MicroDental Laboratories: MicroDental Captek

When MicroDental Laboratories began its foray into the world of cosmetic dentistry 40 years ago, porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations were becoming a rapidly growing commodity and quickly supplanting full-metal restorations as the primary prescribed anterior restoration. Gold, however, remains the preferred material for many clinicians, which has been proven further through the physical properties found in Captek™. Considered the aesthetic PFM, MicroDental has taken this highly prescribed restoration one step further with MicroDental Captek.

Captek copings are comprised of an advanced metallurgic technology (platinum/paladium reinforced gold) that renders a coping for increased strength and functionality. To begin the fabrication process, MicroDental technicians utilize Captek’s patented “P” press, or automated pressing procedure, to ensure consistent thickness and fit. Captek P is comprised of platinum/palladium/gold, which serves as the finished restoration’s reinforcing “skeleton.” Captek G (97.5% Gold and 2.5% Silver) is then placed over the coping thus far and fired. The gold in Captek G melts into the platinum/palladium. Once completed, MicroDental Captek copings exude a reddish-yellow hue that projects the vitality of natural dentition.

It is widely known Captek restorations help to reduce plaque at the gumline by 71%. However, MicroDental Captek features HeraCeram™ porcelain from Heraeus Kulzer, which allows for a smoother surface on the completed restoration, making it even more difficult for plaque to accumulate. This particular porcelain is the perfect complement to the warm-gold coloring of the coping and the skill set of our highly trained ceramists.

HeraCeram is formulated with PyroSYG, a newly developed quartz glass specifically optimized for use in dental ceramics. To achieve this, Heraeus Kulzer enlisted computer simulation and laboratory prototyping to virtually “unlock” the esthetic code of natural-looking teeth. These interacting elements—opalescence, fluorescence, and transparence—create the HeraCeram matrix. The result is an amazing combination of chroma, luminosity, and brightness, translating to the natural-looking restorations patients not only expect, but desire. Though primarily available in all Vita® shades, MicroDental is known for further customization through the dexterous use of stains.

Though these components create the restorations, the difference in MicroDental Captek is the expertise of MicroDental’s ceramists. In addition to being extensively trained at the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, these adept technicians have received over 90 hours of hands-on training directly from the Captek Company. This is especially remarkable as this equals three times the number of training hours of any other laboratory offering Captek. This is further quantified with a 10-year guarantee (as opposed to the five-year guarantee most labs offer) on single units.

Because of this increased knowledge, these technicians have developed several unique fabricative methods to the layering process that were solely created to reveal the concealed subtleties of both the HeraCeram porcelain and Captek coping for one-of-a-kind results. Not only does this approach allow for better marginal integrity and tissue acceptance, but the specialized porcelain techniques created enhanced wear properties as well. Though this is evident in single, anterior and posterior restorations, it is particularly noticeable in anterior and posterior bridge applications.

As Captek was originally created as a bridge material, MicroDental takes great pride in being one of the few laboratories that has fabricated more than 2,000 Captek bridges. What is remarkable about this aspect is that these bridges are created exactly to manufacturer specifications with no more than two pontics in a row for optimal and reliable results. During the fabrication process, the two primary focuses are aesthetics and occlusion. Without the proper bite management, the aesthetics are moot. MicroDental Captek technicians are trained in all occlusion philosophies to meet the requirements of even the most complicated of bites. This, in conjunction with the aforementioned aesthetics process, helps to complete the smile in the most comfortable position, which allows the clinical dentistry to last longer and garners greater patient satisfaction.

Though many laboratories offer Captek, none can match the commitment to excellence that is evident in each MicroDental Captek crown or bridge.

For more information on the products and services offered by MicroDental Laboratories call toll-free 800-229-0936 or visit them online at www.microdental.com.