- Best Practices New Normal
- Digital Dentistry
- Data Security
- Implants
- Catapult Education
- COVID-19
- Digital Imaging
- Laser Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Oral Care
- Evaluating Dental Materials
- Cement and Adhesives
- Equipment & Supplies
- Ergonomics
- Products
- Dentures
- Infection Control
- Orthodontics
- Technology
- Techniques
- Materials
- Emerging Research
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Oral-Systemic Health
Glidewell Laboratories ceases production of traditional PFMs
Glidewell Laboratories has announced they are replacing traditional PFMs with Obsidian Pressed to Metal restorations. Obsidian is a lithium silicate ceramic.
In a move that may suggest a signficant shift in the dental laboratory market, Glidewell Laboratories has announced that production of conventional feldspathic PFMs will cease companywide effective October 1, 2016. All future PFM cases prescribed from the lab will use Obsidian® lithium silicate ceramic in place of feldspathic porcelain.
When compared to conventional PFMs, Obsidian Pressed to Metal crowns and bridges reportedly represent a higher standard of care in ceramo-metal restorations. Obsidian lithium silicate ceramic exhibits over four times the flexural strength and two times the chip resistance of traditional porcelains. The material is engineered to polish beautifully and is kinder to opposing dentition than previous PFM ceramics. The increased toughness of Obsidian reportedly makes it ideal for bridges, cases with insufficient vertical space for full-contour zirconia, and screw-retained restorations.
Innovator Profile: Glidewell Laboratories
Obsidian’s greater translucency matches shades and is saiad to blend more naturally with real dentition. Obsidian Pressed to Metal restorations are designed to enable a new level of marginal precision, with tolerances as tight as 20 microns. Each metal understructure is digitally designed and then fabricated with a computer-controlled selective laser sintering machine, which uses a laser to bind metal powder into a 3-D shape. This precision established with these techniques helps prevent bacterial invasion and cement washout in delivered restorations.
Cover story: Are digital impressions REALLY the better choice?
Jim Glidewell, CDT, says, “Obsidian Pressed to Metal crowns are without question the next step in the evolution of PFMs.” Obsidian Pressed to Metal restorations are priced at the current PFM rate of $109 per unit for non-precious alloy and at a reduced rate of just $116 per unit for white noble alloy.
For more information about Obsidian lithium silicate ceramic, visit obsidianceramic.com.
Episode 31: Dentsply Sirona Implant Announcements
September 30th 2021DPR’s Editorial Director Noah Levine sat down with Gene Dorff, Dentsply Sirona’s group vice president of implants and Dr. Dan Butterman to review several big announcements the company made in the arena of implants during Dentsply Sirona World 2021 in Las Vegas.
Crest Toothpaste Honored as National Historic Chemical Landmark
April 10th 2024The American Chemical Society has designated Crest toothpaste as a National Historic Chemical Landmark, recognizing its introduction in 1955 as a transformative moment in dental care through the incorporation of fluoride chemistry.
