Having trouble cutting Zirconia?

How to master Zirconia with Precision

The concept of using rotary instruments to cut hard materials dates back at least 6,000 years. Ancient humans were using hand-held lithic burs to cut through shells, bones and teeth employing a method involving low-speed rotation with high torque. Modern dental handpieces have significantly advanced this principle, enabling precise cuts into much harder materials such as dental ceramics [1].

Advancements in dental technology led to the development of materials such as zirconia (ZrO₂), known for its biocompatibility, high fracture toughness, and radiopacity [2]. Dental zirconia offers superior mechanical properties and tear resistance compared to other ceramics. It has become a popular material in restorative dentistry and is the result of a rapidly evolving development in dental material science [3] [4]. Despite their numerous advantages, crowns and bridges made from zirconia are still susceptible to fractures. The challenges associated with their removal or replacement can be significant. A recent survey indicated that practitioners consider the difficulty of removing zirconia to be a major drawback of using this material for prosthetics [5]. This situation highlights the need for advanced tools and improvements in rotary cutting technology, as destructive removal methods remain the common approach to extracting malfunctioning crowns [3] [4] [5].

As the challenges of cutting high-strength materials such as zirconia become increasingly evident, the demand for effective solutions in restorative dentistry grows. The Synea Power Edition handpieces have been developed to address these challenges, offering innovative features that may provide valuable support in managing the complexities of modern restorative practices:

Addressing thermal and vibration Challenges

Controlling heat and vibration during cutting of high-strength materials such as zirconia is crucial for both the effectiveness of the procedure and the comfort and safety of dental practitioners and the patients [6] [7] [8]. The Synea Power Edition handpieces are designed to address these challenges, featuring a 1:4 transmission ratio enabling speeds of up to 160,000 rpm. Additionally, the Synea Power Edition provides a 3-fold spray with a flow rate of over 50 ml/min, thereby reducing the risk of thermal damage. The increased torque and lower operation speed, along with the monobloc design which reduces vibration and enhances ergonomics, result in a smoother and more controlled experience* [6] [9] [10]. This might minimise fatigue and discomfort, promoting efficient and comfortable performance even during extended procedures*.

Design meets Functionality

The new push-button design aims to facilitate bur changes, making replacements quicker during treatment. Featuring the innovative "HeatBlocker technology," the push-button is designed to remain cool during use, which is meant to contribute to user comfort and patient safety, especially during extended use. Additionally, a redesigned head is intended to provide improved bur guidance, which could enhance control and accuracy for practitioners engaged in complex dental procedures.

„Cutting-edge“ Technology from W&H

The development of rotary instruments in dentistry highlights a history of innovation tailored to the needs of practitioners and the materials they use. As restorative materials such as zirconia become increasingly popular, the development of advanced handpieces is essential to address the challenges they present.

The Synea Power Edition handpieces exemplify a focus on enhancing dental procedures through features that intend to promote efficiency and user comfort. By incorporating a well-considered combination of torque and speed aimed at maximising cutting efficiency, these handpieces are well-suited for advanced ceramic materials such zirconia.

Key Benefits of the Synea Power Edition:

References

1. Gwinnett AJ, Gorelick L. A brief history of drills and drilling. BEADS: Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers. 1998;10:49-56. Available at: https://surface.syr.edu/beads/vol10/iss1/8
2. Chopra D, Guo T, Gulati K, Ivanovski S. Load, unload and repeat: Understanding the mechanical characteristics of zirconia in dentistry. Dent Mater. 2024;40(1)
3. Huang B, Chen M, Wang J, Zhang X. Advances in zirconia-based dental materials: properties, classification, applications, and future prospects. J Dent. Published online June 10, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105111
4. Bona AD, Pecho OE, Alessandretti R. Zirconia as a dental biomaterial. Materials (Basel). 2015;8(8):4978-4991. doi:10.3390/ma8084978. PMID: 28793485
5. Lawson NC, Frazier K, Bedran-Russo AK, et al. Zirconia restorations: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey. J Am Dent Assoc. 2021;152(1):80-81.e2. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2020.10.012
6. Timothy F, Watson D, Flanagan D, G, Stone. High and low torque handpieces: cutting dynamics, enamel cracking and tooth temperature.." British Dental Journal, undefined (2000). doi: 10.1038/SJ.BDJ.4800576
7. von Fraunhofer JA, Siegel SC, Feldman S. Handpiece coolant flow rates and dental cutting. Oper Dent. 2000;25(6):544-548.
8. Siegel S., von Fraunhofer JA. The effect of handpiece spray patterns on cutting efficiency. J Am Dent Assoc. 2002;133(2):184-188.
9. Poole RL, Lea SC, Dyson JE, Shortall ACC, Walmsley AD. Vibration characteristics of dental high-speed turbines and speed-increasing handpieces. J Dent. 2008;36(7):488-493. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2008.03.006
10. Tuirán Villalba R, Maury Ramírez H, Águila Estrada H. Classification of Design Methodologies to Minimize Vibrations in Gears and Bearings in the 21st Century: A Review. Machines. 2021; 9(10):212. https://doi.org/10.3390/machines9100212