PRESS TECHNOLOGY – WHERE SCIENCE MEETS ART

The IPS e.max Press technique has been validated in thousands of clinical cases worldwide. It enables precise replication of the wax-up design into ceramic, achieving exceptional fit, durability, and esthetics.

The Step-by-Step Method for Crafting Natural Restorations

Step 1. Wax-up – Designing the Tooth Anatomy

This step lays the foundation for success.
Rather than selecting a predefined crown shape from a digital library, the technician follows the Natural Anatomy Technique (NAT), designing each restoration according to the patient’s functional movements and anatomy.

• Multiple wax colors represent different tissue zones.
• The Occlusal Compass is used to ensure harmonious functional guidance.
  → Every tooth becomes a one-of-a-kind creation, reflecting the patient’s individuality instead of a generic replacement.

Step 2. Investing – Creating the Mold

IPS e.max Press offers a wide range of shades and translucencies, from monochromatic to polychromatic ingots.
The polychromatic ingots are designed to mimic natural tooth gradients:

• Cervical and dentin regions are more opaque and chromatic.
• Incisal areas are more translucent.
  This layered structure helps the final restoration display natural depth and vitality, minimizing the need for additional staining.

Step 3. Pressing – The Ceramic Pressing Process

Before pressing, ensure proper preparation and organization of all items—IPS e.max Press ingot, mold, and Alox Plunger—to prevent last-minute errors.
During pressing, the molten ceramic flows into the mold, replicating every contour of the wax-up with micrometer precision.

Step 4. Divesting – Releasing the Pressed Object

Once cooled, the investment ring is opened and the pressed object is carefully exposed.

• Outer layers are cleaned with 50 µm aluminum oxide at 3 bar.
• Closer to the ceramic object, the pressure is reduced to 2 bar.
  → Strictly following manufacturer instructions ensures the integrity of the pressed surface and fit accuracy.

Step 5. Finishing – Refining the Details

A thin reaction layer may form during pressing. Even though some manufacturers claim their investments eliminate it, proper cleaning remains essential.

• Immerse the object in IPS e.max Press Invex Liquid for 10–30 minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Rinse under running water, then lightly air-abraid again with 50 µm Al₂O₃ at 2 bar.
• Separate the sprue using a fine cutting disc, then check contacts and occlusion on the articulator.
• Finish and polish with diamond burs, carbide instruments, and silicone polishers.
  In many cases, a highly polished surface alone is sufficient without additional glazing, depending on the condition of the opposing dentition.

Step 6. Characterization – Adding Individual Touches

When characterizing restorations, “less is more.”
If slight surface staining is desired—such as accentuating enamel edges or fissures—this should be discussed with the dentist to ensure harmony with adjacent teeth.

• Use IPS Ivocolor stains mixed with glaze paste.
• Apply a very thin final glaze layer while verifying occlusal height and dynamic movement.

The Result – When Precision Meets Natural Beauty

Restorations made using the IPS e.max Press technique exhibit unsurpassed precision of fit, since the ceramic structure is directly reproduced from the original wax-up.
The benefits are clear:

• Natural esthetics: Translucency and light behavior identical to enamel.
• Functional reliability: Stable occlusal contact and chewing comfort.
• Exceptional longevity: Minimizes the risk of fractures and provides long-term clinical success.
• Economic efficiency: Low material and maintenance costs, making it highly beneficial for both laboratories and clinics.