VITA introduces hybrid dental ceramic

BREA, California--VITA has introduced a new category of CAD/CAM material, VITA Enamic.

The hybrid dental ceramic has a dual-network structure that combines the best properties of ceramic and composite materials.

The dominant ceramic network structure and the reinforcing polymer network structure of VITA Enamic are merged with one another, similar to the way that steel reinforces concrete. With the dual ceramic-polymer network, the new composite incorporates the benefits of ceramic and composite materials in one new product.

Materials science testing shows that VITA Enamic offers high fracture load capacity while also helping ensure levels of elasticity and integrated crack prevention.

VITA Enamic features less brittleness than a pure dental ceramic, as well as abrasion properties superior to that of conventional composite materials. This results in characteristics similar to those of natural dentition. VITA Enamic is resistant to the shear and compressive forces of the jaw and natural teeth, allowing the material to be used for a variety of applications.

Enamic CAD/CAM blocks, which are classed as a ceramic for insurance purposes, are not only suitable for fabricating inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns for anterior and posterior applications, and crowns over implants--but due to reduced wall thickness--can be used for minimally invasive restorations such as no-prep veneers and restorations in areas where space is limited.

“We are extremely pleased with the combination of precision, speed and esthetics we have achieved with Enamic,” said Fred Ketcho, CEO of Vident, a VITA company.

“This innovative material has the potential to revolutionize what clinicians think about their CAD/CAM material choices and accelerate their CAD/CAM adoption rate. The simple mill, polish, and place process of Enamic dramatically reduces chairtime and improves productivity. And the fantastic clinical properties for which VITA is known, makes Enamic a powerful addition to our stable of CAD/CAM products.”

In the first product phase, VITA Enamic will be available in block size EM-14 (12 x 14 x 18 mm), as well as in 3D-Master shades 0M1, 1M1, 1M2, 2M2 and 3M2 in two degrees of translucency. The hybrid ceramic can be processed using the Sirona CEREC and inLab systems, using software version >4.0.

In comparison with pure ceramics, milling can be completed more quickly and with less tool wear, saving time and resources. Internal studies at VITA resulted in 148 milled crowns in normal mode without needing to change burs, compared to 14-18 for other CAD/CAM materials. Some 132 crowns were able to be milled in fast mode, with a time of 5:13 for a posterior crown (9:07 in normal mode) and 4:40 for an inlay.

VITA Enamic is reliable and offers great precision, improved edge stability, and, as a result, fine, accurate outcomes. With the corresponding polishing set from VITA, the material can be quickly polished to a high, esthetic shine.

Glazing using light polymerization is also an option. Natural shade nuances can be achieved using one of six light-curing stains. The hybrid ceramic is already at full strength. It can be used directly following milling and does not require further processing.

VITA Enamic is scheduled to be available beginning February 2013.

For information, call (800) 828-3839 or visit www.vident.com.

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