June 25, 2024
Sintering is a critical step in transforming dental zirconia from its pre-sintered state to a fully dense, functional material. Traditionally, regular sintering has been the go-to method, but recent advancements have introduced speed sintering and high-speed sintering as alternatives.
As a dental lab technician, here are some reasons why you might want to consider speed sintering zirconia over full sintering programs:
Speed sintering programs can significantly reduce the sintering time, allowing you to complete the process much faster than full sintering programs. This can help you meet tight deadlines and improve your overall productivity. For instance, Shenpaz's Sintra CS furnace can sinter a crown in less than 20 minutes! Its extra-wide table accommodates up to 5 individual crowns or a bridge of up to 7 crowns.
Speed sintering can be more energy-efficient compared to full sintering programs, which can save you money on energy costs in the long run. This will also help with the occasional rush case or remakes.
Independent testing shows no significant differences between the two different sintering methods. From the tests performed, the risk level of the fast sintering remained low. Fast sintering could be considered substantially the same as regular sintering in terms of translucency, flexural strength and microstructure.
Speed sintering can reduce the risk of contamination during the sintering process by using shorter heating cycles and lower temperatures.
Speed sintering can be used with a wider range of zirconia materials, making it a more versatile option compared to full sintering programs that may only work with specific materials. Shenpaz's Sintra furnaces are designed to meet the needs of dental laboratories. They can be fully programmed and used with all zirconium oxide materials available in the market today.
Both regular and speed sintering have their merits. Dental labs can choose based on their specific needs, balancing time efficiency, mechanical properties, and translucency. Speed sintering, with its shorter processing times and comparable results, is gaining popularity, especially for single-visit treatments. It is important to note that speed sintering may not be suitable for all cases and materials, and it is important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each method before deciding which one to use.