Properties of New Partially Crystallized Lithium Disilicate CAD-CAM Materials.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Lithium disilicate (LS2) ceramics are widely used in dental restorations.
• Evaluating new, cost-effective LS2 materials is crucial for clinical adoption.
• Comparison with established materials like IPS e.max CAD (EMAX) provides a benchmark.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare optical, mechanical, and biological properties of two new LS2 materials (Lodden (LOD) and BeautyZir (BZ)) against a gold standard (EMAX).

Main Methods:

• Optical properties (translucency parameter, opalescence parameter) measured via spectrophotometry.
• Mechanical properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus) tested using a universal testing machine.
• Biocompatibility assessed through cell proliferation assays and cytotoxicity tests.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in optical and mechanical properties observed (p<0.05).
• LOD and BZ demonstrated higher translucency and opalescence than EMAX.
• EMAX and LOD exhibited superior flexural strength and modulus compared to BZ.
• No significant differences in cell proliferation or cytotoxicity among the LS2 materials.
• EMAX and LOD had higher lithium disilicate content than BZ.

Conclusions:

• The new Lodden (LOD) LS2 material presents enhanced optical properties.
• LOD maintains comparable mechanical and biological properties to the established EMAX material.
• LOD is a viable alternative to EMAX, offering improved aesthetics with similar performance.