Additive Manufacturing of Lithium Disilicate with the LCM Process for Classic and Non-Prep Veneers: Preliminary Technical and Clinical Case Experience

Abstract

Background: ceramic veneers, crowns, and other types of restorations are often made using either the press heating technique or the subtractive method. The advent of lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) allows for the manufacturing of such restorations in an additive way. Methods: this concept paper describes the first clinical experience in the application of LCM lithium disilicate restorations in vivo for the manufacturing of classic veneers for a patient with severe tooth wear. The applied restorations were analyzed in terms of their marginal fit in metrology software (Geomagic Control X, 3D Systems). Furthermore, the feasibility of 3D printing of non-prep veneers with a 0.1 mm thickness was tested. Results: the classic LCM lithium disilicate veneers were tried in the mouth cavity and demonstrated adequate esthetics and a sufficient marginal fit of 100 µm. Furthermore, the non-prep veneers with a 0.1 mm thickness could be successfully printed using LCM technology and also demonstrated an adequate fit on the model in vitro. Conclusions: the described technical approach of lithium disilicate 3D printing with LCM technology may pose a valid alternative to subtractive and analog manufacturing and be a game-changing option with the use of additive chairside ceramic fabrication.