Category Archives: Knowledge

IPS E.MAX – MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF SETTING THE STANDARD IN ESTHETICS AND QUALITY FOR ALL-CERAMIC RESTORATIONS [PART 2]

IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime – Redefining Esthetics in Zirconia Restorations In recent years, zirconia has evolved beyond being a material focused solely on strength. Advances in material science have ushered zirconia into a new era—one in which strength, esthetics, and simplified workflows coexist. At the forefront of this transformation are IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and

IPS E.MAX – MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF SETTING THE STANDARD IN ESTHETICS AND QUALITY FOR ALL-CERAMIC RESTORATIONS [PART 1]

In the world of modern restorative dentistry—where esthetics, strength, precision, and workflow efficiency must go hand in hand—very few materials have been able to maintain their position as a true “benchmark” for more than a decade. IPS e.max is one of those rare exceptions. More than just a material line, IPS e.max has become a

WHEN STRENGTH, ESTHETICS, AND EFFICIENCY CONVERGE [PART 2]

Monolithic zirconia surfaces: polishing as a critical factor One fundamental principle in monolithic zirconia restorations is: Functional surfaces must be polished to a high-gloss finish. Proper polishing does not only: Reduce wear of the opposing dentition Enhance smoothness and comfort during mastication Limit plaque accumulation and surface changes over time This is a step that

WHEN STRENGTH, ESTHETICS, AND EFFICIENCY CONVERGE [PART 1]

Today, zirconia has virtually become a material that is “present in almost every patient’s mouth.” From single crowns and long-span bridges to full-arch restorations, zirconia has proven its stability, high strength, and wide clinical applicability. However, not all zirconia materials are the same. Even subtle differences in composition, structure, and manufacturing technology are what allow

DECODING THE POWER OF IPS E.MAX ZIRCAD PRIME – FROM TECHNOLOGY TO CLINICAL APPLICATIONS (PART 2)

Prime or Prime Esthetic – Which One to Choose? Although both belong to the ZirCAD Prime family, each material has a distinct clinical focus. IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic Best suited for: Single anterior crowns Three-unit bridges with high esthetic demands Restorations requiring pronounced translucency Prime Esthetic prioritizes esthetics and is ideal for cases where

DECODING THE POWER OF IPS E.MAX ZIRCAD PRIME – FROM TECHNOLOGY TO CLINICAL APPLICATIONS (PART 1)

In recent years, zirconia has evolved beyond being a material valued solely for strength. Advances in material science have ushered zirconia into a new era—one where strength, esthetics, and simplified workflows can coexist. At the forefront of this innovation are Ivoclar’s IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic—materials that are redefining how

THREE COMMON METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZING ZIRCONIA RESTORATIONS

In modern clinical practice, there are three main approaches to customizing zirconia restorations, each suited to different clinical indications and esthetic objectives. Pre-sintering infiltration (coloring before sintering) This method introduces color into zirconia before final sintering. The coloring liquids infiltrate the material structure, creating a relatively uniform and stable color effect. Advantages: Well suited for

WHEN SHOULD ZIRCONIA RESTORATIONS BE CUSTOMIZED?

Balancing function, esthetics, and laboratory efficiency For many years, the question “Is zirconia esthetic enough?” has been a constant topic of debate in restorative dentistry. Initially, lithium disilicate gained prominence thanks to its ideal combination of strength and translucency, making it particularly suitable for highly esthetic cases. However, over the past two decades, zirconia has

UNDERSTANDING INDIRECT RESTORATIVE MATERIALS (PART 2)

Zirconia: No Longer “One Single Material” One of the most important contributions of current research has been the clarification of the differences among various generations of zirconia. In the minds of many clinicians and technicians, zirconia has long been regarded as a material that is “extremely strong but esthetically limited.” However, this perception is no

UNDERSTANDING INDIRECT RESTORATIVE MATERIALS (PART 1)

In modern restorative dentistry, materials are no longer merely “fillers for missing space.” Each indirect restorative material available today possesses its own distinct set of properties—ranging from material composition, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility to esthetic potential and flexibility in clinical indications. These differences directly determine whether a restoration can function predictably in the oral environment