3D printing of ultra-thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the LCM method in a digital workflow: A feasibility study.

Abstract

This article highlights the feasibility of the additive fabrication of ultra-thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) method. An esthetical appealing restoration of anterior teeth with thin ceramic veneers is considered one of the ultimate challenges in restorative dental prosthetics. These sophisticated restorations can be fabricated in different ways. Both analog and digital subtractive manufacturing processes have been used to date. Either of the methods is highly demanding for the dental technician and dental engineering due to the required low ceramic layer thickness. Modern additive manufacturing methods, for example LCM technology, enable the production of ultra-thin lithium disilicate veneers with layer thicknesses of down to 0.2 mm and could therefore represent a viable alternative for this indication in the future. Digital technologies can help streamline workflows, make the outcome more predictable and reproducible, and even further optimize therapeutic restorative options such as highly esthetic veneers for anterior teeth. The reduced material thickness allows for a true non-prep solution or minimally invasive preparation.