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Featured Case Study
Fabrication of a realistic characterization of a 3D printed inlay using Rodin Glaze N2-Free by Dr. Bianca Clark
Patient Background
A healthy adult patient presented with discomfort during chewing. Clinical examination revealed structural compromise of the distal and mesial marginal ridges, while maintaining sufficient enamel to support a conservative indirect restoration.
The patient strongly preferred a minimally invasive approach and requested a durable, aesthetic outcome that would preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. Considering the size of the carious lesion, occlusal load pattern, and the clinical need for a conservative treatment solution, a 3D printed inlay was selected as the ideal restorative approach.
To meet the patient’s aesthetic expectations, Rodin Glaze N2-Free was used to characterize and enhance the surface appearance of the final inlay, helping achieve a natural enamel gloss and lifelike shading.
Digital Workflow
1. Case Evaluation and Intraoral Preparation
Preoperative scans were obtained to evaluate occlusion and support accurate digital design. After anesthesia and isolation, the existing defective restoration and recurrent caries were removed. The preparation design remained highly conservative, guided by caries-indicating dye. Special attention was given to eliminate undercuts, and tooth preparation was completed with immediate dentin sealing.
2. Scan, Design, and Print
Following preparation, new scans were captured and the inlay was designed in Exocad. The inlay was printed using Rodin Structure 2.0 with the Glidewell FastPrint system.
3. Characterization and Processing
The 3D printed inlay was stained and glazed using Rodin Glaze N2-Free and Naturalizing Palette 2.0. Glaze was applied using a #003 brush, while dark brown characterization stain was added to the fossa using a #000 brush. Stains were cured using a handheld light, followed by final processing according to the Rodin Structure 2.0 IFU using a cure box.
4. Delivery
The preparation was isolated with a rubber dam. After microabrasion of the prepared tooth structure, selective etching was performed, followed by cementation using a resin dual-cure cementation protocol.
Outcome
The patient’s chief complaint of discomfort during function was eliminated through conservative removal of caries and restoration of the tooth. The printed inlay exhibited excellent margin integrity and optimized occlusion, supported by digital design accuracy.
Notably, due to the aesthetic performance of Rodin Glaze N2-Free, no polishing was required to achieve a natural enamel-like gloss, enhancing both efficiency and final appearance.
Clinician Insight
“Rodin Glaze N2-Free is a staple in my digital workflow. I genuinely enjoy the ease of use of the glaze, and its functionality with the complete suite of shades in the palette. The broad shade range and customizable translucency allow me to achieve truly personalized restorations, while the material’s strength and integrity give me the confidence to deliver lasting results.”
Dr. Bianca Clark
About the Author
Dr. Bianca Clark is a pioneering cosmetic dentist known for advancing smile design through 3D printing and digital innovation. With advanced training in biomimetic dentistry and recognition as a Key Opinion Leader in digital printing, she combines artistry with cutting-edge technology to create natural-looking results. Her expertise in complex restorations and minimally invasive techniques has made her a sought-after leader, shaping the future of cosmetic dentistry.
