Crown & Bridge Department

Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic block for the CAD/CAM technique

The material

The IPS e.max CAD blocks are made of lithium disilicate. The characteristic and striking colors of the blocks range from white and blue to bluish-grey. The color is the result of the composition of the glass ceramic.

Thanks to an innovative manufacturing process, IPS e.max CAD features an impressive homogeneity and can be easily processed using the inLab or Everest system. The strength of the material in the pre-crystal «blue» phase can be compared with that of other glass ceramics currently available on the market.

After the blocks have been milled, the material undergoes a crystallization process in the P200 or EP 600 Combi furnace. The crystallization process results in a change of structure, which imparts the glass-ceramic with a strength of 360 MPa and the actual optical properties, such as shade, translucency and brightness.

The tooth-shaded IPS e.max CAD frameworks form the ideal basis for the fabrication of aesthetic crowns and anterior bridges, which are completed with the optimally coordinated veneering ceramic IPS e.max Ceram.

The highlights

• efficient, economical processing due to easy grinding properties
• high final strength of 360 MPa
• easy and fast crystallization (850 °C, 30 minutes)
• crystallization without shrinkage and complex infiltration processes
• lifelike and translucent aesthetics
• can be processed using 2 CAD/CAM systems: inLab (Sirona) and Everest (KaVo)

Zirconium oxide block for the CAD/CAM technique

The material

IPS e.max ZirCAD blocks are made of yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconium oxide. In the partially sintered, «chalk-like» state, IPS e.max ZirCAD can be easily milled in the inLab (Sirona) unit. The milling process is conducted by enlarging the framework by 20 %.

During the subsequent controlled sintering process in the Sintramat high-temperature furnace, the frameworks shrink to their final size and are imparted with the high fracture strength and high fracture toughness.

With its outstanding strength, IPS e.max ZirCAD thus also fulfils clinical requirements related to masticatory forces, particularly in the posterior region.

A specially designed fluorescent zircon liner provides an optimum bond and is used to apply the basic shade on the frameworks. Subsequently, IPS e.max ZirPress is pressed in a fully or partially anatomical manner onto the crown copings and bridge frameworks or IPS e.max Ceram layering ceramic is used to apply the veneers.

The highlights

• extended range of indications thanks to the outstanding strength of 900 MPa and high fracture toughness
• optimum bond and application of the basic shade with the specially developed IPS e.max Ceram ZirLiner
• highly aesthetic fluorapatite glass-ceramic ingot IPS e.max ZirPress for efficient use in the presson technique
• conventional cementation

Nano-fluorapatite glass-ceramic

The material

IPS e.max Ceram is a low-fusing nano-fluorapatite glass-ceramic for veneering and characterizing all IPS e.max components. Apatite crystals in the nanometer range are responsible for controlling the unique combination of translucency, brightness and opalescence.

This leads to natural light scattering and a balanced relationship between brightness and chroma. Due to the optimized combination of low firing temperature (750 °C) and CTE (9.5 x 10-6 K-1), the material can be used to coat both IPS e.max glass-ceramic and oxide ceramic frameworks.

The standardized layering system produces predictable shade results and maximum aesthetics on the tooth-shaded / translucent glass-ceramic as well as the less translucent zirconium oxide frameworks.

The equal composition of the materials and the resulting uniform clinical properties support the lifelike appearance of these restorations and attest to the benefits of the integrated IPS e.max restorative system.

The highlights

• one layering ceramic for the IPS e.max system
• nano-fluorapatite for highly aesthetic properties
• standardized layering concept on the tooth-shaded/translucent glass-ceramic as well as the less translucent zirconium oxide frameworks
• same clinical properties and consistent aesthetics due to the single layering ceramic for different frameworks
• fabrication of veneers

Products that give you all you need

Matt Roberts "I love the e.max system and it's versatility; I am able to satisfy patient needs with the use of only one layering ceramic. One multi-dimensional ceramic makes the fabrication of cemented bridges, pressed ceramics, zirconia and lithium disilicate, restorations easier, because of the need for accommodating and understanding multiple systems is eliminated. This is a singular solution that meets patients' restorative and aesthetic goals. The warm, vital, and opalescent effects that I see with e.max are very exciting."

Lee Culp, CDT "e.max is the perfect synergy of productivity and artistry. The combination of CAD/CAM, pressable technologies, and a unique veneering ceramic allows exclusive use of one ceramic system for all restorative procedures."

Oliver Brix "With IPS e.max Ceram, it is possible to veneer different all-ceramic restorations with only one layering ceramic for the first time. Consequently, I am free to choose the ideal combination between highly aesthetic glass-ceramics and high-strength zirconium oxide depending on the starting situation. The standardized layering concept forms the basis for a harmonious shade match."