HT? White？which one is the name of zirconia you intend to buy？

Different dental zirconia manufacturers have different series of designations for common types zirconia. HT, White, SHT, HTC......Do you know which are refer to the same type zirconia block? The answer will be unveiled in the end of the article. By finished reading this article, you will have a general understanding of common zirconia in the market.

Second generation zirconia (3Y-TZP)

Second generation zirconia is often referred to as HT (High Translucency) and is made from 3Y-TZP(3 mol % Yttria stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals) zirconia powder.

Strength: About 850-1000 MPa.

Features: Compared with the first generation, this generation of zirconia has a higher translucency.

Indications: Suitable for posterior teeth of full zirconia crowns and bridges, anterior teeth of layer zirconia crowns, and can suitable for 3 to 4 unit dental bridges.

Related products: White/HT (Godzillaking), Cercon HT(Dentsply Sirona), ZEN(Ivoclar), Lava Plus(3M ESPE), etc.

Godzillaking white(HT) zirconia blocks reach 1200MPa bending strength

Third generation zirconia (4Y-TZP)

The third generation of zirconia is called SHT (Super High Translucency) and is made from 4Y-TZP zirconia powder.

Strength: Approx. 600-800 MPa.

Features: The zirconia enhances translucency to mimic real teeth and has a aesthetic performance.

Indications: Best for anterior restorations, especially 2-3 unit anterior bridges.

Related products: Preshade/HTC(Godzillaking), Cerconxt(Dentsply Sirona), Katana High Translucent KAT(Kurary Noritake), KATANA STML(Kurary Noritake), etc.

Godzillaking Preshade(HTC) zirconia blocks with accurate color and 900MPa bending strength

Fourth generation zirconia (5Y-TZP)

The fourth generation of zirconia, referred to UT (Ultra Translucency), is made of 5Y-TZP zirconia powder.

Strength: Approx. 700-800 MPa.

Features: This type of zirconia has a high aesthetic effect and its translucency is close to that of glass ceramics.

Indications: Intended for use in the anterior teeth area, particularly the bridge of 1-2 units, where a natural look is essential.

Related products: Prettau Anterio PRTA(Zirkonzahn), KATANA UTML(Kurary Noritake), etc.

Multilayer Zirconia

Multilayer zirconia combines 3Y-TZP, 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP zirconia powders, and is classified as the fourth generation zirconia. It is usually classified into 3D and 4D types.

Strength: Approx. 600-800 MPa.

Features: The 3D zirconia has 6 shades layers, while the 4D zirconia has 8 shades layers, allowing for a natural shade gradient from the incisal edge to the dentin area. This reduces the need for complex staining steps.

Indications: Suitable for anterior area of crown, providing a aesthetic features that comes closer to natural teeth.

Related products: 4D-X(Godzillaking), 4D Pro(Godzillaking), KATANA Zirconia UTML(Kurary Noritake), IPS e.max ZirCAD MT Multi(Ivoclar), etc.

4D-X zirconia blocks, made of 100% TOSOH zirconia powder, with natural shade gradient.

4D Pro zirconia block, for natural full-arch bridge

And now, it's time to unveil the answer:

HT zirconia block is usually refer to white zirconia blocks, Godzillaking HTC(Preshade) is refer to SHT zirconia block. If you are losting in the zirconia name, you can identify the zirconia block by its features. And it’s better to ask your dental supplier if the block is the product you want.