Lithium disilicate is a material used in the preparation of various dental devices, including veneers, crowns, onlays, inlays and even dental implants. In fact, lithium disilicate serves as an ideal replacement option for missing teeth or lost tooth enamel. While ceramics have been a popular dental restoration choice for years, lithium disilicate is a newer option in ceramics that is known for its viability, safety and durability.
The ceramic coverings that are placed over the teeth for creating the illusion of a “perfect smile” are known as veneers. While preparing veneers, dental technicians try to ensure that the veneers are as thin as possible. However, thin materials are more prone to chipping at edges, particularly when they are subject to everyday stress and tooth pressure. It should be noted that the problem can be easily resolved by grinding away some part of the tooth enamel so that there is room for a thicker veneer in the mouth.
Fortunately, lithium disilicate is known for its exceptional strength. This means, it allows dental lab technicians to make sure that the veneer is thin but strong enough to endure pressure exerted on the teeth from day-to-day activities.
Lithium disilicate is also an excellent material option in the preparation of “false teeth”. Because this material is stronger as compared to other non-ceramic and ceramic materials, implants, inlays/onlays as well as crowns made from lithium disilicate tend to last longer.
Chewing typically brings teeth closer to each other, which exerts pressure on them. Moreover, some people have the habit of grinding their teeth frequently that can be extremely damaging to the restorations. But, if lithium disilicate is used in the preparation of these restorations, they can deal with the pressure placed on both the teeth and the enamel. In fact, lithium disilicate is very good at flexing and resisting damage to the edges of teeth as well.
As mentioned before, chewing brings teeth closer to each other, which exerts pressure on them. In fact, enamel against enamel can cause a certain level of wear to the teeth. Unlike many other ceramics, lithium disilicate tends to cause less wear to the teeth, making it an ideal option for patients seeking long-term dental restorative solutions.
According to experts, lithium disilicate is highly compatible with the oral environment. In fact, studies have revealed that this material is less cytotoxic as compared to many other composite materials.
The most significant benefit of lithium disilicate is that this material ensures successful restoration, which is why many dentists are confident about their treatment strategies when using dental appliances made with lithium disilicate. The use of lithium disilicate greatly enhances a dental appliance’s efficiency as well as the quality of its installation.