Is all-ceramics always the go-to solution?

This question was on the mind of the dental technician Oliver Morhofer. In an effort to find an answer, he put the IPS Style metal-ceramic to the test to see if it could be used as an alternative to all-ceramics.

Oliver Morhofer travelled to many parts of the world, from Germany to Japan, to teach on live patient courses. And he did not miss this opportunity to put his hand to the task in three exciting cases with astonishing results.

Direct comparison: all-ceramics vs metal-ceramics

In two of his cases, he focused on the question whether metal-ceramic crowns can hold their own next to all-ceramic crowns. How did the esthetic effect of the IPS Style metal-ceramic in the anterior region compare with other restoratives - especially when placed immediately adjacent to the IPS e.max all-ceramic? Mr Morhofer took advantage of his extensive experience of using IPS e.max in the layering of the IPS Style material. To what extent could the all-ceramic layering technique be applied to the metal-ceramic material? Can the result achieved with IPS Style stand up to the seven restorations made of IPS e.max CAD?

Characterization options for metal-ceramics

In addition, he tried out a variety of different characterization options on IPS Style, for instance by incorporating enamel stains and cracks into the restoration. He also got to the bottom of some other questions, such as: What was the esthetic effect of an anterior crown made with IPS Style on an electroplated framework when placed next to a layered IPS Style veneer to close a diastema? How well did they harmonize. Did the result satisfy the expectations?

Did we get you curious?

Mr Morhofer reveals the wisdom he got from examining this and many other exciting questions in his Special Edition on IPS Style, including valuable tips and tricks. All cases are well illustrated with images.

About the author:

Oliver Morhofer qualified as a Master Dental Technician in 1993. The native German then completed a degree course in Business Administration at the Administration and Business Academy VWA Bochum in 1997. Since 1996, Oliver Morhofer has been a co-owner of the “High-Tech-Dental GmbH” in Recklinghausen. The dental technology expert is the author of several publications and a renowned speaker throughout Germany. Oliver Morhofer specializes in CAD/CAM technology and the esthetics of all-ceramics from a functional diagnostic perspective.

www.high-tech-dental.de