Pressed Ceramic Restorations

Pressed ceramic restorations are fabricated using the lost-wax technique adapted for ceramic materials. A wax pattern of the restoration is invested in a special phosphate-bonded investment material, then heated in a burnout oven to eliminate the wax. A pre-fabricated ceramic ingot is then heated and pressed into the resulting mold under vacuum and pressure. The pressing process produces restorations with excellent marginal fit, consistent material properties, and reduced porosity compared to hand-layered porcelain. Both leucite-reinforced and lithium disilicate ceramics are available in pressable forms. The ingots come in various shades and translucencies to match the patient's natural dentition. Pressed ceramics can be finished in two ways: the staining technique, where surface stains and glaze are applied to a monolithic pressing, or the layover technique, where the pressing serves as a coping and is veneered with feldspathic porcelain for maximum aesthetics. The pressing technique offers a predictable workflow with consistent results, making it popular in dental laboratories worldwide.