Additive Manufacturing of Lithium Disilicate with the LCM Process for Classic and Non-Prep Veneers: Preliminary Technical and Clinical Case Experience

Abstract

Background: ceramic veneers, crowns, and other types of restorations are often made using either the press heating technique or the subtractive method. The advent of lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) allows for the manufacturing of such restorations in an additive way. Methods: this concept paper describes the first clinical experience in the application of LCM lithium disilicate restorations in vivo for the manufacturing of classic veneers for a patient with severe tooth wear. The applied restorations were analyzed in terms of their marginal fit in metrology software (Geomagic Control X, 3D Systems). Furthermore, the feasibility of 3D printing of non-prep veneers with a 0.1 mm thickness was tested. Results: the classic LCM lithium disilicate veneers were tried in the mouth cavity and demonstrated adequate esthetics and a sufficient marginal fit of 100 µm. Furthermore, the non-prep veneers with a 0.1 mm thickness could be successfully printed using LCM technology and also demonstrated an adequate fit on the model in vitro. Conclusions: the described technical approach of lithium disilicate 3D printing with LCM technology may pose a valid alternative to subtractive and analog manufacturing and be a game-changing option with the use of additive chairside ceramic fabrication.

3D printing of ultra‐thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the LCM method in a digital workflow: A feasibility study

“…According to this and other previous research, dental ceramics produced using additive manufacturing technology showed high density, good translucency, advantageous mechanical properties, and high precision and reproducibility—and might therefore be a valid option for fabricating dental restorations 21,22 . The restorations with down to layer thicknesses of 0.1 mm in some areas fabricated by Unkovsky et al and published in 2022 showed acceptable esthetics and proper accuracy 25 . However, they primarily focused on restorations with a 0.5‐mm chamfer preparation and non‐prep veneers that substitute for a larger loss of tooth structure.…”

“…21,22 The restorations with down to layer thicknesses of 0.1 mm in some areas fabricated by Unkovsky et al and published in 2022 showed acceptable esthetics and proper accuracy. 25 However, they primarily focused on restorations with a 0.5-mm chamfer preparation and nonprep veneers that substitute for a larger loss of tooth structure.…”

“…20 Additive manufacturing of lithium disilicate restorations represents the latest development in the field of 3D printing of ceramics. [21][22][23][24] The application of lithium disilicate veneers additively manufactured using the LCM technology was first described by Unikovskiy et al 25 Full veneers were fabricated for the restoration of six mandibular anterior teeth and non-prep veneers for a diastema closure in the maxilla. According to the authors, layer thicknesses of 0.1 mm were achieved in some areas.…”

Comparison of the Intensity of Biofilm Production by Oral Microflora and Its Adhesion on the Surface of Zirconia Produced in Additive and Subtractive Technology: An In Vitro Study

“…This is a technology that is constantly developing, and new manufacturers are constantly appearing on the market, making elements using this technology, as well as using other materials from which prosthetic restorations can be made. One such material is lithium disilicate, which has recently become an increasingly used material in restorative dentistry, among others, by the company Lithoz (Wien, Austria) [ 37 ]. The authors plan further research comparing this type of material with zirconium oxide made using 3D printing technology.…”

Use of Biomaterials in 3D Printing as a Solution to Microbial Infections in Arthroplasty and Osseous Reconstruction

“…Lithium disilicate is a glass-ceramic material with the chemical formula and has a biphasic crystalline structure [ 242 ]; it is currently mostly used in dental operations [ 106 ]. New 3D printing techniques have increased its usefulness and potential [ 243 , 244 , 245 ]. The combination of lithium with glass nanoparticles has exhibited some positive antibacterial results [ 105 ] ( Table 6 ).…”