SDL ORIGINal Z FCZ Bridge
January 21, 2010
I’ve spent so much time over the past three weeks with our new Origin Pro 5000 milling machine that my wife is starting to get jealous. I keep tell her that my efforts will start to pay off, and I’m actually starting to believe myself.
Case in point – We fabricated this three-unit posterior bridge using Origin’s HS Zirconia (IdentCeram rated @ 1400 MPa). 
I uploaded these pictures to my WordPress Media Library – I think there was quite a bit of degradation of the image in the process, but you should get the idea. FCZ’s are viable not only as single unit restorations, but should be considered for splint applications, as well. Keep in mind – this is solid zirconia. No veneering ceramic was applied. I would not hesitate to characterize this type of restoration as virtually unbreakable.
And, an FCZ is a whole lot more esthetic and more cost-efficient than full cast gold. We can fabricate these restorations on just about any preparation, even feather-edge margins, and given the strength of the zirconia, we only need .5mm of occlusal reduction (of course, you won’t get much anatomical detail at that, but….)
If you would like to learn more, please don’t hestiate to call or email me…
© 2010, Jeff Saylors. All rights reserved.
What staining system did you use on this case? How long did it take you to adjust to the designing part of this system and did you have prior experience? What kind of learning curve are we looking at with the Origin System? We have no prior CAD-CAM experience. Do you have other systems? If so which system is more user friendly and has more versitlity for a small lab and is more cost effective? We are not wanting to go overboard with a system, nor do we want to come up short in the long-run. Thanks so much for your help.
I heard this was coming, and have wanted to make the attempt but I just don’t think that the Lava full contour software is there yet. Have you been able to get similar results with Lava? I do think the possibility is there, but we all know 3M is not a software driven company. If/when we are capable, Im sure we’ll have to send it to a 500 mill as I’m sure our Form will not cut it with the 3 axis.
Thank you for your blog (I’ve started one – but it’s mostly for personal growth than anything else)
Dan
Jeff, what about the issue of the opposing teeth being either prematurely worn or damaged becuase of the strength of the Zirconia Crown? Would 3M Lava not be a better choice for this product?
Sorry – to confirm what about the issue of the opposing teeth being either prematurely worn or damaged becuase of the strength of the Zirconia Crown?
If you were going to create this – large scale – and clinical data was available – would 3M Lava not be a better choice? Fit, Strength and Shade – also transluency?
Not in my opinion. The fit of our restorations milled on the Origin Pro 5000 are easily as good enough better than what I receive from my ALMC. In terms of strength – our HT material has flexural strength of 950 MPa, and Lava grades out at around 1300 MPa. I would argue that if e.Max – at 400 MPa -is of adequate strength for posterior restorations, than our HT material is certainly up to the task (How strong is “strong enough”?) As to shade, I have done three of these bridges that have been placed in the mouth. In all three instances, the doctor reported that the shading was actually much better than expected, and the patients’ were pleased.
My big problem with using Lava for this type of restoration lies not with the material, but with the design software. Compared to 3Shape, the Lava CAD software is awkward and not user-friendly, in my opinion. The bridge in the picture took me less than 25 minutes to scan and design. The anatomy is superior to anything coming out of Lava.
I agree with you about the Lava software. However, realize that the results shown in the post are the result of 3-axis milling. The Pro 5000 has 5-axis capability, but its not necessary for this application.
We use the ZirkonZahn system. It took some experimentation to get the right shade, and we’re still working out some of the less common shades. I talked with B&D yesterday, and they reported there is a system coming out that is designed for full contour zirconia. Glidewell Direct is also selling a Bruxzir shading kit that might be of interest to you.
As to the CAD software, I have tried them all and there is nothing comparable to 3Shape, in my opinion. For a small lab, the best route might be to purchase the scanner through B&D; get up to speed with software and outsource the millings to them until you reach that critical mass where owning the machine makes economice sense. There has been a little bit of a learning curve, but B&D has be not short of fantastic with regards to customer support.