DR. DENNIS HARTLIEB
Blocking out the metal post with pink opaque
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/2ab67a28423d511831b691f2b4d96d18.jpeg)
Blocking out the metal post with pink opaque
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/af4080647faa3cc3b679f471a09e7024.jpeg)
Our patients’ demands are increasingly heightened due to many influences, including media, marketing, and social media.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/209a030112b7aa032f8bda7e626419b5.jpeg)
In these situations, where the metal post and core cannot be removed, the dentist has a couple of options.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/433f3df48a9bdd17548d158fa3a606bc.jpeg)
1- The first option is to leave the metal post and core as it is and use a highly opaque crown material to block out the shine thru of the post/core.
2- The second option is to block out the metal at the tooth preparation.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/2ab67a28423d511831b691f2b4d96d18.jpeg)
I believe my ceramist is able to create the most natural esthetics with lithium disilicate (eMax, Lisi), rather than with zirconia, so I absolutely needed to block out the metal post and dark tooth structure.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/877b21640d105370cb6f2df2d33ae9ff.jpeg)
Let me walk you through the step-by-step technique.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/af4080647faa3cc3b679f471a09e7024.jpeg)
1. Microetch (sand blast) with 25-50 micron aluminum oxide
2. Rinse and dry
3. Use self-etch primer on all tooth structure, 20 seconds, air dry
4. Place a metal primer on the metal post and core and air dry
5. Place the ‘bond’ (2nd bottle of Clearfil SE) over the primed tooth structure and post and core.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/07e28232697cebef0b26d061d9fa94ed.jpeg)
6. Light cure 20 seconds
Ok, now we are ready to start blocking out the post and core and the dark tooth structure, so a few more steps:
7. Using an artist’s brush, paint a thick layer of pink opaque (Creative Colors, Cosmedent) over the metal, feathering onto the tooth structure and light cure, 10 seconds.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/7e3ab628a73c58b872ab7d6ad8723250.jpeg)
8. Evaluate to see if there is still metal shine thru – if so, add another layer, though thinner to complete masking of the metal. Light cure 10 seconds.
9. Using the same artist’s brush, cleaned with an alcohol gauze, place a layer of the opaquer (Creative Color, Cosmedent) of the Vita shade that you want for your tooth prep (i.e. A2). Light cure 10 seconds.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/c22e0ffbc54a92f2d3120aea1e38b555.jpeg)
10. Place a thin layer of dentin composite (Renamel Hybrid, Cosmedent) to complete the proper tooth form. Light cure 30-60 seconds for final cure.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/07653b417bf6026ab81d4f2beb63c7dc.jpeg)
11. Reprep and polish for final crown preparations.
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/a2423a303df12781e19662779a61f0aa.jpeg)
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/552a5401afd8a493866b02b3b0efd1a0.jpeg)
![](https://lwfiles000.mycourse.app/school054666-public/a0a526e890f9d5fc2c8fec262b5cdf45.jpeg)