Lithium disilicate has paved the way for veneer-free monolithic crowns and bridges owing to its advantages in clinical results and aesthetic properties and eliminated the risk of veneer fracture. In the past, lithium disilicate ceramics required crystallisation firing in the furnace after grinding the restoration. This released the final tooth colour of the crown and increased the flexural strength. Owing to their high survival rate, ceramic crowns have proved to be a true alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Lithium disilicate without crystallisation

Now, a new lithium disilicate ceramic for veneer-free crowns and bridges has become available that comes in completely pre-crystallised blocks. The time required for crystallisation firing can thus be saved. The milling software does not have to compensate for shrinkage caused by crystallisation. Thin edges remain very accurate and are not susceptible to rounding, in contrast to crystallisation firing. If more colour characterisation is desired, stains can be used for aesthetic solutions. To finish the restoration, simple polishing with silicone polishers is sufficient.

In collaboration with GC Europe, Dr Andreas Kurbad, a private practitioner from Viersen in Germany who has been using CEREC since 1994 and has been a mentor for CAD/CAM users for over ten years, will be hosting a free-of-charge webinar about the new material, during which he will elaborate on the advantages of lithium disilicate without crystallisation in the dental office. The webinar will take place on 27 January from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CET). Participants will have the opportunity to earn two continuing education credits. Registration is still open at www.cerec.de.

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