• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.545-559
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• 2002

There has been increasing use of IPS Empress $2^{(R)}$ owing to easy fabrication method, high esthetics similar to natural teeth, good marginal accuracy, and sufficient fracture strength. However, in clinical application, although a luting agent and the tooth cementation bonding procedure influence the marginal accuracy and fracture strength restoration, there has been a controversy in the selection of proper luting agent. This study was to measure the marginal fidelites and fracture strength of IPS Empress crowns according to three cement types, Protec $cem^{(R)}$, Variolink $II^{(R)}$ and Panavia $21^{(R)}$. After construction of 12 experimental dies for each group, IPS Empress $2^{(R)}$ crowns were fabricated and luted the metal master die prepartion of the maxillary right premolar. Marginal gaps before cementation and after cementation were measured. Buccal incline on the functional cusp of specimens were loaded until the catastrophic failure and fracture strength was measured. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The range of gap was $34.04{\pm}4.84{\mu}m$ before cementation and $37.88{\pm}5.00{\mu}m$ after cementation, which showed significant difference by paired t-test (p<0.05). The difference in the results from marginal accuracy according to measuring point proved to be not statistically significant by two-way ANOVA test (p>0.05). 2. The difference in the results from marginal accuracy according to three cement types Proved that The Variolink $II^{(R)}$ cement group had the least gap, $35.43{\pm}5.03{\mu}m$, and showed superior marginal accuracy while there existed statistic significance in Protec $cem^{(R)}$ cement group, $39.06{\pm}4.41{\mu}m$ or Panavia $21^{(R)}$ cement group, $39.16{\pm}4.39{\mu}m$ by two-way ANOVA test & multiple range test (p<0.05). 3. The difference in the results from fractures strength testing according to three cement type groups proved to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The Variolink $II^{(R)}$ cement group shows highest fracture strength of $1257.33{\pm}226.77N$, Panavia $21^{(R)}$ cement group has $1098.08{\pm}138.45N$, and Protec $cem^{(R)}$ cement group represents the lowest fracture strength of $926.75{\pm}115.75N$. 4. Three different cement groups of different components showed acceptable marginal fidelity and fracture strength. It is concluded that IPS Empress $2^{(R)}$ crowns luted using Variolink $II^{(R)}$ cement group had stronger fracture strength and smaller marginal gap than the other cement groups. Although Variolink $II^{(R)}$ resin cement seemed acceptable to clinical applications in IPS Empress $2^{(R)}$ system, the IPS Empress $2^{(R)}$ system still requires long-term research due to the lack of data in clinical applications.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.441-450
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was compare the fracture strength of the IPS Empress ceramic crown according to the occlusal depth (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm) and axial inclination ($4^{\circ},\;8^{\circ},\;12^{\circ}$) of the lower second premolar. After 10 metal dies were made for each group, the IPS Empress ceramic crowns were fabricated and cemented with resin cement. The cemented crowns were mounted on the testing jig with inclination of 30 degrees and the universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture strength. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The fracture strength of the ceramic crown with 2.5mm depth and $12^{\circ}$ inclination was the highest (1284 N). Crowns of 1.5mm depth and $8^{\circ}$ inclination had the lowest strength (951 N). 2. There were no significant differences in the fracture strength by axial inclination of the same occlusal depth group. 3. Most fracture lines began at the loading area and extended through proximal surface perpendicular to the margin, irrespective of occlusal depth.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.606-617
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to measure the marginal fidelities and the fracture strength of IPS Empress $2^{(R)}\;and\;In-Ceram^{(R)}$ ceramic crowns. After constructed of 12 experimental dies for each group, ceramic crowns were fabricated on the metal master dies prepared on the maxillary right premolar Marginal gaps were measured on the specimen between the margin of each crown and finish-ing line of the metal master die by using stereo-microscope($SZ-ST^{(R)}$ Olympus, Japan) and all specimens were cemented on the metal master die with Bistite $II^{(R)}$ (Tokuyama soda Co, LTD., Japan) resin cement. Finally marginal gaps were measured again. To measure of the fracture strength, buccal incline on the functional cusp of specimens were loaded until the catastrophic failure occurred by using the AGS-1000 $D^{(R)}$(Shimadzu, Japan). The result of marginal fidelities and fracture strength were statistically analyzed with the SPSS version 8.0 programs. The results of this study were as follows : 1. No significant difference was found in the mean marginal fidelities and fracture strength between the IPS Empress $2^{(R)}\;and\;In-Ceram^{(R)}$. 2. In comparison of marginal fidelities between before and after cementation, there was significant difference(P<0.05). The IPS Empress 2 system was shown in this study that had good marginal fidelities and fracture strength compared to In-Ceram ceramics. Although this system was acceptable to clinical applications, the system still has to be considered long-term researches about marginal fidelities and fracture strength due to the lack of data about the clinical researches.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.575-582
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• 2000

This investigation was designed to determine whether heat-pressing and/or simulated heat treatments affected the flexure strength and the microstructure of the lithium disilicate glass-ceramic in the IPS Empress 2 system. Four groups of the specimens were prepared as follows: group 1 - as-received material, group 2 - heat-pressed material; group 3 - heat-pressed and simulated initial heat-treated material; group 4 - heat-pressed and the simulated heat-treated material with full firings for a final restoration. The three-point bending test and the scanning elec-tron microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted for the purpose of this study. The flexure strength of group 2 was significantly higher than that of group 1. However, there were no significant differences in strength among group 2, 3, and 4, and between group 1 and 4. The SEM micrographs of the lithium disilicate glass-ceramic showed the closely packed, multi-directionally interlocking microstructure of numerous lithium disilicate crystals protruding from the glass matrix. The crystals of the heat-pressed materials (group 2, 3, and 4) were a little denser and about two times bigger than those of the as-received material (group 1). This change of microstructure is more obviously exhibited particularly between group 1 and 2. However, there was no a marked difference among group 2, 3, and 4 after the heat-pressing procedure. Although there were significant increase of the strength and some changes of the microstructure after the heat-pressing operation, the combination of the heat-pressing and the simulated subsequent heat treatments did not produce the increase of strength of IPS Empress 2 glass-ceramic.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2002

This study was performed to investigate the color stability of IPS Empress 2 glass-ceramic after heat-pressing and/or heat-treatments. Three types of IPS Empress 2 ingots (shade 100, 300, 500) were tested. For this study, three groups were prepared as follows: group 1 is as-received material, group 2 is heat-pressed material, and group 3 is fully heat -treated material. The color of the specimens was measured with a colorimeter. The data were statistically evaluated with one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's multiple test. The results obtained were as follows: 1. IPS Empress 2 glass-ceramic demonstrated less color stability according as the shade is lighter. Namely, the shade 500 showed the lowest color shifts and the shade 100 showed the greatest color shifts after heat-pressing and heat-treatments. 2. In the cases of shade 100 and 300, the changes of ${\Delta}E^*$ were affected mostly by the changes of $L^*$ and $b^*$. 3. In ${\Delta}E^*$ of the shade 100, there were significant differences among the group 1, 2, and 3 (P<0.001). 4. In ${\Delta}E^*$ of the shade 300, there were significant differences between the group 1 and 2, and the group 1 and 3 (P<0.001). 5. In ${\Delta}E^*$ of the shade 500, there was significant difference only between the group 1 and 3 (P<0.001).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture strength of the IPS Empress ceramic crown according to the occlusal depth (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm) and axial inclination ($4^{\circ},\;8^{\circ},\;12^{\circ}$) of the lower First Molar. After 10 metal dies were made for each group, the IPS Empress ceramic crowns were fabricated and cemented with resin cement(Bistite resin cement, Tokuyama Soda Co. LTD., Japan). The cemented crowns were mounted on the testing jig with inclination of 30 degrees and the universal testing machine(Zwick Z020, Zwick, Germany)was used to measure the fracture strength. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The fracture strength of the ceramic crown with 2.5mm depth and $12^{\circ}$ inclination was the highest (1789 N). Crowns of 1.5mm depth and $4^{\circ}$ inclination had the lowest strength (1091 N). 2. There were no significant differences in the fracture strength by axial inclination of the same occlusal depth group. 3. Most fracture lines began at the loading area and extended through proximal surface perpendicular to the margin, irrespective of occlusal depth. Size of fragment was affected by the amount of occlusal reduction.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2005

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture strength of the IPS Empress ceramic crown according to the incisal reduction (2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm) and axial inclination ($4^{\circ}$, $8^{\circ}$, $12^{\circ}$) of the upper canine. Material and methods. After 10 metal dies were made for each group, the IPS Empress ceramic crowns were fabricated and each crown was cemented on each metal die with resin cement. The cemented crowns mounted on the testing jig were inclined 30 degrees and the universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture strength. Results. 1. The fracture strength of the ceramic crown with 3.0mm depth and $12^{\circ}$ inclination was the highest (839N) Crowns of 2.0mm depth and $12^{\circ}$ inclination had the lowest strength (559N). 2. There was no significant difference in the fracture strength by axial inclination in the same incisal reduction group. 3. The fracture mode of the crowns was similar. Most of fracture lines began at the loading area and extended through proximal surface perpendicular to the margin irrespective of incisal reduction.

• 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.38 no.4
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• pp.446-460
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• 2000

All-ceramic restorations have had a more limited life expectancy than metal ceramic crowns be-cause of their lower strength. The relatively lower strength has limited the use of all-ceramic crowns to the areas where occlusal loads are lower Therefore many researches have been done to increase the strength of all-ceramic crowns. IPS Empress 2 is a new type of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic with enhanced physical characteristics which has been in use clinically since 1998. Previous researches reported that the flexural strength of all-ceramic material was greater than 300 MPa, and all-ceramic crowns can be used in staining or layering technique. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the thickness of IPS Empress 2 ceramic on fracture strength. Both staining technique and layering technique was investigated. Vita VMK was used as control. For all three groups, five specimens each of 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.4mm, 1.8mm, and 2.2mm thick-ness (a total of 75 specimens) were prepared. Control group : Vita VMK Porcelain specimens were prepared with dentine ceramic and liquid glazing was done. Group I : IPS Empress 2 were prepared with staining technique and stained twice and glazed once. Group II : IPS Empress 2 were prepared with layering technique and glazed after wash firing. The thickness and diameter of the specimen were measured and controlled after specimen preparation. Biaxial Flexure Test (ASTM Standard F394-78) was adopted as this test method produces results least affected by the edge condition of the specimens. Fracture strength was measured with Instron Universal Testing Machine. Conclusions are as follow : 1. The fracture strength was increase in order of control group, test group I, test group II. 2. Fracture strength of the group I (Empress 2 Staining) was 65.54 N in 0.8mm, 155.2 N in 1.0mm, 233.5 N in 1.4mm, 434.5 N in 1.8mm, and 600.1 N in 2.2mm. 3. Fracture strength of the group II (Empress 2 Layering) was 190.0 N in 0.8mm, 283.5 N in 1.0mm. 437.2 N in 1.4mm, 732.0 N in 1.8mm, and 1115.0 N in 2.2mm. 4. No statistical difference was found in flexural strengths according to thickness in a specified group(p>0.05).