NuSmile’s zirconia primary crown system delivers a one-stop solution

As a trusted name in pediatric restorations, NuSmile was determined to take a unique approach with preformed zirconia pediatric crowns.

“After investigating the science and consulting with numerous pediatric dentists, it was clear that a complete zirconia solution was needed,” said Diane Johnson Krueger, NuSmile CEO.

The first thing the company did was develop a patent-pending process for manufacturing its NuSmile ZR zirconia crowns, which deliver unmatched esthetics and exceptional durability, according to the company.

A landmark study had concluded that problems with contamination can occur when any zirconia crown is placed on a tooth during trial fitting and that this contamination significantly impaired cement to crown retention. NuSmile resolved it would solve the problems caused by saliva and blood contamination and also eliminate extra cleaning steps needed to remove this interfering contamination.

NuSmile’s unique solution: Each of its NuSmile ZR zirconia crowns has a reusable corresponding Try-In crown included within the crown kit that is identical in size and shape. The Try-In crown eliminates the need to place the actual zirconia crown in the mouth prior to cementation, thus completely avoiding saliva/blood contamination.

NuSmile also endeavored to find the best possible cement for zirconia crowns.

“We determined that a cement for pediatric patients should ideally be bioactive,” Krueger said, “but we couldn’t find one that met all of our criteria and that was easy to use with pediatric patients. So we developed our own.”

That cement — NuSmile BioCem — is the only cement that releases phosphate, calcium and fluoride ions into the oral environment and forms hydroxyapatite that is available to integrate with and replenish the tooth, according to NuSmile. The company asserts that studies show that BioCem demonstrates a superior bond strength to zirconia, and, unlike other bioactive cements, it exhibits easy handling and does not require trituration.

“Our customers told us they wanted a one-stop solution for all their needs involving zirconia crowns,” Krueger said. “That’s exactly what we’ve given them, and we couldn’t be happier with their response to the NuSmile ZR system.”