Introducing
Reflex®

In 2005 we introduced Reflex, a porcelain with not only a new look, but an entirely new structure that truly takes porcelain-to-metal restorations to a new level.

It is not likely that you have heard of the new porcelain, as it has had no media blitz in this country. Reflex was developed by a team of top European porcelain engineers who were brought together by the Wieland Company of Germany specifically to create a new porcelain that would make a difference.

The technology behind the breakthrough is a new manufacturing process that has pushed the structure of this porcelain beyond the realm of microscopic…to nanoscopic. With this nanoscopic structure, Reflex porcelain is far more creamy, smooth and homogenous than any of its predecessors – like comparing granulated sugar to powdered!

The consistency of this structure improves three very important characteristics – and delivers multiple benefits.

  1. Light Transfer – With the extraordinarily even distribution and fine particle size of the nanoleucite, light refraction is greatly improved. Increased vitality comes not only from body & incisal porcelains, but also reveals the reflective properties of the opaque underneath, which is highly florescent. The benefit is that we can now create restorations with higher value shades and vitality than we were able to achieve before.
  1. Strength – The homogenous nature of the new material is also a benefit with regard to bond strength and fracture resistance. There is actually a 30% greater bond strength due to the nanostructure of the opaque particles. In addition, the more homogenous distribution of nanoleucite particles, as well as the considerably smaller size of the nanoleucite particles, results in porcelain that’s far more forgiving. It is not nearly as subject to internal stresses and micro fractures as typical porcelains are. During routine firing, we found other porcelains sometimes fractured when cooling. Throughout all of our testing, Reflex did not!

    REFLEX Opaque Layer Other Brands' Opaque Layer

  1. Smooth Finish – Reflex porcelain contains ultra-fine, nanoleucite particles which do not have the same growth characteristics as the larger leucite particles found in all other typical porcelains. With finer leucite particles, you get a much smoother surface, the texture of which does not change as you wear it down. (Make adjustments and polish; you’ll see for yourself.) The benefits for your patient are lower abrasion to opposing dentition, and less plaque buildup.

    REFLEX Nanoleucite™ Particle Distribution Other Brands' Leucite Particle Distribution

Previous porcelains have changed esthetics from time to time, but never their physical structure. We did our research and continue to be impressed by this product, so much so that we at O’Brien Dental Lab are now using Reflex exclusively!