Ivoclar Vivadent IPS Empress Direct Color - Manual (Page 2)

Interactions
Phenolic substances, e.g. containing eugenol/clove oil, inhibit the polymerization
of methacrylate-based materials. Therefore, materials containing these
substances must not be used in conjunction with IPS Empress Direct Color.
Discolouration may occur in combination with cationic mouthwashes, plaque
disclosing agents and chlorhexidine.
Application
IPS Empress Direct Color is used together with composite resin filling materials.
In addition, it is used to characterize CAD/CAM veneers fabricated chairside
(IPS Empress CAD), according to a special technique. Conditioning is carried out
according to the instructions for use of the corresponding restorative/luting
composite. IPS Empress Direct Color is dispensed from the syringe and applied
with a brush or a probe. Furthermore, the syringes are supplied with thin,
prebent metal cannulas with which IPS Empress Direct Color can be placed
directly on the restorative material. In order to apply very small portions of the
material, it is advisable to wipe the cannula with a cellulose pad from time to
time to remove any excess material. The shade intensity can be reduced and the
consistency thinned by mixing in Heliobond. Rubber dam isolation
(e.g. OptraDam® Plus) is recommended.
Preparatory steps
1. Remove the syringe cap by twisting it until it snaps and then pulling it off the
syringe.
2. Attach the applicator tip (Fig. 1) and twist it until it is flush with the syringe
(Fig. 2).
A) Characterization of fillings
1. The composite resin (e.g. IPS Empress Direct, Tetric EvoCeram) is applied
according to the directions of the manufacturer.
2. If IPS Empress Direct Color is used on large patches, it can be applied during
the build-up of the restoration and then covered with the restorative material.
In order to simulate enamel cracks and discoloured fissures, a notch is carved
in the appropriate place in the last composite increment (“enamel” layer). The
notch is filled with IPS Empress Direct Color using either the syringe tip or any
other suitable instrument. Composite material is used to cover the notch
starting from the sides. As a result, the characterization material is placed
within the last composite layer and is therefore protected from wear.
Alternatively, IPS Empress Direct Color is applied after the filling has been
built up:
A “characterization pattern” is ground in the filling material. Next, the pattern is
etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel (e.g. Total Etch) for 15 s. The gel is
subsequently rinsed off with water and the pattern is dried with air free of oil and
moisture. In order to establish a sound bond with the polymerized restorative,
the cleaned surfaces should be coated with Heliobond. Subsequently,
IPS Empress Direct Color is applied with a brush or any other suitable instrument
and polymerized according to the exposure time and the light intensity defined
in Table 1.
The maximum layer thickness is 0.5 mm for all shades except Brown. The
maximum thickness for Brown is 0.1 mm. Finally, the characterization material is
covered with composite resin (e.g. IPS Empress Direct, Tetric EvoCeram) and
polymerized according to the directions of the manufacturer.
B) Characterization of labfabricated composite restorations
In the build-up of inlays and onlays, IPS Empress Direct Color is used according to
the procedure described for direct restorations (Section A).
C) Characterization of CAD/CAM restorations fabricated chairside
1. Try-in and subsequently adjust the veneers.
2. The surfaces of the ceramic veneers are cleaned and conditioned according to
the directions of the manufacturer.
3. A thin coating of Heliobond is applied on the conditioned inner surfaces of the
veneers and dispersed to a very thin film with blown air.
4. An extremely small amount of IPS Empress Direct Color is applied in a thin
layer according to the individual requirements. It is important to note that
excessively thick shade layers will compromise the fit and appearance of the
restoration. Adjustments with rotating instruments as well as additional try-ins
after characterization must be avoided, as the bond to the luting material is no
longer ensured.
5. Heliobond and the staining materials are polymerized according to Table 1.
6. The veneers are placed according to the directions of the manufacturer of the
luting composite.
Special instructions
1. Only the cannulas designed for the application of IPS Empress Direct Color
should be used. Other types of cannulas may not fit the syringe properly and
may become loose during the application procedure.
2. IPS Empress Direct Color is best used when it has attained ambient temperature.
At refrigerator temperatures, the contents of the syringe may be difficult to
dispense.
3. IPS Empress Direct Color must not be exposed to bright light during its
application.
4. In order to ensure long-lasting shade effects, IPS Empress Direct Color must
not be applied as the final layer on the surface of the restoration. If possible it
should be placed as an intermediate layer or in carved notches.
5. If IPS Empress Direct Color is applied directly in the mouth of the
patient, the application cannula of the syringe must only be used for
one patient due to hygienic reasons (prevention of cross- contamination
between patients).
6. Oxidizing disinfectants must not be used to disinfect syringes.
Warning
Contact of uncured IPS Empress Direct Color with skin, mucous membrane and
eyes must be avoided. Unpolymerized IPS Empress Direct Color may have a slight
irritating effect and lead to a sensitization to methacrylates. Commercial medical
gloves do not provide protection against the sensitizing effect of methacrylates.
Storage and hygiene instructions
– Storage temperature: 2–28 °C (36–82 °F).
– IPS Empress Direct Color must not be used after the indicated date of
expiration.
– Shelf life: See date of expiration on the syringe label or packaging.
– Syringes must be sealed immediately after use. Exposure to light may lead to
premature polymerization.
Keep material out of children’s reach.
For use in dentistry only.