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quarter 4 | 2013 | cerecdoctors.com | 23
high load capacity (static load capacity
approx. 2,890 N). Optimum distribu-
tion of the chewing forces is said to be
ensured and intraoral forces absorbed by
the polymer network. On top of that, the
manufacturer highlights a highmarginal
stability, leading tomore precisely fitting
milling results as compared to tradi-
tional CAD/CAM ceramics. The wear
behavior is supposed to be similar to
that of the proven ceramic VITABLOCS
Mark II (VITA Zahnfabrik) and may be
rated as very good with a value of ∆E < 2.
In the Vickers test, a hardness of
approx. 2.5 GPa was measured, reports
VITA Zahnfabrik. This value is between
the hardness of dentin, which is between
0.6 and 1.0 GPa, and the hardness of
enamel, which is 3 to 5 GPa. In connec-
tion with the Vickers test, the crack-
stopping function of VITA Enamic was
detected. After loading of their polished
surfacewith a pyramid-shaped tipwithin
the context of the Vickers test, tradi-
tional dental ceramics show a clearly
limited indentation with sharp edges
showing crack formation (Fig. 4a). At the
edges, straight and continuing cracks are
usually observed. VITA Enamic shows
the marginal cracks typical for ceramics;
however, they only continue through the
ceramic network and are stopped by the
polymer network (Fig. 4b). At the edge
of the indentation, a smooth transition
is supposed to be observed, since the
hybrid ceramic does not break, but is able
to avoid the load peak through deforma-
tion caused by its high elasticity. Figures
4a and 4b — provided by the manufac-
turer — show the differences in crack
formation in SEM images.
RANGE OF INDICATIONS
Currently, VITA Enamic is recom-
mended by the manufacturer for perma-
nent single tooth restorations on natural
teeth. Thematerial may be used for stan-
dard indications such as inlays, onlays
partial and full crowns. The specific
material properties also allow for mini-
mally invasive restorationswith reduced
wall thickness in case of single-tooth
defects with restricted space. Cosmetic
restorations such as veneers (e.g., non-
prep veneers) are also possible.
Due to the high load capacity of the
material, I hope that it will be released
by the manufacturer for additional
indications in the future. This would
be desirable from a user’s point of view
because of the outstanding processing
properties of VITA Enamic including
particularly quick machine processing.
PROCESSING INFORMATION
VITA Enamic is available in the geom-
etry EM-14 with a block size of 12 x 14
x 18 mm. It is offered in two translucen-
cies (HT = High Translucent; and T =
Translucent) and in five VITA SYSTEM
3D-MASTER shades each (0M1, 1M1,
1M2, 2M2 and 3M2).
VITA Enamic can be processed with
the CEREC and inLab MC XL systems
(Sirona Dental Systems, D-Bensheim)
beginningwith the software versionV4.0.
The work steps for scanning, design and
milling are identical to the usual work-
flow. It’sworthmentioning that themate-
rial stands out due to particularly short
milling times and lowwear of the milling
tools for time-efficient and economical
processes. An inlay or a crown made of
VITA Enamic can be produced within
an hour or even 45 minutes. The lifetime
of the milling tools is significantly higher
than with similar materials.
After milling, a firing process is not
required since the material has already
reached its final strength. For easy pre-
and high-gloss polishing, the VITA
Enamic Polishing Set is recommended.
Individual color effects are obtained
with the VITA Enamic STAINS KIT
including a chemical glaze.
For placement of the restoration, the
work steps recommended for VITA
Mark II ceramic (VITA Zahnfabrik)
are applicable as well. One of the great
benefits here is that, as opposed to
composites, the material can be etched
with hydrofluoric acid.
Adhesive cementation is recommended
for restorations made of VITA Enamic,
and the manufacturer’s instructions
should be respected. During the etching
step, the ceramic material is dissolved at
thesurface.Theresultisahighlyretentive,
Fig. 4a: SEM image of an indentation in silicate ceramic
Fig. 4b: SEM image of an indentation in VITA Enamic
4a
4b