From appropriate material selection to effective communication, below is a guide to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Material selection
Select the appropriate material. There are many different material options available, however, some are better suited to aesthetics than others - we recommend E.max or Zirmax.
E.max is considered the world's best selling glass-ceramic, and is an ideal choice when aesthetics are paramount. It can be used for anterior crowns and short bridges (up to 3 units). Veneers, both traditional and prepress are available in IPS e.max and empress.
Zirmax is the most versatile and aesthetic option available. It has the strength of Zirconia from the milled core, with the aesthetics of porcelain built up, layer by layer. It is a material that has superior aesthetic qualities and strength for use in bridges, implant restorations, and posterior regions.
Another consideration is pre-existing restorations. It can be difficult to match the shade and overall look of the new restoration if it is a different material from an adjacent restoration. Keep the material choice the same to achieve consistency.
Aesthetic material comparison chart
| Zirmax | Zirmega | IPS E.max | SlimSmile |
Material | Porcelain veneered to zirconia | Translucent monolithic zirconia | Lithium disilicate | Lithium disilicate |
Aesthetics | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Benefits | Strength | Accuracy and translucency | Aesthetics and translucency | Minimally invasive |
Strength | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Indication | All-rounder | Crown + Bridge up to 3 units | Crown, veneer, inlay/onlay | Veneers |
Photos
The technician working on your case has yellow stone or orange resign teeth on either side of the preparation. Therefore, patient photos are useful for technicians to reference when working on the case to achieve a natural aesthetic that matches your patient. Useful photos include.
Prep with a stump shade tab, the underlying colour can affect the appearance of the final restoration.
Restoration shade tab next to the natural teeth
Patients' teeth showing staining or markings to be replicated in the restoration.
Instructions
Communication is key. Include specific instructions for the case in the additional instructions field. Reference material such as photos and diagrams can be uploaded to the case file.
Diagnostic Mockup
A diagnostic mockup is a tool you can use to check the aesthetics and functionality of the treatment plan. A diagnostic mockup is when the technician adjusts moulds or intraoral scans of the patients’ teeth following the treatment plan. This allows you to determine how your treatment plan will look and function, plus it’s an effective communication tool.
Approval Photos
You can request digital designs or photos of the finished restorations to review and make any changes whilst the case is still at the production site.
Have a case ready to send? Register or log into your CyberConnect account to submit your case using the online prescription form.
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