A Spray Glaze for All Reasons
Improving results and ROI with updated Enamelite
By David Grimes, CDT
Most dental technicians have used some type of ceramic spray for applications of some kind at some point in their dental careers. Whether it was the early spray opaque systems or the Enamelite® (Keystone Industries, keystoneindustries.com) in a can, most have used these products to achieve consistent results with an eye on the ROI.
For the last several years, the author has used the older version of Enamelite with varying degrees of success. Either the spray did not yield enough applications or the results did not always meet expectations. Owning a milling center, the author was always under pressure to produce, with little room for error. Saving time and money was always a goal.
When Keystone acquired Enamelite, the company knew there was room for some improvement. After improvements and the application of some new techniques, the author started to achieve results on a much more consistent basis, along with a dramatically improved ROI. The addition of the Enamelite Low-Fusing Fluorescent Ceramic Spray Glaze took it to another level. Now laboratories can achieve results with full-contour zirconia that they never could previously. Producing restorations with a fluorescent quality that allows zirconia to have esthetic results similar to all-ceramic restorations is critical. Showing off a beautiful smile in only certain lighting conditions is a liability when that patient is exposed to conditions such as black light. The Enamelite Low-Fusing Fluorescent Ceramic Spray Glaze helps to elevate restorations to a higher esthetic result for all lighting conditions.
Applications for which Enamelite can offer major benefits include:
• All-ceramic restorations
• Multiple units to glaze in one firing
• Stain and glaze in one application
• Zirconia restorations
• All-on-4® bridges (Nobel Biocare, nobelbiocare.com)
Application Process
The first step of the application process for Enamelite is to finish the ceramic restoration per the manufacturer’s directions (Figure 1). Then, sandblast and steam clean the ceramic restoration (Figure 2), apply the stain of choice, and dry (Figure 3). Shake the can vigorously for approximately 20 seconds (Figure 4), and then hold the glaze can using the nozzle extension approximately 4 to 6 inches from the restoration (Figure 5). It is recommended to use peg putty inside the crown to keep the glaze from getting inside the restoration.
Figure 6 shows the spray before firing; use a short burst around the restoration. Do not prolong spraying, as this could lead to some puddling of the glaze. Place the restoration on a firing tray and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for firing (Figure 7). The author has found that 780°C is an excellent temperature for glazing. Calibrate the oven to make sure the firing temperature is ideal.
Check for any dull areas on the large bridgework that you may have missed (Figure 8). When glazing zirconia restorations, a slow cool is always recommended. Figure 9 shows the final result.
Conclusion
The author’s intention is not to recommend replacing your glazing techniques, but instead to enhance what you do in your laboratory to maximize efficiency as well as continue to provide outstanding results.
Enamelite is extremely fast, productive, and gives consistent results. The Enamelite Low-Fusing Fluorescent Ceramic Spray Glaze is an excellent choice for your clients’ offices for in-office milled single units or glazing any cases that must be adjusted by the dentist.
David Grimes, CDT, is the Owner of One Source Dental Inc. in Norcross, Georgia.
Disclaimer
The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.
Manufacturer Contact Information
Keystone Industries
keystoneindustries.com • 800-333-3131
