By George Tysowsky, D.D.S., M.P.H
IPS e.max finally solves the problem of varying strengths and aesthetics among restorations.
Patients who require multiple restorations to correct various problems are often a challenge for dental professionals. Whether aesthetic or functional, such cases ultimately require the dentist and the laboratory to create a balance of both strength and aesthetics in the final restorations.
Creating this balance has been difficult to accomplish. Professionals must prescribe and fabricate restorations with different systems and materials to get the varying physical and aesthetic properties they need. Often, multiple substructures and multiple layering ceramics are required. It therefore has been challenging to fabricate restorations that, when placed side-by-side in the mouth, create a life-like smile with consistent strength and vitality.
Introducing IPS e.max
To meet this challenge, Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc. has researched, developed and introduced the IPS e.max system. IPS e.max provides products that give dentists and laboratories a means to achieve greater productivity, performance, and aesthetics.
IPS e.max is the first all-ceramic system that encompasses both pressable and CAD/CAM technologies. This makes it simple for dentists to prescribe versatile strong metal-free restorations. Even the most complex, multi-indication cases can be completed with just one restorative system.
The IPS e.max system includes substructure materials including a high strength, highly aesthetic glass ceramic and a very high-strength zirconium oxide material. Depending on the strength and aesthetic requirements of your case, you can work with your laboratory to determine which material is ideally suited for you. The e.max system covers a full range of indications so you can be confident whether you are prescribing anterior or posterior crowns or multiple unit bridges.
Consistent Smile Design Chemistry
Unifying all of the IPS e.max components is the IPS e.max Ceram layering ceramic, a nano-fluorapatite glass ceramic that’s used to build-up and characterize all of the IPS e.max substructures. This chemistry assures that your combination cases can be fabricated with a seamless, consistently aesthetic result.
Because IPS e.max Ceram is compatible with all of the IPS e.max substructure components, its interface is homogenous and dense. This gives you added confidence in the durability of the aesthetic restorations you’re prescribing.
With IPS e.max, you can now confidently write a prescription for metal-free, all-ceramic restorations regardless of the aesthetic, functional, or complex requirements of the case. And you can know that they will be completed with a singular smile design chemistry. ■
George Tysowsky D.D.S., M.P.H. is Vice President of Technology for Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc. He is responsible for research and development activities for all North American operations. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Dentistry.