Dental zirconium oxide in all its facets, different translucencies and strengths is always a high-performance ceramic. Even the term of high-performance ceramic describes the opposite of a "dusty" classic.

In 2010 the first DD Bio Z blanks from our own production in Spenge (OWL) came off the production line. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of this product line one can therefore perhaps speak of an innovation classic. The proven 3Y TZP-A material type, in which 3mol% ytrrium oxide (Y₂O₃) and a small addition of aluminium oxide (0.25 wt% Al₂O₃) provide a high-strength, tetragonal microstructure, has not lost its popularity over time.

Despite the trend towards monolithic restorations and increased translucency in zirconium oxide, our production volume of the opaque DD Bio Z has increased steadily over the years (Fig.1). A concept with a product life of more than 10 years in the digital age has to distinguish something special.

DD journal DD Bio Z Sales

Fig. 1: Development of the number of clinically used elements since market launch

Due to the long lasting success and still increasing usage figures we conclude that every ZrO₂- type has its right to exist. Working with a material mix that is adapted to the individual dental technique and laboratory positioning can make a lot of sense.

DD Bio Z not only qualify the best mechanical properties in the product group, but also the fact that a material with high opacity can be of aesthetic benefit. This insight has also been confirmed in the exchange with Andreas Nolte (enamelum et dentinum, Münster), who developed our color and texture system DD contrast® - a system developed for the efficient and aesthetic individualization of monolithic restorations. The interaction of the high translucency of the DD cubeX²® and DD cube ONE® zirconium oxides with the colors and textures of DD contrast® defines a new aesthetic of veneer-free restorations.

For full veneers Andreas Nolte likes to use the higher opacity and optical density of materials such as DD Bio Z as a framework base. Andreas Nolte imparts his knowledge of natural and authentic layering in courses and workshops in his dentinum et enamelum laboratory in the beautiful city of Münster. With his philosophy on anterior aesthetics, he creates masterpieces of craftsmanship that have made a lasting impression on us. DD Bio Z is the ideal material for implant-prosthetic restorations for hybrid abutments on Ti- adhesive bases.

Also a classic - which does not lose value. Individual layering by Andreas Nolte

DD journal DD Bio Z Hybridabutments

Hybrid abutments made of DD Bio Z conceal the metal color and create the color basis for the superstructure.

DD journal DD bio Z Reduzierung

The framework shows the discreet and restrained light dynamics of the DD Bio Z. As it would be contradictory to work on highly translucent frameworks with a pure staining technique, opacity is required here so that the bridge elements cannot be distinguished from the abutments (implant or natural tooth stump). CAD reduction supports the veneering ceramic and prevents chipping in the veneering layer.

DD journal DD bio Z Schichttechnik

DD Bio Z must be filigree coated. Andreas Nolte teaches his individual layering technique using Creation, Willi Geller veneering materials, in his workshops in Münster.

DD journal DD Bio Z Passgenauigkeit

Here the try-in on the abutments with the veneered DD Bio Z bridge. The fitting accuracy of CAD/CAM, the correct choice of material and the craftsmanship create an elegant and high-quality restoration.

Andreas Nolte

DT Andreas Nolte

Developer of the color and texture system DD contrast® (www.dentaldirekt.de/de/dd-contrast). Andreas Nolte completed his training as a dental technician in 1989 in Lübbecke and worked then in various laboratories until 1993. In 2001 and 2002 he worked in Germany and abroad and founded his own company, Enamelum et Dentinum, in Münster in 2002. Since 2004 he has been running his own laboratory and training centre in the heart of Münster. In addition, he has been working internationally as a lecturer since 2000.

Furthermore, he has been a member of Group 65 for several years.

www.enamelum-et-dentinum.de

nolte [at] enamelum-et-dentinum.de (nolte[at]enamelum-et-dentinum[dot]de)

Multi Additive Technology - the update for the classic ​

DD Bio Z now in 8 colors according to VITA classical A1 to D4® - produced in the Multi Additive Process.

 

Mono Additive Technology. DD Bio Z color 500 bis 2000​

Since the product launch in 2010 we have been producing DD Bio Z in 5 universal colors. We describe the color technology used as "Mono Additive Technology".  The color is created by adding only one additive; in this case iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), which allows colors to be adjusted in the spectrum from light yellowish to brown-reddish. The type numbers from 500 - 2000 describe the proportion Fe₂O₃ in ppm (parts per million) and thus the intensity of the color.

Multi Additive Technology. DD Bio Z color according to VITA colors

In order to do justice to the colors of the VITA classical A1-D4® scale of Vita Zahnfabrik, we produce the new DD Bio Z shades using the Multi Additive process - a mixing concept developed by us which is already used for the other DD variations. A raw material cocktail consisting of three different additives in different concentrations makes it possible to set the colors more vivid and nuanced.

The crowns show from left to right the color effect of the individual additives, used in pure form. By mixing the elements the colors can be adjusted according to the VITA classical definition:

A1 • A2 • A3 • A3,5 • A4 reddish-brownish

B1 • B2 • B3 • B4 reddish-yellowish

C1 • C2 • C3 • C4 greyish

D2 • D3 • D4 reddish-grey

DD Bio Z: The recommendation for all indications requiring maximum strength. The higher opacity is ideal for laminating metal abutments (hybrid crown) or as an aesthetic basis for full veneers. This is why DD Bio Z is a classic - THE LASTING. 

Names marked with ® are trademarks and/or brands of the manufacturers, in particular VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen.