Monolithic Lithium Disilicate Restorations Are Now Everyday Players
The science behind beautiful smiles has been studied extensively.
Abstract
As a result of research and development, dentistry now has available monolithic restorations—crowns, veneers, and other structures pressed or milled to full contour from lithium disilicate (LS2) glass ceramic or yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (ZrO2). These alternatives significantly reduce the clinical and functional problems experienced in the past with conventional restorations, such as fracturing and/or chipping of veneering porcelain over porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations, as well as esthetic issues. Now, dentists can achieve the strength they require for posterior and/or parafunctional habit indications without metal-based restorations, and the esthetics they need for more cosmetically demanding cases.
The availability of monolithic lithium disilicate and zirconium restorations represents a paradigm shift for everyday dentistry, and it is important for dental professionals to examine the research supporting available material systems. Since its introduction, Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max system, which includes compatible materials such as lithium disilicate (LS2) glass ceramic, yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and veneering ceramics such as fluorapatite glass-ceramic and nano-fluorapatite glass-ceramic, has been the subject of numerous published articles demonstrating its clinical applications. However, more important as the basis for well-informed treatment decisions are the in vivo and in vitro studies that have been undertaken to validate the materials’ strength, longevity, efficacy, and quality.
Lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press, IPS e.max CAD) is an esthetic and high-strength material that can be processed into full-contour restorations. It can be placed with conventional cementation or adhesive bonding techniques, and it eliminates challenges experienced when incompatible materials are combined.1
The material can be pressed as thin as 0.3 mm when minimal tooth preparation is desired while still ensuring strength of 400 MPa.2 Posterior lithium disilicate crowns fabricated to full contour using CAD methods demonstrate monolithic strength of 360 MPa throughout the entire restoration.3
Summary of Research
An increasing body of clinical and laboratory evidence has developed over recent years supporting the use of lithium disilicate. In fact, more than 20 clinical and even more in vitro studies have been conducted, and nearly 40 million restorations have been fabricated. The data from this research includes up to 10 years of clinical use for lithium disilicate. Such research and evidence demonstrate the long-term success these materials have achieved. Highlights include the following:
• Pressable lithium disilicate restorations (IPS e.max Press) demonstrated a 98.4% survival rate across six studies (Figure 1).5-10
• Conventional and adhesive cementation work equally well with pressable lithium disilicate restorations.5-10
• Machineable lithium disilicate restorations (IPS e.max CAD) demonstrated a 97.9% survival rate across six clinical studies.11-16
• The resulting overall survival rate for IPS e.max restorations is 96.8%.
Conclusion
The research supports the use of monolithic lithium disilicate restorations as alternatives to traditional PFM restorations. These restorations have been demonstrated to be acceptable as the everyday treatment of choice for high-strength and esthetic indirect treatments, whether for the anterior or posterior regions of the mouth (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The material offers specific advantages to dentists compared to PFMs, such as the ability to provide strong and durable restorations with highly esthetic characteristics without metal. Although anecdotal case demonstrations support the many applications of monolithic restorations and the versatility of these materials, it is the quality research summarized here that validates the long-term success of the IPS e.max system.
References
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2. Sorensen JA, Cruz M, Mito WT, et al. A clinical investigation on three-unit fixed partial dentures fabricated with a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent. 1999;11(1):95-106.
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10. Data on file. Ivoclar Vivadent.
11. Richter J, Schweiger J, Gernet W, Beuer F. Clinical performance of CAD/CAM-fabricated lithium-disilicate restorations. IADR Abstract #82. 2009; Munich.
12. Nathanson D. Clinical performance and fit of a milled ceramic crown system. IADR Abstract #0303. 2008; Toronto.
13. Reich S, Fischer S, Sobotta B, et al. A preliminary study on the short-term efficacy of chairside computer aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing generated posterior lithium disilicate crowns. Int J Prosthodont. 2010;23:214-216.
14. Fasbinder DJ, Dennison JB, Heys D, Neiva G. A clinical evaluation of chairside lithium disilicate CAD/CAM crowns: a two year report. J Am Dent Assoc. 2010;141(Suppl 2):10S-14S.
15. Bindl A. Uberlebensrate und klinische Qualitat von CAD/ CAM-gefertigten Seitenzahnkronen aus Lithiumdisilikatkeramik. Eine prospektive klinische Studie (Zweijahresbericht). 2011.
16. Sorensen JA, Trotman R, Yokoyama K. e.max CAD posterior crown clinical study. 2009.
About the Authors
George W. Tysowsky, DDS, MPH
Vice President of Technology
Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.
Amherst, New York
Clinical Assistant Professor
State University of New York at Buffalo
School of Dental Medicine
Buffalo, New York
Commentary by Howard E. Strassler, DMD
Professor and Director of Operative Dentistry
Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry
University of Maryland Dental School
Baltimore, Maryland
Commentary
With the introduction of the latest generation of high-strength, durable and esthetic ceramics, lithium disilicate (LS2) glass ceramic, yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and veneering ceramics such as fluorapatite glass-ceramic and nano-fluorapatite glass-ceramic, there has been a shift in treatment planning to all-ceramic full-coverage and partial-coverage restorations. The research evidence evaluating physical properties and clinical studies provide a high level of confidence in the expected success of restorations placed for our patients using these materials.
