36 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST COVER STORY For years, zirconia wasn’t the first choice for veneers – it was considered too opaque, too rigid, and bonding was unreliable. But recent advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques are heralding a new era for zirconia veneers. Today, Southern Cross Dental is producing zirconia veneers that are stronger, more aesthetic, and more functional than ever, now with enhanced bonding capabilities for a more secure and lasting fit. “Zirconia is an exciting new option in aesthetic dentistry,” says Peter Newman, Technical Solutions Manager at Southern Cross Dental’s Sydney Laboratory. He shares why Southern Cross Dental’s zirconia veneers are becoming increasingly popular among dentists and patients. Aesthetic breakthroughs in zirconia technology The biggest improvement in zirconia veneers has been in translucency, thanks to refinements in composition, the addition of cubic Zr, and advanced milling techniques using five-axis machines. This gives Southern Cross Dental’s zirconia veneers a more natural appearance, with enhanced opalescence and translucency, making them an incredibly natural-looking option for patients. “In terms of aesthetics, zirconia is on a similar level to e.max,” says Newman. Another advantage of zirconia? The ease with which dentists can make changes to the veneers in the rare instance that patients are satisfied with their new smile, notes Newman. “Many patients adjust to their new smile within a week, but if they’re unhappy, digital records make modifications much easier.” Strength without compromise “Zirconia is incredibly strong,” says Newman. “It has high flexural strength and fracture toughness, which makes it more resistant to chipping or breaking. Additionally, performing a try-in over certain undercuts reduces the risk of breakage, ensuring a safer and more predictable fit.” With a flexural strength of ≥600MPs, our zirconia veneers are inherently stronger than traditional pressed ceramics like e.max. “E.max, which is a lithium disilicate material, is quite weak before bonding. It needs to be bonded to enamel for full strength, whereas zirconia is structurally stronger on its own.” Bonding zirconia has historically been challenging due to its lack of glass content, which prevents traditional acid etching. However, new techniques have solved this issue. “To address this, we now apply a glassceramic spray deposition (GCSD) coating to the fitting surface before heating it in a furnace. This creates a rough surface that improves adhesion. The result is a strong bond comparable to traditional ceramics.” A less invasive way to achieve a perfect smile For dentists, working with zirconia veneers won’t mean major changes to their current protocols. Southern Cross Dental’s zirconia veneers support a minimally invasive approach, allowing dentists to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. “Patients, especially younger ones, are increasingly concerned about preserving their teeth,” Newman explains. “In the past, extensive preparation was common, sometimes even leading to extractions. Today, the focus has shifted toward conservation and preventative dentistry.” From a handling perspective, dentists can treat zirconia veneers like e.max veneers, notes Newman. “The key is having confidence in the bonding process, especially when combining crowns and veneers for a seamless, natural-looking smile.” Why zirconia veneers are here to stay Zirconia veneers provide a minimally invasive solution that preserves natural tooth structure while delivering a beautiful, long-lasting smile. With enhanced translucency, unmatched strength, and a streamlined digital process, zirconia veneers are revolutionising aesthetic dentistry, says Newman. “It’s an exciting new material that offers strength, aesthetics, and digital workflow compatibility.” u Southern Cross Dental is a leading supplier of dental solutions, including zirconia veneers. Discover the benefits of zirconia veneers today – visit www.scdlab.com to learn more. A new era for zirconia veneers WWW.PROFDENT.COM.AU OPG X-Ray Storage Sleeves Store all OPG X-Rays Pen & pencil write on central strip Complete protective storage Films easily viewed Readily accessible
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