TL;DR: IPS e.max Press (Ivoclar Vivadent, 470 MPa), GC Initial LiSi Press (GC, 508 MPa) and Shofu Vintage LD Press (Shofu, 377 MPa) are all pressed lithium disilicate ceramics for veneers, single crowns, inlays/onlays and short 3-unit bridges (e.max Press up to the second premolar; Vintage LD Press anterior only). The differences are in crystal structure, the range of opacities, the matching layering porcelain and technician preference. This comparison is based on manufacturer datasheets and on pressing all three at Khai Nguyen Dental Lab.
What pressed lithium disilicate is
Lithium disilicate is a glass ceramic with about 70% Li2Si2O5 crystals by volume, giving roughly 380–530 MPa flexural strength depending on the brand, three to four times that of feldspathic porcelain, while keeping translucency and the ability to be etched with hydrofluoric acid for adhesive bonding. In the press technique the ingot is heated and pressed into a lost-wax mould, which allows veneers as thin as 0.3 mm and crowns with tight margins. It is the default material for single anterior units in most esthetic labs.
Comparison table
| Criterion | IPS e.max Press | GC Initial LiSi Press | Shofu Vintage LD Press |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer, origin | Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein | GC, Japan | Shofu, Japan |
| Flexural strength (datasheet) | 470 MPa | 508 MPa | 377 MPa (IFU, ISO 6872) |
| Crystal structure | Needle-shaped lithium disilicate crystals, standard size | HDM (High Density Micronization): ultra-fine, evenly dispersed crystals | Lithium disilicate crystals in a glass matrix optimised for layering and staining |
| Ingot opacities | HT, MT, LT, MO, HO, Impulse (widest range) | HT, MT, LT, MO | T, MT, LO, MO |
| Matching layering ceramic | IPS e.max Ceram | GC Initial LiSi (matched expansion) | Vintage LD (layering) and Vintage Art Universal (stains) |
| Strengths in our lab | Longest clinical record; shade system most dentists know; consistent with e.max CAD | Very smooth surface after pressing, minimal reaction layer, fast polishing; low wear on opposing enamel | Framework, porcelain and stains from one system; ideal for monolithic staining and thin incisal layering |
| Indications | Veneers, anterior and premolar crowns, inlays/onlays/overlays, implant crowns in the esthetic zone, 3-unit bridges: e.max Press up to the second premolar; GC states “small bridges”; Vintage LD Press anterior only (per each manufacturer’s instructions) | ||
| Not indicated | Molar bridges, long spans, severe bruxism without a splint | ||
| In-lab time at Khai Nguyen | 2.5–4 working days for stained monolithic crowns (depending on the number of units); 3–5 days for cut-back and layered work | ||
Where the real differences are
1. Strength: 100 MPa does not change the indication
From 377 to 508 MPa is one indication group. None of the three is approved by its manufacturer for molar bridges. Clinical durability is decided by respecting minimum thickness (crowns 1.0–1.5 mm, veneers 0.3–0.5 mm) and by the bonding protocol: 20-second HF etch, silane, light- or dual-cure resin cement.
2. Translucency and masking
All three offer HT ingots for bright natural teeth and LT/MO for discoloured abutments. e.max Press has the widest range, including HO for metal cores; Vintage LD ties each translucency level to a clear indication group; LiSi Press gives even translucency thanks to its fine crystals. For a single central incisor, choosing the right opacity matters more than choosing the brand.
3. Finishing: monolithic stain or cut-back and layer
Monolithic stained and glazed crowns are faster and stronger; cut-back with layered incisal porcelain looks better but adds one or two days and needs a skilled ceramist. Each brand has its own layering ceramic with matched thermal expansion; a lab should not layer one brand’s porcelain on another brand’s pressed core.
4. Wear on opposing teeth
All three are kinder to opposing enamel than unpolished zirconia. GC reports low antagonist wear for LiSi Press thanks to its fine crystalline surface; in practice, proper polishing after occlusal adjustment matters more than the difference between brands.
Which one we use for which case
- Veneers and central incisor crowns that must match natural neighbours: IPS e.max Press MT or HT, cut back and layered with IPS e.max Ceram when the incisal edge is translucent.
- Monolithic premolar crowns, inlays/onlays that need fast polishing: GC Initial LiSi Press.
- Anterior esthetic cases with monolithic staining, framework, porcelain and stains from one system: Shofu Vintage LD Press with Vintage Art Universal.
- Dentists already used to one shade system: stay with it; consistency between the chairside shade guide and the ingot matters more than technical differences.
Product pages: IPS e.max Press, GC Initial LiSi Press, Shofu Vintage LD Press, and the full comparison of dental ceramics including zirconia and feldspathic.
Frequently asked questions
Is pressed ceramic as strong as zirconia?
No, in flexural strength (roughly 380–530 MPa versus 700–1,300 MPa). But for single crowns and veneers that are bonded correctly, long-term survival of lithium disilicate is very high, for example Ivoclar reports 97.2% survival for posterior IPS e.max CAD crowns at 10 years (manufacturer R&D data).
Can a 3-unit bridge be pressed in lithium disilicate?
Yes, within each manufacturer’s limits: IPS e.max Press up to the second premolar; Shofu Vintage LD Press anterior only (pontic up to 11 mm, connector at least 16 mm²). Molar bridges should be zirconia.
How should pressed lithium disilicate be cemented?
Adhesively with resin cement after HF etching and silane. Conventional cements reduce the strength of glass-ceramic restorations.
Need material advice for a specific case? Send it through the ordering process or WhatsApp +84 902 945 585.
Written for dentists and technicians. Khai Nguyen Dental Lab manufactures to clinical prescription only and does not sell directly to patients.
