CGI Full Spectrum
of Stains
A compact but versatile system of gum and characterization colors that lets dental technicians individualize soft tissue and tooth structure with control and repeatability.
Understanding the CGI Stain System
The CGI stain range is divided into three intuitive groups: A–D universal stains, dedicated gum stains, and a full palette of characterization stains for enamel and dentin effects. This structure makes it easy to move from basic shade corrections to complex pink‑white esthetics without switching systems.
Universal Stains A–D
These stains can be used as universal modifiers that follow the logic of the classical A–D ranges: A (reddish‑brown), B (reddish‑yellowish), C (grayish), and D (reddish‑grayish).
Use Shade A to modify restorations within the A‑range, representing reddish‑brown teeth.
- Apply thin washes in cervical thirds to increase warmth and match A2–A3 necks.
- Intensify fissures and proximal areas on A3–A4 for a slightly older, deeper appearance.
- Combine with Brown or Ocher stains when matching worn A‑range molars.
Ideal for B‑range teeth, characterized by a lighter, more reddish-yellow hue.
- Apply over middle and incisal thirds to reproduce warm, creamy body of B1–B2.
- On B3–B4, increase intensity in cervical areas; keep incisal thinner to preserve value.
- Works well over bright zirconia cores to gently neutralize excessive whiteness.
Shade C targets C‑range shades, which shift toward a cooler, grayish hue.
- Apply as a veil over the entire surface to reduce chroma and create a desaturated look.
- Concentrate in proximal and cervical zones to mimic darker C3–C4 teeth.
- Combine with blue or gray stains at the incisal to enhance the cool character.
Designed for the D‑group, where teeth show a mix of reddish and grayish components.
- Use it to warm up grayish restorations while maintaining the muted D‑range appearance.
- Place more product at cervical and interproximal areas for D3–D4 depth.
- A thin wash of Shade D over a C‑based build‑up helps bridge hue gaps in the arch.
Gum Stains: Building Life‑like Soft Tissue
CGI Gum Stains are dedicated pinks and reds that reproduce the subtle variations of natural gingiva. Their range covers from delicate blushes to intense, vascular tones, allowing you to individualize everything from a single pontic site to a full hybrid restoration.
Used in combination, these shades allow you to sculpt three‑dimensional soft tissue: light tones on eminences, mid‑tones in body areas, and Coffee, Blackberry, Carmine, or Cranberry in protected sulci and embrasures.
Characterization Stains: Micro‑Detail for Teeth
CGI characterization stains provide a full spectrum of colors to reproduce enamel, dentin, and age‑related changes. They are designed to be layered in thin washes, so the underlying structure remains visible while the surface acquires depth and vitality.
Practical Tips for Daily Cases
When working on a full‑arch zirconia restoration, start with universal stains A–D to set the baseline shade, then add Brown, Ocher, and Yellow to define fissures and cervical warmth. Incisal areas can be individualized with Blueberry, Blue, or Azure, layered very thinly to avoid over‑darkening.
For pink ceramics, use Orchid or Blush as a foundation, then intensify papillae with Carmine or Cranberry while adding Coffee or Chestnut into sulci for depth.
Because all stains belong to the same CGI system, they fire predictably together, which reduces trial‑and‑error and helps you document repeatable protocols. With a small, well‑organized palette like this, technicians can standardize their approach and still offer highly customized esthetics for each patient.
Whether you are completing a single anterior crown or a screw‑retained full‑arch hybrid, the CGI stain collection provides the tools to fine‑tune color, texture, and vitality with confidence.
