production of the ceramic coping is automatically controlled be a PC data file.			Procera® AllTitan: The exterior curves of the titanium surface are milled. Graphite electrodes are used to create interior curves.
A die is shaped in a computer-controlled Procera mill. Aluminium oxide powder compacted on the cast froms the coping's inside surface. The outer contour is milled before sintering.			The graphite electrodes shape the titanium metal be spark erosion to make interior angles and curves.
During sintering to full density, the coping shrinks to fit into the preparation cast.			Crowns and bridge parts are welded together with a patented stereo laser welder.
To optimise esthetics with the semi-translucent coping, a special porcelain has been developed which enables the crown to blend with the surrounding natural teeth.			The titanium construction is veneered with a special porcelain which has been developed to be applied to titanium and which gives strong bonding and high wear resistance, as well as optimum esthetics.

Allow approximately 10 working days for these restorations.

top