Jörg Müller

Articles

Jörg Muller of Aesthetic Press explores how this product can help technicians press more units than ever.

How-to: Press up to 20 units in a single press oven

		As a technician, I have been faced with the challenge of successfully pressing large cases containing more than 10 units in one ring (

		Today, with the growing amount of large implant restorations, the benefit of a press over coping or pressing of full contour technique is all too evident. A successful restoration starts with good planÂ­ning, whether done by CAD/CAM design or by traditional hand waxÂ­ing. The longevity of implant resÂ­toration depends on its anatomy and function.

Fig. 1 20 units pressed with 30g of porcelain

		Unfortunately, the functional eleÂ­ments are not always respected in applying the CAD/CAM software and utilizing the library as it is with traditional hand waxing. There is quite a difference between workÂ­ing with an articulator in your own hands and designing on a two diÂ­mensional screen. Functional elements and methÂ­ods, which were taught in the past sometimes seem to play a secondary role in today’s restorations (

). But now, there is a new way to get more out of pressing techniques that can benefit the dental technician. 

[Editor's note: The technique that follows describes the new method of pressing along with the product that makes it possible-simply scroll to the bottom of each page to go to the next step of the process!]

		It is not all about Mega pascal or flexural strength! 

Click the next button to learn about a new technique and product that can help ... 

		Aesthetic-Press has a product called the 

 that can help dental technicians with their pressable workflow. To improve the quality of pressed restorations, it is helpful to keep the pressing time as short as possible. This can be achieved if the length of the individual sprue is relatively short (3mm). (

Fig. 4 Spruing technique from bird's eye view - pistons need to be connected.

		To cover both the anterior and posterior regions on both sides, the AP 400 ring shows three pistons that are separated from each other with the ability to hold ingots that are 16mm in diameter. The 

 give technicians an advantage of controlling the amount of porcelain individually fed in the chambers/pistons.

Fig. 5 Sprues connecting anteriors and posteriors

		Depending on the amount of wax used for a large case, it might be necessary to use three or even four ingots per chamber. This means that either 22g of porcelain or even up to 30g of porcelain can now be pressed in any oven.

Fig. 7 Plunger maker mold and disposable plunger

		The secret to this is the specially designed press-plunger. As 

 shows, the three pistons are connected to a ceiling/top part, which is pushed down by the press drive of the oven.

 is our recomÂ­mended press and firing furnace and can be purchased through Aesthetic-Press. (

Fig. 6 Note the two sprues on each posterior

	After placing the small rubber ring over the bottom part, one can start with connecting the three chambers with either one or two sprues of gauge 8 (3mm). This will make sure there is an overflow pathÂ­way between the chambers, in case one side has completed pressing and the other pistons still have to continue pushing material into the other castings.

Fig. 9 Nine porcelain margins pressed show the advantages of hand layering

	It is imporÂ­tant for the technician to find the right positioning for all of the resÂ­toration in the ring. All anteriors should be sprued straight onto their incisal edge and not from the lingual side. Always make sure the slow flowing material has the easiest path to flow into the crown. All the posteriors from bicuspids to second molars have to be connectÂ­ed to the piston with two sprues.

Fig. 10 Two colors pressed onto the same frame

	One sprue has to be attached to the lingual and one to the buccal side of the restoration. The best way to wax these connections is if they are placed above the incisal edge and more towards the middle third of the tooth. This will reduce the risk of a short press.

		Sprue anteriors straight onto the incisal edge with one sprue

		Use two sprues per posterior- one on the buccal and one on the lingual

Fig. 11 Contact points made with articulating paper in a stable occlusion

	With the right parameters for each press oven, large cases can be pressed flawlessly. Even with the amount of porcelain margins in this case, the advantages of the press over technique vs. hand stacking is all too obvious.

	The parameters need to be adjusted to the following using the AP400g ring: The burn out time needs to be 1.5 hours at 850Âº C,

	The press temp needs to be 40ÂºC above the regular press temp. LastÂ­ly, the hold time in the press oven needs to be set to 40 minutes.

	With these parameters a successful press over metal/zirconia and even full contour silicate/lithium disilicate can be accomplished.

	With the 400 g ring, multiple colÂ­ors can be pressed, even onto the same framework. In the case shown in this article, we used Dentin inÂ­gots for the six anterior units (Press & Layering technique). The more translucent, Classic Light ingot was used for the posteriors (Press & Stain technique).