In a recent article for Dental Creations, Jim Emmons, CDT, FNBC explores the topic. Emmons, who has developed many techniques for dentistry such as The Spectrafire Air Brush System and Wet Palette Humidors, among others, has published books such as The Aesthetic Edge: Bioluminescent Color and Ceramics and The Spectrafire Digital Shade Communication System.

“The advent of pre-shaded zirconia is making the benefits of polishing superior over glazing. Polishing takes less process time as you do not have to fire the restoration again. By the time you shade and glaze the restoration and then fire the crown again, glazing will add 40 minutes to your process time.

When determining how to finish your restorations, all the evidence points to polishing. Polishing of a restoration is the gift of excellence to the patient and the reputation of quality for the technician.”

Jim Emmons, CDT, FNBC

Emmons cites an article published by Dr. D. Nathanson in 2011, that distinguished between polishing versus glazing of zirconia.

“He did a study at Boston University named, ‘1650 Human Enamel Wear Against Four Dental Ceramics in Vitro.’ In this study, he found that ‘at 600,000 strokes, the polished zirconia caused significantly less wear to enamel than the glazed zirconia.’ He also concluded, ‘the polished zirconia remained unchanged, but the glazed zirconia showed significant loss of the glaze layer.'”

Dr. D. Nathanson

Why does Jim Emmons suggest Z-Shine Diamond Polish by Dental Creations, ltd.?

Z-Shine Diamond Polish, according to Emmons:

• Is not an industrial repackaged product. This polish was specifically designed to polish zirconia and lithium di-silicate ceramics.

• Requires use of only a #11 soft bristle brush for 30-45 seconds total to polish all four sides of any restoration, Z-Shine Diamond Polish.

• Requires only quick and easy clean up with a small tooth brush and soapy water.

Want to learn more about how Z-Shine Diamond Polish offers high

quality, restoration longevity, and time savings? Read Jim Emmons complete article: https://dentalcreationsltd.com/to-glaze-or-not-to-glaze/