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Paul Hayfield from Henry Schein Dental explains why the Zirlux® range of Zirconia surpasses gold to meet the demands of modern dentistry.
In modern dentistry, patients demand aesthetic, long-lasting restorations. With the advancement of materials and technology, technicians have the tools at their fingertips to deliver on these expectations. Within this market, the Zirlux® Zirconia portfolio stands out for the versatility it offers within a digital workflow.
With an advanced range of digital materials that drives aesthetic, reliable results, 2022 saw an expansion of Zirlux’s already broad range. The extended Zirlux portfolio provides options for almost every case within a digital lab workflow, bringing a great level of flexibility for technicians looking to deliver to the highest standard.

Here, we explore the many benefits of Zirlux, and how it can slot into a workflow that benefits the technician and improves the patient experience.

WHY CHOOSE ZIRCONIA?

For many reasons, technicians are now turning to the benefits of materials like Zirconia over gold. Modern Zirconia is a flexible, multi-purpose material suitable for a wide range of indications and it is less expensive for the patient than gold.
Zirconia such as Zirlux also provides an aesthetic result, without the need for the extensive post-production work that the earliest dental Zirconia required. It is also a material that is extremely well suited to modern workflows.
The ability to digitally design and mill materials like Zirlux zirconia discs puts the control in the hands of technicians. Digital lab equipment and workflows can introduce greater efficiency and predictability into a laboratory, whilst also taking care of many of the time-consuming, mundane tasks. This then frees up technicians to employ their skills in those aspects of the workflow where they can really add value, such as finishing.

THE BENEFITS OF ZIRLUX

The extensive Zirlux digital materials portfolio enables dental technicians to use innovative and quality-controlled materials to deliver consistent and predictable aesthetic restorations.
Zirlux discs provide natural aesthetics as well as high stability and reliability, enabling monolithic production, and efficient veneering techniques, such as micro-layering, to make them a cost-effective material of choice.

KEY BENEFITS OF ZIRLUX INCLUDE:

• An extensive range – materials to suit almost any case, along with a variety of characterising liquids and finishing materials, mean Zirlux can be used for a wide range of indications.
• Suitability for almost any application – with greater strength than regular lithium disilicate, it provides a reliable option for anterior and posterior restorations as well as crowns.
• Easy colour matching – covering all 16 VITA shades including BL1 and BL2.
• Compatibility – Zirlux can be used with most open 98.5mm CAD/CAM milling machines.

Zirlux also gives technicians the flexibility to choose the materials best suited to the case based on their experience and preference. This is how Zirlux allows technicians to innovate and work intuitively, leading to a greater sense of control over the process, and creative satisfaction.

AN ADVANCED RANGE

Its versatility is clear to see when exploring the Zirlux portfolio, which includes 8 different materials for various applications:

Zirlux 16+

Offering pre-shaded and white discs with excellent translucency and exceptional flexural strength.

Zirlux Anterior Multi

An anterior solution with multi-layered and full gradient shading that matches the natural appearance of incisal edges, dentin, and gingiva.

Zirlux Acetal

Semi-flexible and tooth coloured, it is ideal for partial denture frameworks and other metal-free removable applications.

Zirlux Complete

High strength, highly aesthetic multi-layered, perfect for both anterior and posterior restorations.

Zirlux Esthetic TR

Strong and highly aesthetic with transitional strength and translucency throughout the entire Zirconia disc.

Zirlux Wax

Used to produce wax designs for crown and bridge frameworks with excellent marginal accuracy and fits.

A DIGITAL WORKFLOW

Keeping ahead with technological advancements is essential in today’s dental climate, and Zirlux is designed to fit with the times. Highly compatible with open software and a versatile system of choosing the right materials for the case means that workflows can remain fluid, enabling professionals to meet demand. Furthermore, Zirlux has a competitive price point, something that makes a huge difference, helping to reduce costs without compromising on the quality of aesthetics.
The range of digital technologies Henry Schein Dental opens to both lab and practice can drive efficiencies in both areas, making scanning, milling and 3D printing a streamlined process, powered by digital workflows connecting laboratory and dentist.
Customisable and versatile, these advancements go hand in hand with the rise of new materials like Zirlux, allowing technicians and clinicians to deliver the results patients demand, and doing this more efficiently and quickly than ever before.
Paul Hayfield is a Senior Laboratory Account Manager at Henry Schein Dental. Previously, he worked as a lab technician for 17 years.