Restorative Problem
A male patient needed a maxillary bridge on teeth #9 to #11, with #10 as an ovate pontic. We had to match the A2 shade of existing crowns on #6 and #7, as well as the orange mamelon on natural tooth #8 (which was accomplished with the LSK121 Chair Side Shade Selection Guide as shown below).
Treatment Plan Like most technicians, I've always used the multi-layering technique for anterior teeth. But for this case, I decided to try GC's One Body Concept, which is a one-color porcelain build-up system that doesn't require enamel translucency build-up (see below for details). Natural translucency and mamelon are replicated with the addition of Lustre Paste, which has a thicker consistency and is baked at a lower temperature over the One Body color application, so a layering effect is created.
About the One Body Concept Like most technicians, I've always used the multi-layering technique for anterior teeth, but the new GC Initial IQ One Body Concept provides another option for porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. Compatible with conventional porcelain alloys, the system allows you to reproduce standard Vita® shades with one layer; you build up the body with one porcelain powder and create enamel translucency and mamelon with the addition of GC Initial IQ Lustre Paste stains. The Lustre Paste has a thick consistency and, once it's baked at a low temperature over the body application, creates a layering effect. There is no enamel porcelain in the system because it's not needed to match traditional shade guides.
This concept saves time while producing accuracy and fewer remakes due to shade problems. It's also a helpful tool for beginner ceramists, who can spend less time applying porcelain and achieve the same results as if they had spent hours working on the restoration. While learning to perfect their technique, the system gives them the confidence to carry out anterior work without worry.
I prefer a traditional layering technique when dealing with custom shades or when I have the information to help recreate the multiple colors found in a patient's natural tooth. However, the One Body Concept is an ideal solution for cases when I need to match a pre-existing restoration or when the doctor simply offers one shade on the Rx. With this in mind, we can decide on a case-by-case basis which technique will work best.
For more information on the One Body Concept, contact GC America at 800-323-7063 or visit http://www.gcamerica.com">www.gcamerica.com.
