Glass-ceramics
Glass-ceramics have been successfully used in dentistry for the past 20 years. Recently, patients have also started to show a growing interest in these highly esthetic and biocompatible restorations. Today, glass-ceramics that can be machined with modern CAD/CAM equipment are available in addition to the materials that have to be pressed.
The clinical suitability of glass-ceramics for single tooth restorations has been proven in long-term studies. Posterior bridges in chewing areas, however, require even stronger materials such as metal or zirconium oxide (ZrO2).
The innovative lithium disilicate (LS2) glass-ceramic IPS e.max CAD offers 2.5 to 3 times (360 MPa) the strength of other glass-ceramics. This material does therefore not only meet the esthetic requirements, but it also represents an economically interesting alternative to ZrO2-supported singletooth restorations.
Together with the lab technician you will decide on the most suitable solution for your patients. You can choose between full veneers and the cut-back or the efficient staining technique. You can offer your patients a comprehensive range of allceramic solutions, which include the affordable fully anatomical and esthetically pleasing alternative to precious metal crowns as well as the more expensive veneered versions, which fulfill the most discerning requirements.
Moreover, your laboratory can use IPS e.max CAD to fabricate veneers, partial crowns, copings and implant superstructures.
Large pieces of dental work can be fabricated with a combination of products. For example, single tooth restorations made with the strong IPS e.max CAD ceramic and posterior bridges made with a high-strength zirconium oxide (ZrO2) such as IPS e.max ZirCAD can be used together, as they are all veneered with one single veneering ceramic, therefore resulting in consistent shade matching and clinical behaviour (shine, wear) of the components.