XTCERA Glass Ceramic Support
XTCERA Glass Ceramic Support
Thank you for choosing XTCERA Glass Ceramic CAD/CAM Milling Blocks.
XTCERA glass ceramic is composed of silicon dioxide, lithium oxide, potassium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, aluminum oxide and other oxides. It is indicated for fabricating all-ceramic restorations such as veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns and 2-unit anterior bridges using a CAD/CAM system.
Use the resources below to mill, crystallize, glaze, store and handle your blocks correctly. The information on this page is taken from the manufacturer's user manual. Review the full manual before processing your first case.
Before You Begin
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a dentist.
This product is not suitable for the fabrication of three-unit and larger restorations. Without crystallization firing in a porcelain furnace, it cannot be used directly for dentures or oral restorations.
Only personnel trained on the job may process the blocks. Do not use expired product or product from a damaged package.
Material Information
| Product name | Glass ceramic |
| Composition | Silicon dioxide, lithium oxide, potassium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, aluminum oxide and other oxides |
| Indications | Veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, 2-unit anterior bridges (CAD/CAM) |
| Not indicated for | Restorations of three units and above |
| Classification | Type II, Class 2 |
| Processing | CAD/CAM milling (wet processing), followed by crystallization in a porcelain furnace |
| Final crystallization hold | 830–850 °C for 5–10 min (see the firing table below) |
| Shade reference | VITA 16-color / 26-color shade guide |
| Service life | 10 years |
| Sterility / use | Non-sterile; single use only |
| Catalogue number, lot, date of manufacture | See the label |
Source: XTCERA Glass Ceramic User Manual, Document No. QS-3-GC-XT50100 A1, drafted February 13, 2023. Manufacturer: Shenzhen Xiangtong Co., Ltd.
Compatible Mills and Blocks
The manual names the following Shenzhen Xiangtong Co., Ltd. engraving and milling machines as examples: X-MILL 300, D-one and X-MILL500 ("etc."). Fix a block of the appropriate model and specification on the CNC machine for restoration processing.
The manual does not list block sizes. For available shades, translucencies and package sizes, see the XTCERA Glass Ceramic CAD/CAM Milling Blocks product page.
Scanning, Design and Milling
- Scan: digitally scan the abutment or dental model to obtain three-dimensional data. Make sure the scan data is accurate.
- Design: carry out the CAD design based on the scan data. Set the design parameters to suit the selected milling machine and the diameter of the burs.
- Nest (CAM): use dental CAM software to position the restorations. Pay attention to the placement of restorations and support rods (sprues) so that poor placement does not affect the marginal seal of the restoration.
- Mill: fix the block on the milling machine. When changing blocks, clean the mounting fixture. Milling is wet processing.
- Finish: separate the milled restoration from the block and dry it. Polish off the support material, try the restoration on the abutment or model, carefully inspect and trim it, then wash it clean.
Finishing notes from the manual:
- When polishing, press lightly in one direction and keep the speed at about 10,000 rpm.
- All trimming must be done before crystallization is complete.
- Avoid excessive trimming of the crown, connectors and teeth of the restoration.
Crystallization Firing Schedule
Crystallize the restoration in a porcelain furnace. The manual gives the complete crystallization program in two rows, reproduced exactly below.
| Starting temperature (°C) | Drying time (min) | Heating rate (°C/min) | Hold temperature (°C) | Dwell time (s) | Vacuum started (°C) | Vacuum end (°C) | Heating rate (°C/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 6 | 60–90 | 810 | 10 | 550 | 810 | 30 |
| Hold temperature (°C) | Dwell time (min) | Vacuum started (°C) | Vacuum end (°C) | End temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 830–850 | 5–10 | 810 | 830–850 | 550 |
Firing notes from the manual:
- For full crystallization, place the restoration on the special firing support material with the cut (sprue) end facing down. No part of it should be raised, suspended, or touching the inner wall of the furnace.
- Do not place the porcelain furnace at a ventilation opening, and check that it is not facing an air conditioner or fan.
Shade, Staining and Glazing
- Shade: refer to the VITA 16-color / 26-color shade guide.
- Glazing: use glaze paste to complete the restoration.
- Only low-temperature glazing materials may be used. The manual suggests a glaze firing temperature below 810 °C.
- The manual does not give a separate stain firing program or name specific stain and glaze products.
Storage and Handling
- Store the packaged product in a well-ventilated room away from strong sunlight and corrosive gas, at a temperature of no more than 40 °C.
- Keep the package intact and upright during storage.
- The product is fragile. During transport, avoid impact, vibration, rain and humid environments.
- Avoid severe compression, stress and vibration during storage, transport and processing.
- Before use, check the packaging and the product inside. Do not use the product if it is damaged.
- Operators should wear a mask to avoid inhaling ceramic dust during machining.
- Discarded product can be disposed of directly.
Contraindications and Warnings
Contraindications
- Patients allergic to glass ceramic materials, and patients with oral mucosal ulcers.
- Patients with severe heart, liver, kidney or hematopoietic system diseases, or mental illness.
- Patients with untreated oral diseases.
- Certain special groups, such as pregnant women.
- Restorations of three units and above.
Warnings
- Do not use open flames or other ignition sources during processing.
- In case of skin contact, rinse immediately. If a rash or allergic symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
- The block cannot be used directly as a restoration without firing (crystallization).
- Restorations must be inserted, fitted and adjusted by professional dentists.
- Personnel who have not been trained on the job must not process the blocks.
- Do not use expired product.
- Single use only. Non-sterile.
XTCERA Glass Ceramic Downloads and Products
The official manufacturer's user manual and the XTCERA products available at Gro3X.
Download the Glass Ceramic User Manual (PDF) Shop XTCERA Glass Ceramic CAD/CAM Milling Blocks All XTCERA productsDocument No. QS-3-GC-XT50100 A1, drafted February 13, 2023.
XTCERA Glass Ceramic FAQ
What restorations can I make with XTCERA glass ceramic blocks?
Veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns and 2-unit anterior bridges, using a CAD/CAM system.
Can I mill a 3-unit bridge?
No. The manual states the product is not suitable for restorations of three units and above.
Is milling wet or dry?
Wet. The manual notes that the milling step is wet processing.
Should I adjust the restoration before or after crystallization?
Before. All trimming must be done before crystallization is complete. Polish lightly in one direction at about 10,000 rpm and avoid excessive trimming.
What is the crystallization program?
Start at 450 °C with a 6-minute drying time, heat at 60–90 °C/min to 810 °C, then hold at 830–850 °C for 5–10 minutes under vacuum, ending at 550 °C. See the full firing table above for all the values.
What glaze can I use, and how should I store the blocks?
Use only low-temperature glazing materials. The manual suggests a glaze firing temperature below 810 °C. Store blocks upright in their intact packaging, in a ventilated room away from strong sunlight and corrosive gas, at no more than 40 °C.
Need Technical Support?
Before contacting support, note the block shade and lot number from the label, the milling machine, the furnace and the program used, and describe the issue. Photos of the restoration and the furnace program help speed up troubleshooting.
Contact Gro3X Support: support@gro3x.com
Ready for your next case? Order XTCERA Glass Ceramic CAD/CAM Milling Blocks.