How to obtain predictable excellence with zirconium oxide

Zirconium oxide is a proven, reliable high-strength ceramic that offers an ideal combination of strength, durability and esthetics; however, the material can be difficult to manage and cut using conventional diamond instruments.

Komet USA’s ZR-Diamonds™ and DCB grinders are said to offer comprehensive solutions, enabling users to achieve superior results quickly and with minimal effort. ZR-Diamonds are constructed with diamond particles permanently bonded in a dense, packed layer. The result is a line of superior coarse-, medium- and fine-grit diamond instruments that address modern ceramic demands.

The exceptionally versatile DCB sintered-diamond abrasives are said to be ideal for recontouring a wide range of materials, including zirconia. They are designed to achieve extremely fine, easy-to-polish surfaces smoothly and rapidly. Less prone to fracture than traditional grinders, DCB instruments reportedly maintain their working edge far longer than standard abrasives and  work very quickly with little user-applied pressure, thereby minimizing operator fatigue.

How to use Komet USA's ZR-Diamonds™ and DCB grinders

1. Use the medium-grit ZR943.FG.080 to separate the coping from the HIP zirconium oxide blank. Note: When using ZR-Diamonds, always use plenty of water coolant.

2. Trim sprues with the DCB4.HP.120 abrasive or the DCB7C.HP.220 big wheel.

3. To make adjustments to the prosthesis, use a medium-grit ZR-Diamond such as the ZR379.FG.014.

4. The fine-grit ZR8801L.FG.010 is used to smooth the coping and make more precise adjustments.

5. Smooth the frame of the zirconium-oxide bridge with the DCB1.HP.025 abrasive.

6. Use the coarse-grit ZR6830L.FG.014 to remove large sprues.

7. Recontour the substructure or intermediate element with the ZR6881.FG.016.

8. For interproximal areas, apply the DCB5.HP.220 abrasive.

ZR-Diamonds are said to enable the user to easily achieve optimal results in minimal time. These exceptional diamonds are designed to address modern ceramic demands while offering a considerably longer operating life and material-reduction capacity than conventional diamond instruments.

Watch a video of this technique below: