Dentists and laboratory technicians today require materials that offer outstanding aesthetics, high strength and efficient productivity. Historically, dentistry also has always been faced with the challenge of finding ways to combine two incompatible materials in a synergistic way, whether that combination is metal with metal-ceramic or zirconia with zirconia layering ceramic.
Simultaneously, dental practices and dental laboratories increasingly are seeking ways to realize the wonderful opportunities presented by CAD/CAM and digital fabrication techniques that offer the benefits of consistency in the production of a restoration and expanded material options.
To satisfy these requirements, lithium disilicate glass ceramic represents a material like no other available in the dental industry. What’s more, lithium disilicate has the present and future potential to provide new options for improving patient care.
Two of today’s leading brands are e.max and LiSi.
e.max
The innovative IPS e.max Press lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LS2) offers excellent fit, form and function combined with high strength of 400 MPa. The material is supplied in four levels of translucency and two sizes. The resulting restorations exhibit lifelike esthetics, independent of the shade of the preparations.
IPS e.max Press is used to produce single-tooth restorations, bridges for the anterior and premolar region and implant superstructures. Minimally invasive inlays and onlays (1 mm) and thin veneers (0.3 mm) round out the indication range.
The two investment materials IPS PressVEST and IPS PressVEST Speed are available for processing IPS e.max Press.
LiSi by GC
GC Initial LiSi is an amazing new layering ceramic for Lithium Disilicate substructures. For the first time ever, Initial LiSi offers the highest aesthetics, perfectly matched CTE, and is a
more cost effective option for your most popular restorations.
GC Initial LiSi, is a new member of the popular ceramic line of Initial. This new ceramic is a specialized veneering ceramic designed for lithium disilicate frameworks. With these types of frameworks gaining popularity, GC now offers a material for highly aesthetic and durable restorations for long-term patient satisfaction.
Thanks to the exact cross-matched coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), its low firing temperature, and high stability during multiple firings, GC Initial LiSi ensures you safe and predictable processing of lithium disilicate frameworks. GC Initial LiSi can be used in the individual layering and in the cut-back technique following the proven Initial ceramic concept; one shade system; one layering technique. If you want to go even further, full anatomical frameworks can be enhanced using the GC Initial IQ Lustre Pastes NF. The simplicity and easy handling of the GC Initial LiSi powders assure a short learning curve offering quick, aesthetic and economical results.