Adjusting occlusal contacts is frequently required at the time of try-in and/or post-insertion. If there is a minor occlusal adjustment needed, my suggestion is to use only a rubber abrasive polishing wheel and not a diamond. A diamond is needed only if there is a significant adjustment to be made.

If a diamond is used in this process, proper polishing of the surface is necessary to achieve a smooth surface. A polished ceramic surface is less abrasive than one that is glazed, so there should be no need for re-glazing of the restoration. The larger the diameter of the polishing wheel used, the more efficient and effective the process. A point may be necessary to get into the depth of the anatomy, however it is the least effective because of its size.

The Three Key Points for this Procedure are:

Fine grit diamond

1. Diamond: Use a fine grit diamond in a friction grip slow speed handpiece. An electric handpiece is more effective than one that is air driven. Run the handpiece at 20,000 RPM with water spray. Avoid a high-speed handpiece because it will create excessive heat and trauma in the ceramic. A light touch is required to avoid excessive heat and vibration. You will then need to use a rubber polishing wheel.

Medium dialite LD
High shine dialite LD

2. Rubber Polishers: I use Brasseler's Dialite LD (lithium disilicate) and ZR (zirconia) series. Each have a medium and a high shine wheel. An electric handpiece should run at 10,000 RPM to a maximum of 15,000 RPM, with only light pressure used. Electric handpieces have constant torque even at a slow speed, so they are more effective than air driven handpieces. Begin the process with the medium shine wheel. This step should take approximately 30 seconds. Next use the high luster rubber wheel with the same technique as described above.

3. Polishing Paste: Polishing paste should be used with a bristle brush wheel in a slow speed latch handpiece. The product I use is the Dental Ventures of America Zircon-Brite ‘G.' This is very effective for polishing the grooves in the posterior anatomy.

Happy polishing!


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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Aly Sergie DDS
August 2nd, 2012
Bob - Do you use the Zircon Brite G for both Lithium Disilicate and Zr? Any recommendation on brush - Robinson vs Softer Bristle. Thank you. Aly Sergie DDS
Commenter's Profile Image Dennis Bradshaw
August 2nd, 2012
Bob, your photos show making adjustments on lab model, I was told that you can't 'check occlusion until 'emax' is cemented/bonded in place or you risk fracture of restoration. Any input on what is really the best? Dennis
Commenter's Profile Image Bob Winter
August 3rd, 2012
Aly: The only time I use a polishing paste is if I'm trying to polish occlusal grooves. It can be used on e.max or zirconia. Dennis: In the lab we grind and adjust e.max routinely with diamonds. It's done at between 10,000-15,000 RPM's with light pressure. It is subsequently polished. When inserting on a patient, if significant occlusal adjustment is needed you can adjust outside the mouth with a fine grit diamond bur operating at 10,000-15,000 RPM's. Intraorally, never have a patient occlude firmly on any uncemented all-ceramic restoration. The maximum strenth is achieved ater the restoration is bonded in. Therefore, final adjustment is done after bonding. Hope that answers your questions. Bob