Choosing blocks for your CEREC® workflow involves more than matching a tooth shade. The material, crystallization requirements, translucency, block dimensions, and milling compatibility all affect which product belongs in your inventory.
This guide explains what to check when comparing CAD/CAM blocks, with particular attention to lithium disilicate and fully crystallized options.
Start With the Restoration Requirements
Before choosing a block, confirm that the specific product is indicated for the planned restoration. Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and bridges can have different material and design requirements.
Review the manufacturer’s instructions for approved indications, minimum thickness, preparation requirements, and finishing procedures. A material category alone does not establish whether every block within that category is suitable for a particular case.
For purchasing, this means selecting the exact product your clinical workflow requires—not simply ordering any block labeled “ceramic” or “lithium disilicate.”
Lithium Disilicate: Check the Crystallization Requirements
Lithium disilicate blocks are available in different processing states. An important distinction is whether the restoration requires crystallization after milling.
Partially Crystallized Blocks
Some lithium disilicate products are supplied in a partially crystallized state and require a prescribed crystallization firing after milling. IPS e.max® CAD is one example.
When ordering this type of block, confirm that your practice has the appropriate furnace, approved firing program, and supporting accessories for that specific material. Firing instructions should come from the block manufacturer; schedules are not automatically interchangeable between brands.
Explore CAD/CAM Depot’s Blue Blocks Lithium Disilicate x5 to review available shade and translucency options.
Fully Crystallized Blocks
Fully crystallized lithium disilicate blocks are already crystallized before milling. Certain products support a mill-and-polish workflow without a separate crystallization firing.
However, “fully crystallized” does not mean that every product uses the same finishing procedure. Confirm the instructions for polishing, optional characterization, glazing, and bonding for the exact block selected.
When comparing conventional blue blocks with fully crystallized LiSi options, compare the complete workflow as well as the box price.
Match the Shade and Translucency
Shade and translucency are separate purchasing decisions.
A shade designation identifies a color option within the manufacturer’s system. Translucency describes how light passes through the material and influences the restoration’s appearance.
You may encounter designations such as:
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HT: High translucency.
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MT: Medium translucency.
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LT: Low translucency.
These labels should be interpreted within the specific product range. The same shade and translucency designation from two manufacturers does not guarantee an identical optical result.
Before ordering, confirm the prescribed shade, translucency, and product—not just the shade name.
Confirm Block Size and Milling Compatibility
Check compatibility with your exact milling unit, software version, material selection, and required instruments.
Also confirm that the block’s usable dimensions and holder format suit the planned restoration. A familiar size label is not a substitute for checking the product specifications.
Before adding a box to your cart, verify:
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Material and product name.
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Block size and holder format.
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Milling unit and software compatibility.
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Required burs or grinding instruments.
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Shade and translucency.
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Number of blocks per box.
CAD/CAM Depot’s Blue Blocks listing specifies size #14 and five blocks per box. Review the product details and available variants before ordering.
Compare the Complete Cost of Your Workflow
Price per box is only one part of a useful purchasing comparison.
Consider the number of blocks included, required processing steps, furnace use, finishing materials, and staff time. A lower purchase price may not produce the lowest overall cost for your practice.
Keeping a focused inventory of frequently used shades and translucencies can also make reordering easier. Review your own case history before expanding into less frequently used variants.
Order With the Details Confirmed
A clear purchasing checklist helps your team reorder consistently and reduces confusion between similar products.
Browse CAD/CAM Depot’s dental supplies, or contact our team with the product name and milling unit model if you need help finding an item.
Material selection and clinical processing should always follow the specific manufacturer’s current instructions for use.