How Zirconium Dental Restorations are Made

The dentist takes an impression, and makes a model that exactly replicates the patient's teeth (pic1).

This very precise model is then placed into a sophisticated laser- and camera-supported scanner (pic2) which re-creates a three-dimensional picture on the computer.
 

The restoration is now designed (pic3) with the help of the computer, using techniques similar to what is used in the aerospace industry. The possibilities of the design are virtually unlimited, ranging from single crowns to the most elaborate bridgework.

The ZENO Tec milling machine will now use this data to mill an extremely precise restoration out of a Zirconium ZENO Zr disc (pic5).
 

Finally, these objects are then cut out and sintered in a special high temperature furnace. Then the crown and bridge substructure is ready to be veneered (pic6) with a special ceramic material (ZIROX), which is formulated to mimic the color, translucency, and texture of your teeth as accurately as possible.

Master ceramist Rick Durkee, CDT, AAACD will then create the most natural and esthetic restoration by completing the individual case with different kinds of tooth-imitating ceramic powders (pic7).

This masterpiece is then fired in a special ceramic furnace, thus developing the tooth-like vitality and aesthetics (pic8).