Audental Zirconia Block Explained: How to Select the Best Option for Your Practice?

In the era of digital dentistry, zirconia has become the absolute protagonist in restorative materials. However, with the wide variety of zirconia brands and models on the market, many clinicians often ask: What are the real differences among them, and how can I choose the most suitable option for my patients?

Today, we take Audental’s comprehensive zirconia block family as an example to provide a systematic overview and analysis, helping you make the best decisions with ease.

1. Unraveling the Paradox Between Strength and Esthetics 

Why does zirconia with higher strength often appear less translucent?

This phenomenon is closely related to the material’s microstructure. The high strength of zirconia originates from the stabilizing effect of yttria (Y₂O₃) on the tetragonal phase, along with the stress-induced transformation toughening mechanism in which the tetragonal phase converts to the monoclinic phase under load. To achieve ultra-high strength (such as 1350 MPa in the HT White series), it is necessary to increase the stabilizer content (Y₂O₃) and adjust grain distribution to enhance the proportion and stability of the tetragonal phase. However, these structural modifications alter the pathways of light refraction and scattering within the material, reducing translucency and resulting in a whiter, more opaque appearance.

Audental zirconia block precisely balances strength and esthetics in material development, offering a complete spectrum of solutions—from highly translucent esthetic restorations to ultra-high-strength restorations—covering diverse clinical regions and indications:

• 3D PRO 8-Layer Gradient: The master of strength–esthetics balance. With an advanced gradient design (650–1100 MPa), it achieves natural transitions in shade, translucency, and strength from incisal to cervical regions. It accurately mimics natural tooth anatomy, reproduces vitality and depth, and suits a wide range of restorative indications.

• ST Series: With a flexural strength of up to 1200 MPa and excellent translucency, it is suitable for anterior/posterior crowns and multi-unit bridges, achieving an ideal balance between esthetics and durability.

• UT Series: Esthetics first. With 49% translucency, it provides depth and vitality similar to natural enamel, making it the ideal choice for highly esthetic anterior restorations.

• HT Series: The benchmark of strength. Featuring a flexural strength of up to 1350 MPa while maintaining 37 % translucency, it delivers outstanding load-bearing reliability together with natural optical performance. It is the first choice for posterior long-span bridges, implant-supported bridges, and other high-load restorations.

2. Selection Guide—Targeted and Precise Matching

With the fundamental characteristics in mind, the choices become clear:

• All In One
  A truly versatile zirconia solution covering all common indications. It adopts an advanced gradient structure, delivering a smooth transition in three key aspects-shade, translucency, and flexural strength from incisal to cervical, precisely mimicking natural tooth anatomy. With no staining required, it streamlines the lab workflow, reduces processing time, and ensures consistent esthetic outcomes.

• Anterior Esthetic Zone:
  ST Plus Multilayer / UT Multilayer / UT Preshaded. These three multilayer and pre-shaded products also excel in color performance, combining high strength with natural shade and translucency. They provide dental labs with more options to balance esthetics and functionality.

• Posterior Load-Bearing Zone 
  ST White / ST Preshaded / ST Multilayer. With flexural strength around 1200 MPa/1100MPa/1100MPa, it achieves the best balance between esthetics and durability. The pre-shaded and mutilayer version eliminates staining steps, significantly reducing the operation time.
• 
  High-Strength Demands: HT White. With flexural strength of 1350 MPa, it ensures long-term reliability for extensive posterior and implant-supported restorations.

3. Efficiency Meets Esthetics—Pre-Shaded and Multilayer Technologies

Audental’s Pre-shaded and Multilayer technologies are two core innovations that combine efficiency with esthetics.

• Pre-shaded: Zirconia blocks are pre-integrated with VITA Shade colors (e.g., A2, A3) during production, eliminating the need for staining. Advantages: (1) Saves operation time; (2) Ensures stable, uniform color, avoiding manual inconsistencies; (3) Maintains natural shade even after surface wear.

ST Preshaded A2                                      ST Preshaded Restoration

• Multilayer: Zirconia discs feature gradient transitions in shade, translucency, and strength from incisal to cervical regions, closely simulating natural teeth. Advantages: (1) Provides inherent depth and vitality; (2) Reduces reliance on manual staining or veneering, making it easier to achieve high-quality esthetic results.

4. Brand Integration: Audental—Your Complete Zirconia Block Solution

As the analysis shows, Audental zirconia block is not just a single product but a complete, professional ecosystem covering all clinical needs. Whether facing the highest esthetic challenges, the toughest strength demands, or the pursuit of clinical efficiency, Audental always offers a perfectly matched solution.

With its complete and professional product matrix, Audental enables you to make optimal choices for various cases, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Choosing Audental means choosing reliable assurance and outstanding esthetic commitment.