A clinical investigation on three-unit fixed partial dentures fabricated with a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic.

A lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material has recently been developed for the fabrication of 3-unit fixed partial dentures. Conducted on 60 restorations, this initial trial attempted to define clinical indications and establish design principles for fixed partial dentures fabricated of this ceramic material. The design requisites varied depending on placement on the arch, and the authors concluded that lithium disilicate restorations caused reduced antagonist structure or opposing tooth wear. This investigation demonstrated that when a novel ceramic system was utilized for 3-unit restorations replacing up to the first premolar and attained minimal criteria for connector dimensions, an acceptable clinical success rate was achieved.

IPS Empress crown system: three-year clinical trial results.

The IPS Empress system is a highly esthetic hot pressed glass ceramic material for fabrication of single crowns. Adhesive cementation of the system not only contributes to the esthetics but is necessary for increased strength of the crown. The purpose of this prospective clinical trials was to evaluate the longevity of 75 adhesively cemented Empress full crowns. An additional aim was to assess the adhesive cementation methodology and potential side effects. At the three-year point, one molar crown fractured for a 1.3 percent failure rate. The resin cementation technique that was employed exhibited a low incidence of microleakage with few clinical side effects. There was a 5.6 percent incidence of post-cementation sensitivity, with all symptoms subsiding by eight weeks. None of the crowns in the study required endodontic therapy.

A clinical trial of all-ceramic crown restorations: status, fall 1995.

Although porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations are the most widely used full-coverage crown restoration systems, their inherent properties make the achievement of natural aesthetic restorations an elusive task. In contrast, the all-ceramic system (IPS Empress, Ivoclar North America, Amherst, NY) offers excellent translucency and vitality, without the opacity associated with PFM restorations. Its vitality is further enhanced by an adhesive resin cementation method that conducts the color of the underlying tooth structure. This article reports the status of a 5-year investigation, initiated in 1992, of the clinical performance of the IPS Empress all-ceramic system and the resin cementation system used with it.

A clinical trial of all-ceramic crown restorations: status, fall 1995.

Although porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations are the most widely used full-coverage crown restoration systems, their inherent properties make the achievement of natural aesthetic restorations an elusive task. In contrast, the all-ceramic system (IPS Empress, Ivoclar North America, Amherst, NY) offers excellent translucency and vitality, without the opacity associated with PFM restorations. Its vitality is further enhanced by an adhesive resin cementation method that conducts the color of the underlying tooth structure. This article reports the status of a 5-year investigation, initiated in 1992, of the clinical performance of the IPS Empress all-ceramic system and the resin cementation system used with it.

The effect of ion exchange on the flexural strength of feldspathic porcelains.

The use of ceramic restorative materials is becoming more widely accepted by the dental profession. Concern over the inherent problems related to failure through the propagation of cracks has led to the development of new reinforced ceramics. Ion exchange is a simple, relatively low-temperature process that can have a substantial effect on the flexural strength of feldspathic dental porcelains. This study would support the use of such a material to reinforce dental ceramic restorations.