Pressing and Veneering on a Whole New Level

Pressing and Veneering on a Whole New Level: “A True Model of the Future for All-Ceramic Restorations”

Jürgen Freitag – Master Dental Technician Bad Homburg, Germany

Despite the long-term success of CAD/CAM, many dental laboratories still use wax for modeling, investment, firing and pressing in the manufacture of all-ceramic dentures. That is the reality of the situation. 

Jürgen Freitag MDT (Bad Homburg, Germany) has already used the new VITA AMBRIA press ceramic for more than 50 restorations on 20 different patients. In this interview, he shares his experiences using the new material and describes his all-ceramic protocol in conjunction with the VITA LUMEX AC universal veneering ceramic.

Mr. Freitag, you have switched to the VITA AMBRIA lithium disilicate for your press ceramic. Have your work methods changed as a result?

Jürgen Freitag MDT: My general work methods have not changed at all with VITA AMBRIA. I simply used the corresponding system components such as the investment ring, investment materials, liquid and plunger according to the working instructions. There was also no difference in the processing time. Positive changes include the precision, vivid esthetics and absolute shade accuracy matching the VITA shade standard that I am able to achieve with this glass ceramic.

What were the press results like directly after devesting and what did you notice during the finishing process?

The reaction layer is minimal. During devesting and sandblasting, the material proved highly robust. I really didn’t have to pay as much attention as I usually would with other press ceramics. During the testing phase, I used strong sandblasting at 2.5 to 3 bar with a particle size of 110 μm without experiencing any negative effects. According to the usage instructions, the particle size should only be 50 μm and the pressure 4 bar. Even when working with abrasive rubber polishers, the material proved to be extremely stable.

What was your experience with the fit and marginal fit in the laboratory and on the patient?

Because the reaction layer is minimal, the restoration margins are clearly defined. The interaction of the investment material and the glass ceramic leads to results that are dimensionally stable. After the finishing, I put the restorations on the model and
they fit. 

I received the same feedback from the dental practice. There were no problems with the fit during the integration process, even with total reconstructions that were more complex. 

What possibilities do you see with the interplay between VITA AMBRIA press ceramic and the new VITA LUMEX AC veneering ceramic?

I have never truly experienced this kind of modeling quality. Due to the particle size, the veneering materials can be modeled with a very gentle touch. In combination with the outstanding stability, I am able to achieve the shape faster with fewer adjustments. 

The cut-back with VITA AMBRIA and the individualization possible with VITA LUMEX AC makes it a true model of the future for me, helping me to achieve high esthetics quickly and reliably. 

For more information about this product visit vita.com