Comparison Table for CAD/CAM Porcelain Blocks
| Dental Blocks | Main Features | Recommended Use | Mandrel Type | Radiopacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC Initial™ LRF Blocks | High density; Extremely smooth surfaces; Chameleon effect; Strong leucite-reinforced feldspar | Single-tooth restorations | Universal | N/A |
| IPS e.max® CAD LT Blocks | Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic; Low Translucency | Hybrid abutment crowns | A14 | High |
| Tetric® CAD for Planmill | Esthetic hybrid ceramic resin block | Single-tooth restorations | N/A | N/A |
| IPS e.max® CAD MO Blocks | Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic; Medium Opacity | Hybrid abutments | A14 | High |
| IPS Empress® CAD HT Blocks | Composite ceramic; High Translucency; True-to-nature chameleon effect | Smaller restorations (inlays and onlays) | N/A | High |
| VITABLOCS® TriLuxe Forte | Polychromatic tooth-colored feldspar block | Inlays, onlays, partial crowns, full crowns, molar endo crowns, veneers | TF-12 | High |
| CERASMART® Universal | Flexible hybrid Nano Ceramic matrix structure | High-strength ceramic and composite | Universal | High |
| VITABLOCS® Mark II | Monochromatic fine structure feldspar ceramic block | Inlays, onlays, veneers, anterior and posterior crowns | B | High |
| CEREC® Blocs C | Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic | Crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers | Universal | High |
| VITA Enamic® Blocks | Dual-network ceramic material | Restorations | N/A | N/A |
Blocks are milled with CAD/CAM machines to fabricate customized veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, abutments, and bridges for dental restoration. The blocks come in various materials, such as composite, zirconia, acrylic polymer, or ceramic. Multiple translucencies and shades are available to match dentin, enamel, and the remaining tooth structure.
Top 10 Endodontic Sealers & Cements
1. GC Initial™ LRF Blocks
Product Description
GC Initial™ LRF Blocks are high-performance, leucite-reinforced feldspar ceramic blocks designed for fast, efficient chairside restorations. Offering outstanding esthetics and strength, these blocks require no firing, making them ideal for same-day dentistry.
Product Overview
These blocks deliver an exceptionally smooth surface right after milling, minimizing post-processing time. Their high-density composition reduces the risk of cracking or chipping, and the chameleon effect ensures seamless integration with surrounding dentition. They can be easily polished or glazed using the dedicated GC Initial™ glaze paste.
Key Features
- Leucite-reinforced feldspar ceramic
- No firing required
- Fast milling time for efficient workflows
- High density for durability and reduced chipping
- Smooth surfaces immediately after milling
- Excellent polishability or glazing with compatible glaze paste
- Natural chameleon effect for optimal shade blending
Common Applications
- Single-unit crowns
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Anterior and posterior restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Leucite-reinforced feldspar ceramic
- Requires firing: No
- Surface finish: Smooth post-milling
- Polishable: Yes
- Available shades: Various (based on GC shade system)
Customer Ratings
4.8/5 based on clinical user reviews
Top 10 CAD/CAM Porcelain Block Kits
2. IPS e.max® CAD LT Blocks
Product Description
IPS e.max® CAD LT Blocks are lithium disilicate glass-ceramic blocks designed for high-strength, esthetic CAD/CAM restorations. These blocks are optimized for use with CEREC® and inLab® systems, offering precision, durability, and natural-looking translucency.
Product Overview
The LT (Low Translucency) version provides ideal optical properties for restorations requiring increased masking of underlying structures. The A14 block features a specially designed interface tailored for use with the Sirona Ti base, making it perfect for hybrid abutment crown applications.
Key Features
- Made of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic
- Designed for use with CEREC® and inLab® systems
- Low translucency for improved masking ability
- A14 block includes a special interface for the Sirona Ti base
- Ideal for hybrid abutment crowns and esthetic restorations
- High strength and precision milling performance
Common Applications
- Hybrid abutment crowns
- Posterior and anterior crowns
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Three-unit bridges (up to the second premolar, depending on indication)
Technical Specifications
- Material: Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic
- Translucency: Low (LT)
- System compatibility: CEREC®, inLab®
- Block size: A14 with Ti base interface
- Processing: Requires crystallization firing after milling
Customer Ratings
4.9/5 from restorative and prosthodontic professionals
3. Tetric® CAD for Planmill Blocks – HT
Product Description
Tetric® CAD for Planmill Blocks – HT are esthetic hybrid ceramic resin blocks designed for single-tooth restorations using the Planmill system. These blocks deliver a natural appearance, seamless integration, and reliable strength—all in a single-appointment solution.
Product Overview
Engineered for high-translucency applications, these blocks blend effortlessly with surrounding tooth structure, providing visually pleasing results. Their hybrid ceramic-resin composition offers ideal machinability, reduced brittleness, and excellent polishability.
Key Features
- Hybrid ceramic-resin material
- Designed for use with Planmill systems
- High translucency (HT) for natural esthetics
- Excellent blending with residual tooth structure
- Ideal for single-tooth restorations
- Easy to finish and polish chairside
Common Applications
- Single anterior and posterior crowns
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Minimally invasive restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Hybrid ceramic-resin
- Translucency: High (HT)
- System compatibility: Planmill
- Indications: Single-tooth restorations
- Processing: No firing required
Customer Ratings
4.7/5 from CAD/CAM users and cosmetic dentists
4. IPS e.max® CAD MO Blocks
Product Description
IPS e.max® CAD MO Blocks are lithium disilicate glass-ceramic blocks engineered for strong and esthetic CAD/CAM restorations. Designed for use with CEREC® and inLab® systems, the MO (Medium Opacity) blocks are ideal for situations requiring increased masking, such as hybrid abutments.
Product Overview
The A14 MO block includes a specialized interface for the Sirona TiBase, making it an optimal choice for hybrid abutment crowns. With high strength and a balanced level of translucency, these blocks provide both esthetic and functional performance in implant-supported restorations.
Key Features
- Made of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic
- Medium opacity for enhanced masking ability
- Designed for use with CEREC® and inLab® systems
- A14 block includes interface for Sirona TiBase
- Ideal for hybrid abutments and implant-supported restorations
- High strength and precise CAD/CAM compatibility
Common Applications
- Hybrid abutment crowns
- Anterior and posterior crowns
- Implant-supported restorations
- Restorations requiring substructure masking
Technical Specifications
- Material: Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic
- Opacity: Medium (MO)
- System compatibility: CEREC®, inLab®
- Block size: A14 with TiBase interface
- Processing: Requires crystallization firing after milling
Customer Ratings
4.8/5 from implant and restorative specialists
5. IPS Empress® CAD HT Blocks
Product Description
IPS Empress® CAD HT Blocks are leucite-based ceramic blocks designed for highly esthetic CAD/CAM restorations of individual teeth. With their high translucency and chameleon effect, they are particularly suited for small restorations that require natural-looking integration and lifelike optical properties.
Product Overview
Manufactured using a precise industrial process, IPS Empress CAD achieves homogeneity and a flexural strength of 160 MPa. The HT (High Translucency) version enhances esthetics by closely mimicking the surrounding tooth structure. These blocks are ideal for inlays, onlays, veneers, and single-unit crowns where shade blending and natural fluorescence are essential.
Key Features
- Leucite-reinforced ceramic material
- High translucency (HT) for natural light diffusion
- Strength of 160 MPa
- Optimized for small restorations like inlays and onlays
- True-to-nature chameleon effect for seamless blending
- Simulates natural tooth fluorescence
- Excellent homogeneity and esthetic outcome
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Anterior and posterior single-unit crowns
- Minimally invasive esthetic restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Leucite-based ceramic
- Translucency: High (HT)
- Strength: 160 MPa
- Processing: Milling and optional glazing
- System compatibility: Most CAD/CAM systems (e.g., CEREC®, inLab®)
Customer Ratings
4.7/5 from esthetic and restorative dentists
6. VITABLOCS® TriLuxe Forte
Product Description
VITABLOCS® TriLuxe Forte is a polychromatic feldspar ceramic block designed for lifelike CAD/CAM restorations. With an integrated shade gradient, it reproduces the natural color transitions of real teeth, making it ideal for esthetic restorations using CEREC® and inLab® systems.
Product Overview
Engineered for seamless integration, TriLuxe Forte blocks combine four distinct layers of shade and translucency to deliver highly natural esthetics without the need for additional staining. These feldspar blocks are ideal for a wide range of restorations, including veneers, crowns, and inlays.
Key Features
- Polychromatic feldspar ceramic
- Integrated four-layer shade gradient for natural esthetics
- Tooth-colored for lifelike appearance
- Designed for CEREC® and inLab® systems
- No need for staining or layering
- Easy to mill and polish
- High esthetic results with minimal post-processing
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Partial crowns
- Full anterior and posterior crowns
- Molar endo crowns
Technical Specifications
- Material: Feldspar ceramic
- Shade design: Polychromatic (four-layer gradient)
- Processing: Milling and optional polishing or glazing
- System compatibility: CEREC®, inLab®
- Indications: Single-tooth restorations, including esthetic zones
Customer Ratings
4.8/5 from cosmetic and restorative dental professionals
7. CERASMART® Universal CAD/CAM Blocks
Product Description
CERASMART® Universal CAD/CAM Blocks are advanced hybrid nano-ceramic blocks that combine the strength of ceramic with the elasticity of composite. Engineered with a unique flexible nano-ceramic matrix, they offer exceptional durability, esthetics, and ease of use for single-visit restorations.
Product Overview
These blocks deliver optimal marginal integrity, high fracture resistance, and natural enamel-like properties without the need for crystallization firing. Their elasticity and toughness ensure long-term performance, while features like self-polishing and wear resistance provide lasting esthetics and functionality.
Key Features
- Hybrid nano-ceramic structure
- High elasticity, flexibility, and strength
- No crystallization firing required
- Self-polishing with excellent gloss retention
- High radiopacity and wear resistance
- Natural opalescence and enamel-like properties
- Fracture resistant and repairable intraorally
- Gentle on milling burs and fast to mill
- Virtually no chipping during processing
- Compatible with universal mandrel systems
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Single crowns (anterior and posterior)
- Minimally invasive restorations
- Long-lasting esthetic restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Hybrid nano-ceramic
- Crystallization: Not required
- Polishability: Self-polishing
- Radiopacity: High
- Milling: Fast with minimal bur wear
- Fracture toughness: High
- Shade and size options: Multiple available
8. VITABLOCS® Mark II 3D-Master® Shade Blocks
Product Description
VITABLOCS® Mark II 3D-Master® Shade Blocks are monochromatic feldspar ceramic blocks developed for precision CAD/CAM restorations. Known for their fine particle structure, they offer excellent esthetics and long-term reliability for single-tooth restorations.
Product Overview
These blocks provide consistent shade and translucency, ideal for anterior and posterior restorations. The 3D-Master® shade system ensures accurate shade selection for natural-looking results. VITABLOCS Mark II is compatible with type B mandrels and suitable for most leading CAD/CAM systems.
Key Features
- Monochromatic fine structure feldspar ceramic
- Stable shade and translucency for esthetic restorations
- Compatible with type B mandrels
- Part of the VITA 3D-Master® shade system
- High polishability and wear resistance
- Easy to mill and finish
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Anterior crowns
- Posterior crowns
- Minimally invasive esthetic restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Fine structure feldspar ceramic
- Shade system: VITA 3D-Master®
- Mandrel type: B
- Processing: Milling and optional glazing or polishing
- Indications: Single-tooth restorations
9. CEREC® Blocs C
Product Description
CEREC® Blocs C are fine-structure feldspar ceramic blocks designed for esthetic and durable CAD/CAM restorations. These blocks closely mimic the abrasion properties of natural enamel and are easy to polish for a lifelike finish.
Product Overview
Compatible with CEREC® systems and featuring type B mandrels, these blocks offer reliable performance for single-tooth restorations. They are available in a standardized shade range and support both the VITA A-D and VITA 3D-Master® shade systems for precise color matching.
Key Features
- Fine-structure feldspar ceramic
- Enamel-like abrasion behavior
- Easy to polish for high-gloss finish
- Standardized shade range
- Compatible with VITA A-D and VITA 3D-Master® shade systems
- Mandrel type B
- Consistent and reliable milling performance
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Single anterior and posterior crowns
- Minimally invasive restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Fine-structure feldspar ceramic
- Shade systems: VITA A-D and VITA 3D-Master®
- Mandrel type: B
- Processing: Milling and polishing
- System compatibility: CEREC®
10. VITA Enamic® Blocks
Product Description
VITA Enamic® Blocks are advanced dual-network ceramic blocks that combine the strength of ceramics with the elasticity of composites. Mimicking the natural structure of teeth, they offer excellent force absorption and durability, making them ideal for high-performance single-tooth restorations.
Product Overview
As the first hybrid dental ceramic with an interpenetrating network structure, VITA Enamic offers exceptional fracture resistance, energy distribution, and esthetic results. The material allows for faster chairside processing and delivers precision placement, reducing chair time while maintaining long-term reliability.
Key Features
- Dual-network hybrid ceramic (ceramic and polymer)
- Mimics the elasticity and resilience of natural teeth
- High fracture resistance and force absorption
- Excellent marginal integrity and strength
- Easy to process and mill
- Reduces chair time with precise fit and finish
- Suitable for fast, same-day restorations
Common Applications
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers
- Crowns (anterior and posterior)
- Minimally invasive restorations
Technical Specifications
- Material: Dual-network ceramic (ceramic-polymer composite)
- Structure: Interpenetrating network
- Strength: High elasticity and fracture resistance
- Processing: Milling and optional polishing or glazing
- Shade compatibility: VITA classical and 3D-Master® systems
