Multi-Layer Gradient Zirconia Blocks — Combining Functionality and Aesthetics

With the improvement of living standards, patients’ expectations for dental restorations have become increasingly diverse. Today, people demand not only strength and long-term stability but also aesthetic results that closely resemble natural teeth.
In response to these needs, HONCHON has developed the 4D-Pro series multi-layer gradient zirconia blocks, a material that blends mechanical performance with lifelike esthetics to elevate modern restorative dentistry.

1. High-Quality Raw Materials as the Foundation

At HONCHON, material selection is a critical part of product development.
The 4D-Pro series is produced using:

Japanese imported zirconia powder, and

Sino-Ceramic nano-zirconia powder

These top-tier raw materials give the zirconia excellent density, stability, and consistency.
Based on this solid foundation, HONCHON designed the 4D-Pro multi-layer gradient system—a structure that integrates color, strength, and translucency transitions across 7 natural gradient layers.

This advanced gradient design enables the 4D-Pro series to reproduce the translucency, color variation, and biomechanical behavior of natural teeth, making it ideal for both functional restorations and high-end esthetic cases.

2. True Multi-Layer Aesthetics — Natural Color in Every Detail

The 4D-Pro series supports:

VITA 16 classic shades, and

Ivoclar 4 bleach shades

The pre-shaded system eliminates the need for internal staining and drying steps, significantly simplifying the workflow and improving chairside efficiency.

The 7-layer superposition structure combined with a 9-layer gradient effect ensures a smooth color transition even in large-span bridges.
From cervical to incisal, the zirconia mimics the natural dentition’s color reduction pattern, creating restorations that appear moist, lively, and truly lifelike.

At the same time, the material maintains an excellent balance of toughness and hardness, ensuring long-term durability.

3. Strength Gradient for Stability and Versatility

From the incisal edge to the cervical area, the material transitions through 750 MPa to 1200 MPa, following a scientifically engineered 3Y–4Y–5Y composite gradient.

This gradient brings several key advantages:

Higher cervical strength (up to 1200 MPa) improves margin safety

Strong support for long-span bridges

Reduced risk of chipping in complex anatomical areas

Moderate occlusal hardness protects opposing teeth

Smoother grinding and finishing at the margins

Overall, the mechanical properties offer both function and comfort for long-term clinical performance.

4. Advanced Translucency Gradient — Close to Natural Enamel

Transparency decreases from the incisal edge toward the neck in a controlled gradient:

55% → 43% translucency

This allows the incisal area to resemble natural enamel, while the lower-translucency cervical region offers superior masking ability—especially helpful when covering discolored abutments.

The combined effect recreates the “moist,” dynamic beauty of natural teeth, making the 4D-Pro zirconia blocks well-suited for high-demand esthetic cases.

5. Clinical Cases (Figure 1 & Figure 2)

The following non-veneered zirconia cases highlight the natural aesthetic effect of 4D-Pro restorations:

These examples demonstrate how the gradient structure delivers impressive translucency, color harmony, and anatomical integration even without porcelain veneering.

6. Looking Ahead

As digital dentistry rapidly evolves and patients pay more attention to oral health, high-quality restorative materials will continue to play a central role.
HONCHON will keep exploring innovations based on strong R&D capability, advanced manufacturing technology, and carefully selected raw materials. Our goal is to provide safer, more comfortable, and more aesthetic zirconia solutions for clinicians and patients worldwide.