• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.357-364
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• 1997

IPS-empress system is one of widely used all ceramic system. The purpose of this study was to determine the pressing accuracy of reused IPS%Empress ingot. 10 specimens were made using new ingot first, and using the rests of the specimen the another group of specimens were made next. finally, the third group of specimens were made with same procedure mentioned above. The results obtained in this study were as follows ; 1. The pressing accuracy of the first group of specimen was 96.1%, that of the second group was 95.4%, and that of the third group was 95.4%. There was no statistical significance among them, that is, the reuse of the IPS-Empress ingot did not influence on the pressing accuracy. 2. the common site of the defect in pressed ingot was central area at the margin opposite of sprue hole.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.596-605
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• 2003

Statement of problem : IPS Empress2 system was developed and used in prosthodontic treatment, but the cost of ingot is expensive for wide application. Purpose : This study was to investigate the possibility on recycling of IPS Empress 2 ceramic for wide application of IPS Empress 2 ceramic in prosthodontic treatment. Material and Method : 1st, 2nd and 3rd pressed disc-shaped($10{\times}1.5mm$) IPS Empress 2 specimens were made with IPS Empress ingot(200, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) and pressing furnace(IPS Empress EP 500, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein). Vicker's surface hardness and fracture toughness, acid resistance, and pressing accuracy of IPS Empress 2 ceramic were measured and analyzed. Surface hardness was measured by microhardness tester(MTX 70. Matsuzawa, Japan), before and after surface treatment with 0.5% hydrofluoric acid and carbonic acid(Coca cola) for evaluation of acid resistance. Results : The surface hardness of 1st pressed specimen was the higher(5.11 GPa) than those of 2nd pressed(4.89 GPa) and 3rd pressed specimen(4.86 GPa), and the fracture toughness of 1st pressed ($1.58MPam^{1/2}$) and 2nd pressed specimen($1.51MPam^{1/2}$) were higher than that of 3rd pressed specimen($1.39MPam^{1/2}$). The changes of surface hardness of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pressed specimens after treatment with fluoric acid were 0.17, 0.06, 0.05 (GPa) respectively, and those of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pressed specimens after treatment with carbonic acid were 0.07, 0.00, 0.05(MPa) respectively. The pressing accuracy of 1st,2nd and 3rd specimen were 77.22%, 85.681%, and 75.05%. The pressing accuracy of 2nd pressed specimen was higher than that of the 3rd specimen. Conclusion : The changes of physical properties according to recycling of IPS Empress 2 from this study were insignificant. Therefore the possibility of recycling of IPS Empress 2 can be suggested from the results.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.308-315
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to colorimetrically evaluate the masking effect of different opacity of ingots on the final shade of IPS Empress Esthetic$^{(R)}$ laminate veneer restorations using the CIE $L^*a^*b^*$ system. Materials and methods: Six porcelain disks of IPS Empress Esthetic$^{(R)}$ system (translucency: E 01, E 03, E 0C-1, E TC-1, E TC-2, E TC-3) were fabricated with 7 mm in diameter and 0.6 mm in thickness. Six extracted human incisors (shade: A1, A3, A4, B2, B3, C3) were used as the abutment specimens. The incisors were prepared using a diamond wheel and made with a flat labial surface on the middle 1/3. For each combination of different shades of abutments and copings, the change in color was measured with a colorimeter. CIE $L^*a^*b^*$ coordinates were recorded for each specimen. Color differences (${\Delta}E$) were calculated. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Results: ${\Delta}E$ values were significantly affected by coping translucency and abutment shade (P<.05). The color differences (${\Delta}E$) of laminate veneers among abutments with A3, B3, C3, and A4 shade were mostly below 2.7 which was within the clinically acceptable range, while color differences between A4 and B2, A3 and B2, and A1 and A4 showed more than 2.7. Conclusion: The final color of IPS Empress Esthetic$^{(R)}$ laminate veneers were significantly influenced by translucency of the coping and shade of abutment teeth. The large value difference of abutment teeth limited the masking ability by laminate veneers.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.772-785
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• 1998

This study was undertaken to clarify the microstructure of the different IPS Empress ingots by etching and to observe the change of leucite crystal structure according to subsequent heat treatment and the crystal distribution according to sprue types(${\phi}2.8mm$, single sprue; ${\phi}1.8mm$, double sprue) by scanning electron microscopy. IPS Empress T1, O1 ingots used for staining technique, and Dentin(A2) ingots used for layering technique were selected for this study. To observe the microstructures of these ingots before pressing, the specimens were prepared in splinters($3{\times}3{\times}3mm$) taken from the original ingots. And to estimate crystal distribution and microstructural change by sprue type and subsequent heat treatment. the specimens($3{\times}3{\times}3mm$) were heat-pressed through the two types of sprues with different diameters and numbers, and all specimens were fired according to the recommended firing schedule. The observed surface was ground with waterproof papers($#800{\sim}#1800$) on the grind polisher and was cleaned ultrasonically. All specimen were etched with 0.5% hydrofluoric acid. After etching, the surface was treated by ion sputter coating for SEM observation at an accelerating voltage of 20kV. In all specimens, the central area of ground surface was observed because there was less difference in microstructure between the peripheral area and the central area. The results were as follows ; 1. In the microstructure according to the ingot type, there was a wide difference between the staining (T1,O1) and layering(Dentin A2) ingots, but there was not a considerable difference between the T1 ingot and the O1 ingot for staining technique. 2. In all specimens, the crystal dispersion of IPS Empress ceramic using double sprue was significantly more scattered than that of IPS Empress ceramic using single sprue. The degree of scattering was strongest in the Dentin(A2) specimen and weakest in the O1 ingot. 3. In the microstructural change according to the subsequent heat treatment, all of ingots had some microcracks in the inside of the leucite crystal and the glass matrix after pressing. The inner splinters of the leucite crystal became smaller, and more microcracks occurred in the glass matrix due to increasing heat treatment times. 4. The size of leucite crystals varied from $1{\mu}m\;to\;5{\mu}m$. The mean size of mature crystals was about $5{\mu}m$. The form of the crystal was similar to a circle when it was smaller and similar to an ellipse when it was larger.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2003

Development of new ceramic and esthetic need of patient increased the use of ceramic restorations. The purpose of this study was to confirm the possibility of recycling for IPS Empress2 which has a lot of advantages in esthetics. 1st, 2nd and 3rd pressed disc-shaped($10{\times}1.5mm$) IPS Empress 2 specimens were made with IPS Empress ingot(shade 200, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) and pressing furnace(IPS Empress EP 500, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein). Flexure strength was measured with universal testing machine(Zwick 145641, Zwick, Germany), and color change and staining resistance of specimens were evaluated with colorimeter (Model TC-6FX, Tokyo Denshoku Co., Japan). The followings were drawn from this study : 1. Flexure strength of the 1st, the 2nd, and the 3rd pressed specimens showed 236.78 MPa. 247.16MPa, and 220.72MPa, respectively. Flexure strength of the 2nd pressed specimens was higher than others, but there's no statistical difference between them. 2. The color difference between the 1st and the 2nd pressed specimens was 3.25, and that between the 1st and the 3rd pressed specimens was 3.63(P<0.05). 3. The color change after staining of the 1st, the 2nd. and the 3rd pressed specimens were 1.43, 2.64, and 1.45, respectively. In this study, reused IPS Empress 2 specimens showed insignificant change of flexure strength and stain resistance, but they showed some color change according to reuse. From this results, the limited possibility of reuse for IPS Empress 2 could be considered.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.572-576
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• 2002

This investigation was designed to estimate the biaxial flexure strength and fracture toughness of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics of IPS Empress 2 system pressed with as-received ingots and their sprue buttons. Two groups of the lithium disilicate glass-ceramics were prepared as follows: group 1 is ingot-pressed group; group 2 is sprue button-pressed group. A ball-on-three-ball test was used to determine biaxial flexure strength (BFS) of disks in wet environment. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) analysis was conducted to observe the microstructure of the ceramics. Unpaired t-test showed that there were no differences in the mean biaxial Hem strength (BFS) and KIC values between group 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). Two groups showed similar values in the KIC and the strength at 5% failure probability. The SEM micrographs of the IPS Empress 2 glass-ceramic showed a closely packed, multi-directionally interlocking pattern of numerous lithium disilicate crystals protruding from the glass matrix. The lithium orthophosphate crystals could not be observed on the fracture surface etched. There was no a marked difference of the microstructure between group 1 and 2. Although there were no tests including color stability, casting accuracy, etc., the results of this study implied that we could reuse the sprue button of the pressed lithium disilicate glass-ceramic of IPS Empress 2 system.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.514-523
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• 2004

Statement of problem: All-ceramic restorations have been advocated for superior esthetics. Various post and core systems have been used to improve the strength of damaged teeth, but it is unclear whether they affect the final shade of finished all-ceramic restorations. Purpose: The influence of different types of post and core systems on light transmission through all-ceramic crowns was assessed by spectrophotometric analysis. Also the masking effect of different thickness of ceramic ingot was evaluated. Material and Methods : Forty-five sample disks (15mm in diameter) at several thickness(1.0, 1.5, 2.0mm) and value(shade 100, 200, 300) were made in heat pressed ceramic(IPS-Empress). Background specimens simulating gold-alloy cast posts(Type III casting gold alloy), metal posts(Ni-Cr casting alloy) and ceramic posts(CosmoPost) were fabrica-ted. Resin composite(Z250, A3 shade) was used as a tooth substrate reference. For each combination, the change in color was measured with a spectrophotometer. Readings were performed for 2 conditions (1) ability of ceramic to mask the core in relation to its thickness(1.0, 1.5, or 2.0mm) ; (2) influence of post and core types on the final color of the ceramic. Data were recorded according to the CIE $L^*a^*b^*$ systems and color difference($\Delta$E) was calculated. Results: 100 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, $\Delta$E value for ceramic post larger than 1 but $\Delta$E value for metal and gold post was larger than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5mm, only $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2, and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 2. 200 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, $\Delta$E value for ceramic post was smaller than 1 but $\Delta$E value for metal and gold post was larger than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5 mm, only the $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2, and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. 300 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, only $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2 and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. Conclusion: The final esthetic result of the IPS-Empress glass-ceramic restoration was not affected by the presence of different core materials when the thickness was more than 2.0 mm. When ceramic thickness decreases to 1.5mm, it is advised to take the substrate aspects into consideration. If the ceramic thickness is less than 1.0mm, using the tooth color matched substrate is strongly recommended.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.130-143
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• 1997

A heat-pressed technique(IPS-Empress, Ivoclar) has been described to construct single unit crown, inlay/onlay and veneers using a partially pre-cerammed and pre-colored glass-leucite ingot that has the greateast strength by the combination of heat-pressed procedure through the smalldiameter sprue and heat treatment procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexure strength of a heat-pressed ceramic material(IPS-Empress) without simulated firing treatments according to pontic designs. Two groups of 9 disks(1.4mm thick, 14mm in diameter) each using two types of sprues with different diameters($({\Phi}2.8\;,{\Phi}1.8)$) and numbers were prepared. The specimens were mounted in the testing jig. The flexural strengths were determined, by means of the bi-axial bending test, by loading the center of disk to failure using a universal testing machine(Zwick 145141, Zwick, Germany) at a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. The means flexural strength value of one group using a sprue with ${\Phi}2.8$ was $140.4{\pm}8.0Mpa$. That of the other group using two sprues with ${\Phi}1.8$ was $151.8{\pm}10.3Mpa$. After analysis, results showed that there was a statistical difference between groups(t=2.33m p<0.05). No clnical implications were drawn from these data because of absence of simulated firing treatment.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.259-268
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• 2007

purpose: This study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic by removable method of temporary cement on the abutment tooth. Material and Method: Sixty molar teeth of human with the occlusal surface up were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. The 45 specimens were prepared to exposure dentin by diamond bur and the eugenol-containing temporary cement($Cavitec^{TM}$ ($KERR^{(R)}$, U.S.A)was applied to the dentin surfaces. After initial removal of the cement with a dental explorer, the specimens were divided into 4 groups of 15 specimens each. The dentin surfaces of the specimens were treated by rotary instrument with as follow pastes: $Zircate^{(R)}$ prophy paste(Dentsply, U.S.A), Radent Prophy Paste(Pascal company,inc. U.S.A), and Dental pumice(Wip mix corporation,U.S.A). An adhesive resin luting agent(Variolink $II^{(R)}$, Ivoclar Vivadent, Leichtenstein) including Monobond-S and $Excite^{(R)}$ was applied to all specimens. The ceramic specimens were made with an A1 ingot of IPS Empress $II^{(R)}$ (Ivoclar Vivadent, Leichtenstein). After the specimens were stored in distilled water for 48hr, the shear bond strength(MPa) was measured by a Universal testing machine(Zwick 145641, Zwick, Germany) at a 1mm/min cross-head speed. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test. Results: In all group, there were no significant differences in comparison with the control group(p>0.05). The pattern of most failure showed the mixed type of cohesive and adhesive failure. Conclusion: Resin bond strength of IPS Empress $II^{(R)}$ was not affected by removal method of the temporary cement.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.191-198
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• 2009

Statement of problem: Ceramics have been important materials for the restoration of teeth. The demands of patients for tooth-colored restorations and the availability of various dental ceramics has driven the increased use of new types of dental ceramic materials. Improved physical properties of theses materials have expanded its use even in posterior crowns and fixed partial dentures. However, ceramic still has limitation such as low loading capability. This is critical for long-span bridge, because bridge is more subject to tensile force. Purpose: The wire reinforced ceramic was designed to increase the fracture resistance of ceramic restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of wire reinforced ceramic. Material and methods: Heat pressed ceramic(ingot No.200 : IPS Empress 2, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and Ni-Cr wire(Alfa Aesar, Johnson Matthey Company, USA) of 0.41 mm diameter were used in this study. Five groups of twelve uniform sized ceramic specimens(width 4 mm, thickness 2 mm, length 15 mm) were fabricated. Each group had different wire arrangement. Wireless ceramic was used as control group. The experimental groups were divided according to wire number and position. One, two and three strands of wires were positioned on the longitudinal axis of specimen. In another experimental group, three strands of wires positioned on the longitudinal axis and five strands of wires positioned on the transverse axis. Three-point bending test was done with universal testing machine(Z020, Zwick, Germany) to compare the flexural modulus, flexural strength, strain at fracture and fracture toughness of each group. Fractured ceramic specimens were cross-sectioned with caborundum disc and grinded with sandpaper to observe interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire. The interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire was analyzed with scanning electron microscope(JSM-6360, JEOL, Japan) under platinum coating. Results: The results obtained were as follows: 1. The average and standard deviation in flexural modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness showed no statistical differences between control and experimental groups. However, strain was significantly increased in wire inserted ceramics(P<.001). 2. Control group showed wedge fracture aspects across specimen, while experimental groups showed cracks across specimen. 3. Scanning electron microscopic image of cross-sectioned and longitudinally-sectioned specimens showed no gap at the interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that wire inserted ceramics have a high strain characteristic. However, wire inserted ceramics was not enough to use at posterior area of mouth in relation to flexural modulus and flexural strength. Therefore, we need further studies.