title: A comparison of the microstructure and properties of the IPS Empress 2 and the IPS Empress glass-ceramics.
abstract: The aim of this report is to analyze the microstructures of glass-ceramics of the IPS Empress 2 and IPS Empress systems by scanning electron microscopy. The main properties of the glass-ceramics were determined and compared to each other. The flexural strength of the pressed glass-ceramic (core material) was improved by a factor of more than three for IPS Empress 2 (lithium disilicate glass-ceramic) in comparison with IPS Empress (leucite glass-ceramic). For the fracture toughness, the K(IC) value was measured as 3.3 +/- 0.3 MPa. m(0.5) for IPS Empress 2 and 1.3 +/- 0.1 MPa. m(0.5) for IPS Empress. Abrasion behavior, chemical durability, and optical properties such as translucency of all glass-ceramics fulfill the dental standards. The authors concluded that IPS Empress 2 can be used to fabricate 3-unit bridges up to the second premolar.
authors.affiliation: Ivoclar Ltd., Schaan, Principality of Liechtenstein. wolfram.hoeland@ivoclar.com
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Höland
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schweiger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rheinberger
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D003764:Dental Materials; D006801:Humans; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials; C023506:Glass ceramics