Schaan, Liechtenstein – 24 March 2025
The Ivoclar Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications with an extensive product and systems portfolio for dentists, dental technicians and preventive care teams, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its IPS e.max family. Since its market launch in 2005, IPS e.max has revolutionised dentistry, setting new standards in quality, efficiency and aesthetics. With more than 230 million restorations* worldwide, IPS e.max has proven its clinical success and lasting impact on modern dentistry. Through innovative materials and advanced technologies, IPS e.max has become a leading name in all-ceramic dental restorations, transforming treatment and production processes.
The IPS e.max family was introduced in 2005 with a range of different products, including the two high-strength lithium disilicate glass-ceramics IPS e.max Press and IPS e.max CAD; the zirconium oxide ceramic IPS e.max ZirCAD; and the fluorapatite veneering ceramic IPS e.max Ceram. This comprehensive solution has given dental technicians and dentists a high level of flexibility and aesthetics from day one. The all-ceramic materials have driven advancements in monolithic techniques for durable dental restorations, enabling minimally-invasive treatment approaches. Through ongoing innovation, IPS e.max has remained at the forefront, meeting the rapidly evolving needs of the dental sector. New levels of translucency and material options have expanded the range of applications, driving the adoption of all-ceramic restorations. This played a key role in transforming the once specialised high-end all-ceramic market into a widely established standard.
The innovative power of IPS e.max is especially evident in the advancement of minimally invasive dental treatments. While in the past extensive preparations were necessary, the high-strength materials of the IPS e.max range have enabled a more conservative approach. Reducing invasive procedures not only enhances patient comfort but also results in long-lasting, exceptionally natural-looking restorations. Additionally, IPS e.max has been a major force in shaping the trend of cosmetic dentistry. Generally, more and more patients are looking for metal-free, highly aesthetic restorations that offer both functional reliability and natural appearance. With the IPS e.max product family, dental technicians and dentists have access to a wide range of solutions designed to meet these evolving demands.
Over the past two decades, four flagship IPS e.max products have established themselves as key pillars of modern dentistry:
- IPS e.max Press: the proven lithium disilicate press ceramic for highly accurate, aesthetically impressive restorations.
- IPS e.max CAD: the high-strength lithium disilicate glass-ceramic for the CAD/CAM production of restorations with highly aesthetic characteristics
- IPS e.max ZirCAD: innovative zirconia materials that, thanks to GT technology, combine high strength with exceptional aesthetics.
- IPS e.max Ceram: a veneering ceramic suitable for both lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide, offering natural light dynamics and excellent shade effects
Close collaboration with technology partners and advancements in CAD/CAM materials have played a crucial role in driving the digital transformation of the dental industry. Based on this progess, the IPS e.max CAD blocks, combined with modern milling systems, have streamlined digital manufacturing processes while reducing processing times. Other major milestones include the introduction of the state-of-the-art zirconium oxide materials: The IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic discs are built on 20 years of material expertise. Their unique GT technology ensures a seamless progression of shade, translucency and strength, resulting in restorations that offer not only impressive aesthetics but also exceptional stability and accuracy of fit. IPS e.max offers versatile high-quality all-ceramic restorations recognized for their reliability and aesthetics. Whether lithiumn disilicate or zirconium oxide – IPS e.max delivers it all: "all ceramic, all you need“. No matter what type of all-ceramic restoration is required: The versatile IPS e.max range covers a vast range of applications – from very thin veneers to long-span bridges – ensuring reliable solutions for all cases.
IPS e.max has had a lasting impact on modern dentistry and offers dental professionals numerous benefits: The product family enables the precise, efficient and high-quality production of all-ceramic restorations through well-designed workflows tailored to the needs of both dental practices and laboratories. Given the high quality of the material and versatile processing options, customised solutions that meet both the functional and aesthetic demands of individual patients can be created. In addition, dental laboratories and practices benefit from the materials’ easy handling and seamless integration into existing analog and digital workflows. Well-coordinated workflow components – ranging from PrograMill machines and the trusted Programat press, sintering and ceramic furnaces to adhesive luting materials such as Variolink Esthetic – contribute significantly to delivering high-quality results. This ensures long-lasting, aesthetically refined restorations that support the long-term success of practices and laboratories.
“The past 20 years have clearly shown the lasting impact of IPS e.max on modern dentistry. It has not only redefined the esthetics and long-term clinical success of all-ceramic restorations but also set a high standard for quality and efficiency. Dental professionals value the varied selection of materials and versatile application options. We are committed to building on this success story through continuous innovation and will keep shaping the future of all-ceramics in dentistry,” says Markus Heinz, CEO of the Ivoclar Group.
Future developments of IPS e.max will focus on enhancing efficiency and esthetics even further. New material generations and digital workflows will help dentists and dental technicians to achieve outstanding results with even less effort. Following the mission "All ceramic. All you need", Ivoclar will continue to drive innovation in all-ceramics and build on the success of the IPS e.max family.
For further information on the IPS e.max family, please visit www.ivoclar.com/20-years-ips-e.max
About the Ivoclar Group
The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. For over a century, the company has been shaping the dental industry, enabling people to achieve the best oral health and enjoy a beautiful smile. The company's success is based on a comprehensive portfolio of products, systems and services, strong research and development capabilities and a clear commitment to training and further education. The group of companies, which sells its products to around 130 countries, has 56 subsidiaries and branch offices and employs roughly 3600 people worldwide. More information about the Ivoclar Group is available at ivoclar.com.
* Based on sales.