Zirconia: not just for looks
Since 1987, Bernard Cervos Company (B.C.S.) has distinguished itself as an expert in the production and distribution of dental alloys in France. We specialize in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of dental alloys and non-precious metals, as well as in the trade of dental supplies, including discs and powders in Titanium, Cobalt Chrome, Cobalt Nickel, and zirconia.
Our teams have developed a comprehensive range of products to meet all your dental application needs:
- additive manufacturing,
- casting alloys,
- milling and machining of CAD/CAM discs,
- soldering-welding, and
- injection molding.
B.C.S. continuously expands its offerings to provide new and innovative solutions.
Specifically, we offer milling discs for the shaping of joint and partial prosthetic parts in zirconia.
What is zirconia?
Zirconia (ZrSiO4) is a mineral from the silicate family, discovered in 1789 by M. H. Klaproth, a German chemist. Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) is a natural chemical compound that has been used in dental prosthetics for over 30 years. Its partial stabilization with yttrium and its enrichment with aluminum give it optimal properties, including:
- a flexural strength of 750 to 1100 MPa,
- a Vickers hardness of 1250 HV, and
- a translucency of 43 to 55%*.
(*) example of properties of BCS 3D Multilayer zirconia
What are the primary applications of zirconia?
Zirconia is not only an ultra-resistant material but also 100% biocompatible, which is why it is increasingly used in the medical field (hearing aids, finger/hip prosthetics) and in dentistry (posts, crowns, and bridges).
It has also been used in industry for more than 40 years. Its biocompatibility, white color, and the ability to match it to the color of dentin make it ideal for perfectly biocompatible, high-quality, and highly aesthetic dento- or implant-supported restorations. Common indications include:
- anterior unitary crowns,
- posterior unitary crowns,
- bridges, and
- implant abutments.
The main advantages of zirconia:
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Excellent mechanical performance
- Biocompatibility
- Prosthetic versatility
Zirconia properties:
- High toughness
- Very low thermal conductivity
- Corrosion resistance
- Good wear resistance
- Fine surface finishes
Questions?
A complete range of zirconia discs
BCS offers a wide range of solutions suitable for numerous clinical applications:
- White HT Zirconia offers high translucency with a rate of 43% and a flexural strength of 1250 MPa. Available in 98.5mm diameter discs, 5 thicknesses, and 1 white shade.
- Pre-shaded SHT Zirconia features higher translucency due to an optimized zirconia microstructure. Available in 98.5mm diameter discs, 5 thicknesses, and 17 shades.
- 3D Multilayer Zirconia has 6 layers with 11 gradients that perfectly match the natural color of teeth, offering a uniform color and natural transition. Available in 98.5mm diameter discs, 5 thicknesses, and 16 shades.
Find out more about zirconia for dentistry on our dedicated professionals page.
And visit our patient page detailing the benefits of a zirconia dental crown.
