Zirconia 4D Pro Multilayer or ST Color – which zirconia disc for which case?

Two of the most frequently chosen YUCERA zirconia disc lines in our range are 4D Pro Multilayer and ST Color. Both are pre-shaded and supplied in the VITA shade range, but they are designed for different tasks. Here is how to choose.

4D Pro Multilayer – a translucency and strength gradient

A multilayer disc in which shade, translucency and flexural strength all change within a single blank: a 15-layer gradient from ~43% translucency and 1300 MPa in the cervical zone to ~57% and 800 MPa at the incisal edge. The result is a natural transition from a saturated cervical area to a translucent edge without manual staining. Shades: VITA Classical A1–D4, OM1–OM3 and bleach shades BL1–BL4.

• Best suited for: full-contour crowns and bridges in the anterior and posterior region, veneers, inlays/onlays, esthetic restorations without ceramic layering.
• Advantages: esthetics "straight out of the mill", fewer steps, predictable shade.
• Note: position the restoration in the disc deliberately – the gradient has a fixed height, so a crown placed too high or too low will change the perceived shade.

ST Color – uniform shade, high strength

A single-layer disc with a uniform shade throughout its volume and consistent strength (≥ 1100 MPa). Translucency of ~43% is enough to keep the restoration from looking "chalky", but the focus is on mechanical properties. Shades: VITA Classical A1–D4 and OM1–OM3.

• Best suited for: multi-unit bridges, posterior crowns, frameworks for ceramic veneering, implant-supported restorations, patients with bruxism.
• Advantages: free nesting of restorations in the disc, repeatable shade regardless of position, very good economics.

Quick reference

Sintering and finishing

Both lines are sintered according to the programs specified by YUCERA – always check the final temperature, holding time and heating rate on the data sheet of the specific disc and save it in the furnace as a separate program. Support bridges in the sintering tray with YUCERA sintering beads – they allow the structure to shrink evenly and reduce the risk of distortion. After sintering, restorations only need polishing or a thin glaze layer. We have covered the most common sintering mistakes in a separate knowledge base article on zirconia sintering.

Thicknesses and diameters

4D Pro Multilayer is supplied in 98 mm (open system) and 95 mm diameters, ST Color in a 98 mm diameter; thickness ranges from 10 to 25 mm, depending on the shade. You will find the full list of shades and sizes with prices in the zirconia disc catalog. Not sure which line will suit your milling machine and typical cases better? Write to us – we will advise on disc selection and processing parameters.