Introduction

Among the challenging tasks facing dental ceramists is to accurately and predictably achieving a shade match to a single central incisor while spending as little time as possible at the bench. Unfortunately, techniques and materials that enable a guaranteed “what you see is what you get” result have been elusive—until recently. The introduction of a material called lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) allows ceramists to fabricate with enhanced productivity predictable esthetic restorations that demonstrate the combination of exceptional esthetics and high strength. The technique illustrated here represents a step-by-step process developed for use with the IPS e.max Press lithium disilicate material to accurately and predictably match a single central incisor in an efficient manner by mimicking the internal effects of a natural tooth. Further, the technique also involves creating a natural-looking optical effect by enameling over these characteristics to quickly and precisely return to full contour.

Although the technique is not illustrated on a real case, it does demonstrate the manner in which a complex central incisor (eg: tooth #9) can be recreated. Since the number of such detailed instructional articles in the literature is limited, readers should find this pictorial example beneficial.