심미보철 치료의 경향과 이해: part 1. IPS e.max

With the increase of esthetic demands, most patients want to have restorations which are not only functional but also esthetic. For the esthetic restoration, many ceramic systems have been introduced and applied in dentistry. Among those ceramic restorations, IPS e.max system composed of lithium disilicate glass ceramic is one of the most commonly used systems because it has strength and esthetic characteristics. IPS e.max system is divided into IPS e.max Press and IPS e.max CAD according to the manufacturing methods. IPS e.max Press is fabricated through heat-pressed technique with ceramic ingot, which is very simple. The restorations which are made using IPS e.max system can apply to 3 units restoration for the anterior teeth and premolar, and single posterior tooth restoration. Cementation is one of the most important clinic procedure for the longevity of the restorations. All ceramics are bonded by resin cements, it is classified into three groups including adhesive, self-adhesive, and conventional. Variolink N, which is an adhesive resin cement and manufactured by same company with IPS e.max, is recommended for the bonding of IPS e.max restoration. Conventional and self-adhesive resin cement is also available. The aim of this review article is to provide the understanding of material properties, production procedure and clinical application of IPS e.max system.