New Technologies and New Futures
My apologies to our readers for the gap in our blog. Between attending to my late Mom and helping to design the new future of the AACD (including becoming its new President), my staff and I adding new and improved technologies to better serve you, as well as your family and friends. Therefore, over the next few blogposts, I’ll share some of the latest and greatest and invite you to share your thoughts as we go “where few dentists have gone before”.
Let’s start our journey talking about new advancements in porcelain.
Back in the 50’s and 60’s dentistry had finally figured how to adhere porcelain to metals for crowns. In the 1980’s came the advent of bonding porcelain to teeth. Both of these steps were huge and employed “feldspathic porcelain” similar to quartz glass. Despite the layered beauty, these porcelains had limitations.
Fortunately, scientists developed better and stonger materials that while promising , they were found to be less reliable. The good news is that these challenges led to innovation and the development of Emax porcelain (lithium disilicate). Intensive research around the world led to great conclusions by Dr.Van Thompson and his team at NYU Dental School .
Reading through the data has been summarized in an Executive Report. What’s most important to you are the advantages:
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Lithium disilicate provides outstanding esthetics while ensuring greater strength
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Due to its strength and multiple translucencies, e.max lithium disilicate can be used for a wide range of indications
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Based on the research, it appears that the flexural strength is 3-4 times as strong as previous porcelains.
Bottomline: we are able to use materials that allow us to make more beautiful and believable smiles that are designed to last longer. The world of smile enhancement continues to enjoy the benefits of new technology.
Looking forward to sharing more advancements. Feel free to comment on them or suggest others.
Keep smiling,
Hugh
