Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Strength Based on Science Drives Glidewell Dental Lab’s BruxZir® Solid Zirconia

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Abstract:
BruxZir Solid Zirconia, the latest innovation from Glidewell Dental Lab, is a full-contour solid dental zirconia crown or bridge with no porcelain overlay. This new restoration proves strong, reliable and esthetic because of the science behind its composition.

Strength Based on Science Drives Glidewell Dental Lab’s BruxZir® Solid Zirconia

Newport Beach, CA | Posted on July 1st, 2010

BruxZir Solid Zirconia, the latest innovation from Glidewell Dental Lab, is a full-contour solid zirconia crown or bridge with no porcelain overlay. This new restoration proves strong, reliable and esthetic because of the science behind its composition.

BruxZir Solid Dental Zirconia Crowns and Bridges from Glidewell Dental LabGlidewell Dental Lab's 53-person Research & Development Team set out to create a superior product using zirconia, which has been a popular dental material for the last several years. In fact, zirconium powder (made from zirconium oxide, Zr02) is one of the most studied ceramic materials in the world. In their research, scientists have discovered that dental zirconia exhibits unique properties that make it ideal for restorative treatment.

BruxZir is manufactured from yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, which exhibits superior mechanical properties such as high strength and flexibility. A breakthrough in nanotechnology, YSZ surpasses the strength limitations of traditional fine ceramics. This advanced material not only holds vast potential for dental labs; it has applications in an array of fields including energy and telecommunications. For the purposes of dental restorations, four physical properties exhibited by YSZ-based BruxZir Solid Zirconia make it ideal.

The first of these characteristics is strength. Typical zirconia exhibits a flexural strength of more than 1,200 MPa. However, BruxZir Solid Zirconia dental restorations are able to exceed that strength threshold, with flexural strengths up to 1,465 MPa.

Another benefit is high fracture toughness, also known as K1C value. To illustrate this concept, consider that a piece of lead or steel would have a high fracture toughness; glass or brittle materials have a low value. The fracture toughness for the YSZ used to fabricate BruxZir Solid Zirconia is three to six times higher than typical zirconia. This is the case because of a unique event known as phase transformation toughening that occurs in the material. The toughening mechanism comes into play when a crack is encountered. The cubic grains are constraining the tetragonal precipitates that want to expand and release associated energy. When these grains are faced with a crack tip, the tetragonal phase is released and allowed to change back to the more stable monoclinic phase. This results in volumetric expansion, effectively closing the crack and allowing a sort of self-healing to occur. This same property means BruxZir has excellent impact resistance.

In addition, this dental zirconia has excellent resistance to thermal shock. Low thermal expansion means that BruxZir will remain very stable in the mouth.

The fourth and most innovative property exhibited is color and translucency. Glidewell Dental Labs has recorded advancements that make it possible to change the opaque natural white hue of zirconia to a more desirable translucent natural ivory shade. The material scientists at the dental lab start with the most pure powders available and create better chemistry by refining particulates via size reduction and blending.

These breakthroughs were pivotal in creating BruxZir Solid Zirconia, which is indicated for bruxers and grinders as an esthetic alternative to posterior metal occlusal PFMs and cast-metal restorations. Designed and milled using CAD/CAM technology, BruxZir is a virtually chip-proof dental restoration that is proving a success with dentists and patients alike.

Dentists who are seeking a more esthetic alternative to full-cast gold or metal occlusal PFM's can prescribe their first BruxZir Solid Zirconia crown or bridge restoration by calling our lab at 800-854-7256 to schedule an in-office case pickup. To learn about the full benefits of BruxZir, view clinical videos, review case studies and more, visit www.BruxZir.com.

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About Glidewell Dental Lab
Glidewell Dental Lab is a privately owned corporation that has more than 40 years of history as a provider of high-quality dental restorations to dental practitioners nationwide. It has its own 53-person R&D team and is the most resourceful dental lab in the world. Its newly developed CAD/CAM processing capabilities are recognized as among the most advanced in the lab industry. To view our large selection of clinical videos, CE courses and our products and services, visit Glidewell Dental Lab.

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