Lithium disilicate meets zirconium oxide

Schaan, Liechtenstein – 31 August 2010

The IPS e.max CAD-on technique allows dental laboratories to utilize lithium disilicate glass-ceramics (LS2) in the fabrication of high-strength, zirconium-based bridges.

What makes the new CAD/CAM-based processing technique IPS e.max CAD-on so special is that it involves a combination of the materials lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide. The lithium disilicate glass-ceramic IPS e.max CAD stands for high strength and esthetics. It has already been very successfully used for the fabrication of single-tooth restorations such as monolithic crowns. IPS e.max ZirCAD zirconium oxide is used to create high-strength frameworks, primarily for bridge restorations. By means of the IPS e.max CAD-on technique, three- to four-unit posterior bridges can be produced that consist of esthetic, high-strength lithium disilicate superstructures on a zirconium oxide framework.

The production procedure

The CAD-on technique involves the fabrication of two components: a zirconium oxide framework made of IPS e.max ZirCAD and a lithium disilicate superstructure made of IPS e.max CAD. Both parts are designed using the new intuitive inLab V3.80 software from Sirona and milled with the Sirona inLab MC-XL unit. The IPS e.max ZirCAD framework is then subjected to a quick sintering process in the Programat S1. Subsequently, a homogeneous all-ceramic bond between the two individually milled parts is established by means of an innovative fusion glass-ceramic that has been especially developed for the purpose. The fusion process takes place simultaneously with the crystallization of IPS e.max CAD.

Treatment goals are reached more quickly and efficiently

IPS e.max CAD-on takes the fabrication of tooth- or implant-borne posterior bridges to the next level of efficiency and productivity. This new technique enables dental laboratories to create zirconium-based IPS e.max CAD restorations within a day and with little manual effort. And the results leave nothing to be desired in terms of strength, economy and esthetics.

The IPS e.max CAD-on technique can be used as an alternative to the layering or press-on technique. IPS e.max CAD blocks and accessories for the IPS e.max CAD-on technique will be available worldwide from autumn 2010 onwards.