Biomic LiSi Connect is a specialised bonding agent that has solved the traditional challenges associated with bonding zirconia veneers.
The demand for durable, aesthetic materials like zirconia continues to rise in modern restorative dentistry to meet the needs of patients who prioritise both form and function.
However, many dental labs know that zirconia veneers can be challenging to bond compared to materials like e.max. That’s because zirconia’s chemically inert, dense structure lacks the porosity needed for traditional bonding, which has made it resistant to standard etching techniques that create strong adhesive retention.
Additionally, conventional bonding agents typically do not chemically interact with zirconia, which further complicates the bonding process for zirconia veneers.
Fortunately, that’s changed with the introduction of Biomic LiSi Connect – a specialised zirconia bonding agent that provides strong, lasting bonds for zirconia veneers.
Biomic LiSi Connect works by creating a secure, durable interface between the zirconia veneer and the tooth surface. This enables reliable bonds, superior strength, colour stability, and durability — even in complex cases.
With Biomic LiSi Connect, Avant Dental can now offer new options for veneer cases needing zirconia’s superior strength and aesthetic value without compromising bond reliability.
Why choose zirconia veneers over e.max veneers?
Zirconia veneers offer several advantages over e.max veneers, especially for cases requiring durability and strength. While e.max veneers are highly aesthetic and bond well, they may lack the same resilience as zirconia, which is critical for patients with high bite forces or grinding habits. Zirconia’s high flexural strength makes it much less prone to fractures or chips, which can be a risk with e.max in certain patients.
Zirconia also surpasses e.max in situations where thin veneers are required. Zirconia veneers can be fabricated thinner than e.max without sacrificing durability to enable a more conservative approach to tooth preparation. Thinner veneers mean less tooth structure needs to be removed, with more of the natural tooth preserved to create a restoration that feels and functions naturally.
Additionally, for cases involving both crowns and veneers, zirconia’s stability ensures consistent shade matching across restorations to create a cohesive and uniform look.
The superior strength of zirconia veneers also provides greater flexibility in their use. For patients with complex treatment plans involving multiple restorations, zirconia veneers offer a uniform appearance that blends harmoniously, even in multi-layered cases.
In high-aesthetic cases, zirconia’s translucency has advanced to mirror the natural tooth structure closely, thus achieving the aesthetic appeal that was once more commonly associated with materials like e.max.
With Biomic LiSi Connect bonding, zirconia’s aesthetic and functional benefits can now be fully realised, which is increasingly making zirconia veneers a preferred choice for many restorative and cosmetic applications.
What is Biomic LiSi Connect and how does it work?
Biomic LiSi Connect is a zirconia bonding pretreatment agent designed to enhance the adhesion between zirconia restorations and tooth structures.
By applying a layer of Biomic LiSi Connect to the zirconia surface and subjecting it to a sintering process, a lithium disilicate coating forms, effectively modifying the zirconia’s surface properties.
This modification allows the zirconia to achieve a clinical bonding effect comparable to that of glass ceramics, thereby improving the overall bonding performance.
The advantages of using Biomic LiSi Connect include:
- Strong bonding layer: The agent penetrates into the zirconia after sintering, producing a robust bonding layer that enhances adhesion.
- Ultra-thin coating: It forms an ultra-thin lithium disilicate coating – approximately 6-10 micrometres thick – on the zirconia surface. This minimal thickness ensures that the restoration design and clinical placement remain unaffected.
- Enhanced surface roughness: Post-sintering, the zirconia surface exhibits a crystal structure similar to glass ceramics. Acid etching this surface results in a rough, porous morphology, which is conducive to improved bonding.
- Compatibility: Biomic LiSi Connect is compatible with all zirconia materials, making it a versatile choice for various restorative applications.
By integrating Biomic LiSi Connect into the bonding protocol, dental professionals can achieve durable and aesthetically pleasing zirconia restorations, meeting both clinical and patient expectations.
Instructions on how to clinically etch and bond zirconia veneers
To achieve a secure, long-lasting bond for zirconia veneers, it’s crucial to follow a precise protocol using Biomic LiSi Connect.
1. Surface preparation
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the zirconia veneer’s surface. Using steam cleaning helps remove any particles, contaminants, or residues that may interfere with bonding. After steam cleaning, use an air jet to ensure the surface is completely dry. This step ensures the bonding agent can effectively interact with the zirconia surface.
Tip: Avoid touching the cleaned surface with fingers or tools, as oils can compromise bonding.
2. Application of Biomic LiSi Connect
Shake the Biomic LiSi Connect bottle to ensure an even distribution of bonding components, then apply a light, even spray of the bonding agent directly to the surface of the zirconia veneer from a distance of 10-15 cm. This distance is essential for achieving a consistent layer without over-saturation, which could affect the veneer’s fit.
Tip: A light application is key. Applying too much can lead to pooling, which weakens the bond strength and may affect the final restoration fit.
3. Hydrofluoric acid etching
After applying the bonding agent, apply hydrofluoric acid to the zirconia surface to create a microscopically rough surface. The acid’s concentration determines the etching time: for 4.5% acid, allow 90-120 seconds; for 9.5% acid, only 45-60 seconds are needed.
This etching process produces microscopic grooves on the zirconia surface, enhancing resin cement’s mechanical grip and improving adhesion.
Tip: Use proper personal protective equipment when handling hydrofluoric acid. Ensure acid coverage is even across the zirconia surface to create a uniform etch.
4. Cleaning and silanization
Once the etching is complete, clean the surface thoroughly with ethanol or acetone to remove residual acid and contaminants. This step is critical to ensuring the integrity of the bond. After cleaning, apply a silane coupling agent, which acts as a chemical bridge between the zirconia and the resin cement. Silane enhances the chemical bond and ensures long-term stability.
Tip: Allow the silane to dry fully before proceeding. This drying time optimises its effect, leading to a stronger overall bond.
5. Rubber dam isolation
Proper isolation of the bonding area is essential to prevent contamination from moisture, which can compromise bond strength.
Use a rubber dam to keep the bonding site dry. For subgingival margins, consider gingival retraction to minimise crevicular fluid’s interference.
Tip: Double-check that the rubber dam is properly placed and that the area remains isolated throughout the bonding process.
6. Application of resin cement
Apply the resin cement to the prepared zirconia surface or tooth surface, following manufacturer guidelines. The cement will interact with the silanised zirconia surface, creating a robust, durable bond.
Tip: Position the veneer carefully to ensure proper fit and alignment before curing the resin cement.
7. Final curing
Use a curing light to set the resin cement, following the recommended curing time for optimal bond strength.
What type of preparation do you recommend for zirconia veneers?
Zirconia veneers require conservative tooth preparation to preserve natural structure. A minimal reduction of 0.3-0.5 mm is typically recommended. This reduction provides space for the veneer without compromising tooth integrity, ensuring a strong bond.
Smooth, rounded transitions are essential, as sharp angles can interfere with the fit and potentially weaken the restoration.
This approach not only supports the veneer’s longevity but also enhances its seamless integration with the natural tooth.
The strength of zirconia veneers also enables these veneers to be used in situations where minimal reduction is preferable, providing additional flexibility for the clinician and reducing patient discomfort.
The importance of masking dark preps before impressions
Masking dark preps is crucial to achieve optimal aesthetic results with zirconia veneers. Dark areas in the underlying tooth can affect the final look, creating shadows or uneven tones. Using a masking agent before taking impressions helps block these dark areas, allowing zirconia veneers to achieve a natural, even colour.
Zirconia veneers do offer more opacity than other materials, which makes them better suited to dark preps. However, proper masking ensures that even the most challenging cases can achieve the desired aesthetic, and achieves a restoration with ideal colour consistency and translucency.
This masking step is especially important in high-aesthetic cases where translucency and colour harmony are essential. Ensuring any discolouration is masked before impressions allows clinicians to achieve a bright, consistent appearance in the final restoration.
The final word
Biomic LiSi Connect has transformed the possibilities for zirconia veneers, addressing the unique bonding challenges of zirconia by creating a robust, reliable interface between the veneer and the tooth surface.
With its specialised bonding capabilities, Biomic LiSi Connect enables a dependable adhesion process that preserves zirconia’s strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, even in complex cases.
This innovative product supports advanced clinical outcomes by providing superior bond strength, exceptional colour stability, and long-lasting results, making zirconia veneers a top choice for demanding restorative cases.
For dentists, Biomic LiSi Connect expands treatment options by allowing zirconia veneers to be applied confidently in high-aesthetic and high-function cases. For patients, it offers an ideal balance of aesthetics and resilience, resulting in a beautiful, low-maintenance smile that endures through the years.
As demand for durable, aesthetic restorations grows, Biomic LiSi Connect positions zirconia veneers as a leading choice for advanced restorative dentistry.
Avant Dental is a full-service dental laboratory. To find out more about working with us, please email [email protected] or phone 1800 287 336.