The New Era of Lithium Disilicate
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
February 1, 2019
Volume 10, Issue 2, February 2019
Page(s): p. 52
Joshua Fitzgerald, CDT, TE
As a CDT, I have been using lithium disilicate since it first became available as another all-ceramic option for patients. It provides a stronger, more forgiving restoration than the traditional refractory crown. Recently, more manufacturers have entered the lithium disilicate market with new formulations. One of those companies is GC America.
GC has formulated GC Initial® LiSi Press, its own proprietary lithium disilicate system with HDM (High Density Micronization) technology. This technology utilizes uniformly sized lithium disilicate crystals that fill the glass matrix structure rather than using traditional larger particles that leave space in the matrix. This tighter structure helps give GC Initial LiSi Press restorations more strength, lower solubility, color stability, and overall better esthetics (Figure 1). These reasons and more are why I have switched over to the GC Initial LiSi Press System for all my lithium disilicate restorations.
I love the strength of GC Initial LiSi Press. I don't hesitate to use it for small bridges, hybrid implant abutments, screw-retained crowns (Figure 2), and even on some post and cores. I used to worry about rubber wheeling around the margins with old versions of lithium disilicate. Now I can confidently finish down the margins without fear of creating cracks.
The selection of ingots to choose from is second to none, and GC America is still developing even more to fulfill the needs of any case. One set of ingots that GC created has made big strides in the lithium disilicate market: enamel ingots. These ingots are great for veneers, minimally prepared crowns, inlays, and onlays. I am now able to create veneers with the vitality that was once only achievable by utilizing the refractory technique.
GC Initial LiSi Press also has great value properties. Other lithium disilicate products I have used tend to lower in value after firing. It felt like I was always fighting to keep the restorations from appearing too gray. There is nothing more frustrating than spending valuable time on a restoration only to have it fail because of reduced value. Now, on more difficult shade cases, I can do a few internal stain fires before the final layer and then glaze without worrying about a drop in value.
Since I run a small laboratory, my time is extremely valuable. I cannot compete with the large laboratories, so I have to continually strive to better myself and produce a product that is worth more, not only in quality, but in value. The GC Initial LiSi Press System is one piece of the puzzle that helps me improve my final product and, more importantly, saves me valuable time.
Key Takeaways
› HDM (High Density Micronization) technology uses uniformly sized lithium disilicate crystals that fill the glass matrix structure, providing tighter composition
› Strength offers ability to finish down the margins without fear of creating cracks
› Enamel ingot selection can be used for veneers, minimally prepared crowns, inlays, and onlays
› No drop in value due to multiple firings
About the Author
Joshua Fitzgerald, CDT, TE
Owner
Fitzgerald Dental Studio
Charlotte, North Carolina
Manufacturer Information
GC America Inc.
gcamerica.com
800-323-7063
