IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime is redefining all-ceramics. But what makes this product so special? Master Dental Technician Vincent Fehmer talks about the material and what makes it distinctive from other zirconia materials in routine laboratory work.
Vincent Fehmer, MDT, has been working at the Clinic for Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials at the University of Geneva since 2015. In addition, he runs his own dental laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland.
In his numerous publications and presentations, the all-ceramics expert emphasises the importance of an efficient and effective workflow. This includes deciding on the appropriate material for the given indication, which calls for a sound fundamental knowledge of materials science.
He is convinced that modern zirconia will play a key role in the development of future digital workflows. He sees great potential with regard to complex, multi-unit restorations in particular.
Fehmer belongs to a selected group of dental technicians who were given the opportunity to test the new all-ceramic IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime during the material’s development phase. IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime was presented to the public for the first time at IDS (International Dental Show) 2019.
Fehmer describes his first impression of the zirconia material and reports about his experiences with it to date.
What was your first impression of IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime?
The material’s exceptional development potential within the field of zirconia is exciting. The effective combination of properties – high strength and translucency in the incisal region due to Gradient Technology – is great. I really like the look and feel of the material, its excellent performance and lovely shade. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised.
What impressed you the most about IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime?
I am really impressed with the opacity of the disc in the core area and its high stability, which is essential in complex restorations. These properties give me the freedom to fabricate wide-span bridges with up to two pontics and with cantilevers. In addition, I have the possibility of applying additional ceramic layers. This material gives me utmost flexibility – that is one of the strengths of this product.
What is the difference between IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and conventional multi-layer zirconia?
Unlike conventional multi-layer zirconia, this disc features a beautiful progression of shade. Additionally, its colours are amazing and the combination of properties is fantastic.
What makes the colour gradient in IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime so special?
The colours seamlessly blend into each other. There are no visible layers of pigmentation where a transition is visible. This simplifies the handling as well as the positioning of restorations in the disc. All these characteristics are very important to me.
What do you expect from IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime in your dental laboratory?
Primarily, I expect it to simplify my work on a daily basis. I hope to keep fewer products in stock in my lab. I would like to achieve better aesthetic results and have more versatility and flexibility in my work. In combination with the existing products (layering ceramic, characterisation materials), I hope to simplify my inventory and achieve highly predictable aesthetic results.
What kind of potential does IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime have in your opinion?
It has what everyone wants; laboratory and practice owners would like to have a disc with which they can manage all their indications. We’ll see how well the product performs in everyday laboratory situations in the future. The disc has a great potential, and I am looking forward to using it in the future and testing it in clinical situations.
Published in Dental Asia September/October 2021 issue.
