DDBio is Dental Direkt’s (Germany) zirconia range of four blanks, from a high-strength blank for frameworks and long-span bridges (DD Bio Z, 3Y-TZP) to a super-high-translucent blank for anterior teeth (DD cubeX², 5Y-TZP).
Flexural strength ranges from 700 to 1,200 MPa depending on the blank (Dental Direkt catalogue, measured to DIN EN ISO 6872). Khai Nguyen uses white (BL) and monochrome pre-shaded (mono) blanks, and the multilayer DD cube ONE® ML.
We choose the blank by tooth position, bridge span and esthetic demand. Each blank’s specifications are listed below.
Zirconia made in Germany
DDBio’s 3Y and 4Y blanks reach 1,150–1,200 MPa flexural strength according to the manufacturer’s catalogue, suitable for multi-unit bridges (max. 2 connected pontics).
Translucency varies across the DDBio blanks: DD Bio Z is opaque and masks discoloured stumps well; DD Bio ZX², DD cube ONE® and DD cubeX²® are progressively more translucent for aesthetic monolithic restorations.
DDBio ceramic restorations offer good biocompatibility.
Being metal-free, DDBio restorations avoid the grey gum line seen with metal-ceramic crowns.
DD Bio (often written DDBio) is the CAD/CAM zirconia family made by Dental Direkt GmbH in Spenge, Germany. All four blanks on this page are yttria-stabilised zirconia (Y-TZP), but they sit at different points on the strength-versus-translucency scale:
We mill white (BL) blanks, monochrome pre-shaded blanks and the multilayer DD cube ONE® ML. White blanks are shaded with colouring liquids before sintering, as the manufacturer describes.
From Dental Direkt’s instructions for use:
Bridges in DD Bio Z, ZX² and cube ONE may have no more than two adjacent pontics, and a cantilever pontic must not exceed 2/3 of the mesio-distal width of the abutment crown.
Contraindications include parafunction, insufficient space, unsuitable preparation and poor oral hygiene. For a heavily discoloured stump with little reduction, the catalogue points to the more opaque DD Bio ZX² or DD Bio Z.
| Blank | Translucency | Flexural strength; KIC |
|---|---|---|
| DD Bio Z (3Y-TZP-A) | Opaque | 1,150 ± 200 MPa; > 9.5 MPa√m |
| DD Bio ZX² (3Y-TZP-LA) | High Translucent | 1,150 ± 150 MPa; > 8 MPa√m |
| DD cube ONE (4Y-TZP) | High Translucent Plus | 1,200 ± 150 MPa; > 10 MPa√m |
| DD cubeX² (5Y-TZP) | Super High Translucent | 700 ± 100 MPa; 4.0 MPa√m |
Values are the manufacturer’s, measured to DIN EN ISO 6872. DD Bio Z, ZX² and cube ONE are Type II, Class 5 (bridges of 4 units or more); DD cubeX² is Class 4 (up to 3 units). For background on the 3Y and 5Y groups, see 3Y-TZP vs 5Y-PSZ zirconia.
Our CAD designs follow the minimums in the manufacturer’s instructions, so please prepare enough space for them:
A chamfer or shoulder preparation is recommended. Connector height matters most for stability, and connectors must not be ground after sintering.
Dental Direkt recommends conventional cementation with zinc phosphate or glass ionomer cement; resin luting cements can also be used. Ensure adequate retention and a stump height of at least 3 mm, and do not cement provisionally.
Veneers, inlays, onlays and non-retentive preparations should be bonded adhesively. Before cementing, lightly blast the intaglio with 50 µm alumina at 1–2 bar. With DD cube ONE and cubeX², opaque or tinted cements can change the final shade.
We accept intraoral scans or impressions, design in CAD, mill, sinter and finish or layer each case in our ISO 13485-certified lab in Ho Chi Minh City. Zirconia crowns and bridges take 2–4 working days in the lab, and zirconia on implants 3–4.5 working days (see implant bridges and crowns).
DHL Express delivery abroad adds 2–4 days. With each case, please state the blank or the clinical indication, the number of bridge units, the VITA shade, the stump shade and shade photos if available.
For reinforced long spans, see an I-bar under zirconia. Compare materials in our dental ceramic materials comparison, read the outsourcing FAQ and our warranty policy, then contact us or follow the ordering process.
Technical values come from the Dental Direkt product catalogue (Rev. 17_2023/03), the DD medical zirconia instructions for use (eIFU Rev.03_20241030) and the Dental Direkt Cementation Guide (Rev.03_20220714). This page is written for dentists and dental technicians. Khai Nguyen Dental Lab fabricates restorations only on professional prescription and does not sell directly to patients.
Indications
Composition
3Y-TZP-A: Y₂O₃ < 6 wt%, Al₂O₃ < 0.5 wt%
Strength
1,150 (±200) MPa
Shade
White (BL) or monochrome pre-shaded (mono) blanks in VITA shades
Warranty Policy
Covered by our general warranty (6 months to 15 years depending on the material)
More information
DD Bio Z is classified as HS (high-strength) zirconia
Brochure and resources
Indications
Composition
3Y-TZP-LA: 3 mol% Y₂O₃, Al₂O₃ ≤ 0.15 wt%
Strength
1,150 (±150) MPa
Shade
White (BL) or monochrome pre-shaded (mono) blanks in VITA shades
Warranty Policy
Covered by our general warranty (6 months to 15 years depending on the material)
More information
DD Bio ZX² blanks were developed and refined to combine all the mechanical advantages of “white” zirconia with a significant increase in translucency.
Brochure and resources
Indications
Composition
4Y-TZP, Al₂O₃ < 0.15 wt%
Strength
1,200 (±150) MPa
Shade
White (BL) or multilayer (ML).
Warranty Policy
Covered by our general warranty (6 months to 15 years depending on the material)
More information
DD cube ONE® is a high-translucency 4Y-TZP blank (High Translucent Plus) for monolithic crowns and bridges. Khai Nguyen uses both the white blank and the multilayer DD cube ONE® ML of this line.
Brochure and resources
Indications
Composition
5Y-TZP, Al₂O₃ ≤ 0.01 wt%
Strength
700 (±100) MPa
Shade
White (BL). A multilayer (ML) version exists, but Khai Nguyen does not use it.
Warranty Policy
Covered by our general warranty (6 months to 15 years depending on the material)
More information
DD cubeX²® is an SHT (super high translucent) blank – an ultra-translucent zirconia blank
Brochure and resources
The following DD Bio versions have FDA 510(k) clearance:
| Version | 510(k) number | Applicant, decision date |
|---|---|---|
| DD Bio Z, DD Bio ZX² DD Bio Z, DD Bio ZX(square), DD BioZX(square) color | K142987 | Dental Direkt of Amerika UG (Haftungsbeschraenkt), 11 Feb 2015 |
| DD cubeX² DD cubeX2 | K150196 | Dental Direkt GmbH, 26 Mar 2015 |
| DD cube ONE DD cubeX2 HS | K170885 | Dental Direkt GmbH, 1 Aug 2017 |
| DD cube ONE ML DD cube ONE ML | K183569 | Dental Direkt GmbH, 14 Feb 2019 |
Clearance applies to the manufacturer's material. FDA 510(k) and CE status of all materials we use.
The following DD Bio versions are CE marked as medical devices in the EU:
| Version | CE marking | Manufacturer's document |
|---|---|---|
| DD cube ONE, DD cube ONE ML Dental Direkt GmbH | CE 0482 Class IIa | DD cube ONE IFU (Rev.11, 2021) |
CE marking applies to the manufacturer's material. Restorations we make to a dentist's prescription are custom-made devices and do not carry the CE mark. FDA 510(k) and CE status of all materials we use.
Not sure which material fits the case? See our comparison of zirconia, lithium disilicate (e.max) and feldspathic ceramics by strength, translucency and indication.
Data sources: Dental Direkt product catalog (Rev. 17_2023/03), strength measured to DIN EN ISO 6872; DD medical zirconia Instructions for Use (eIFU Rev.03, 2024): indications, walls, connectors; Dental Direkt Cementation Guide (Rev.03, 2022). Technical values follow the manufacturer’s brochure; where the brochure is silent, we use the manufacturer’s official documents listed here. FDA 510(k) records: K142987, K150196, K170885, K183569. CE documents: DD cube ONE IFU (Rev.11, 2021).
