Introduction overview video for a Klim Institute Online AGD CE lesson;  Shaping, texturing, and polishing techniques for the primary materials we use in CEREC (composite, Empress, VITA ceramic, e.max, and zirconia options).  This lesson is a compilation of videos that Dr. Klim presented at a recent AACD hands-on course.  Enjoy!  Start the 1.0 unit of CE lesson by clicking on the link below.

Restoring a single maxillary incisor presents the greatest blend challenge with dentistry in the smile zone. When the adjacent teeth are in good shape, I stay conservative.  With chairside CAD/CAM using the Dentsply Sirona system, the Copy and Mirror is my preferred design approach creating a "DNA form and shape" by copying the adjacent central.  The next step is choosing the ceramic that blends best for the case. Since the ceramic and cement refractory behavior will change once cemented, so will the value and blend. In my blend theater, I prefer placing a transitional restoration that is machined with the projected ceramic and luting

With zirconia, I use glaze and stain only for subtle highlight surface characteristics.  For this process, Ivocolor by Ivoclar works well on all the zirconia brands, particularly the multi ones such as Katana STML,  ZirCAD Multi, and the coming ZirCAD Prime.  This video will demonstrate the zirconia preparation required for glaze addition and then glaze/stain applications creating subtle surface enhancements.

Texturing and luster polishing a ceramic or composite will create the finishing touch for restorative blend harmony. Each case is often unique. In CAD/CAM e.max dentistry, we shape and texture before crystallization.  This works most of the time, however, occasionally when fitting the ceramic in the mouth, further texture and shape tweaking are desired.  This video will review the burs and polishing for providing texture and luster polish on a crystallized e.max restoration.