Feldspathic Vs. Pressable Ceramic Veneers
288 days ago by Martin Mendelson | 2 Comments
I often say there is no one size fits all solution in dental material selection. Of course there are certain materials that have multiple uses based upon the clinical situation but there are no absolutes. I hope you find the below helpful when tying to decide between feldspathic and pressable materials for ceramic veneers.
Feldspathic
Advantages:
- Color control
- Amount of reduction required
- External finishing will not remove color
Disadvantages:
- Difficult fabrication
- Fit can be difficult to obtain
- Strength
Pressable
Advantages:
- Ease of construction
- Fit
- Strength
Disadvantages:
- Amount of reduction required
- Color control
- May require cervical stain for color which can be removed with external finishing
I’m not so convinced about the strength comparison. I think I’ve seen more Empress veneers chip and fracture than the old feldspathic veneers I did 25 years ago. The 25 year old one in my mouth still looks new! Of course, maybe the enamel conserving preps might have something to do with it.
Steve,
There are certainly a multitude of factors which can contribute to fracture. Pressed ceramics are more homogeneous and therefore potentially the strongest. Remember, strength is determined by the weakest layer. If the pressed ceramic was cut back and layered with a powder/liquid (feldspathic) ceramic then fractures to this layer would not be considered a failure of the pressed ceramic but rather of the feldspathic layer.
Martin