Home › Lists › Top 10 Pressable Ceramics in Dentistry
Table 1: Comparison of Pressable Ceramics – Digits and Numbers
Item Name Flexural Strength (MPa) Package Quantity Size (cc) Price ($) GC Initial™ LiSi Press 450 5/Pkg 3 750 GC Initial™ IQ – Lustre Paste NF Liquids N/A 1 8 100 Custom Peg Putty II N/A 3/Pkg 12 170 Disposable Plungers for Use with e.max Ingots N/A 50/Pkg N/A 55 GC Initial™ IQ, Lustre Paste NF Set N/A 1 N/A 290 TriVest Disposable Plunger N/A 50/Pkg N/A 60 Cerpress SL™ AIOx Plungers N/A 2/Pkg N/A 80 Cerpress SL™ High Translucent N/A 5/Vial N/A 100 Cerpress SL™ High Opacity Ingots N/A 5/Vial N/A 110 GC Initial™ IQ – One Body, Layering Over Metal Powder Refills N/A N/A N/A 1300
Table 2: Comparison of Pressable Ceramics – Important Features
Item Name Features Compatible with Application Chemical Solubility GC Initial™ LiSi Press – Unsurpassed Flexural Strength <br>- Rich, warm and bright colors with excellent fluorescence <br>- Virtually no reaction layer when divested <br>- Lower chemical solubility than other leading brands GC Initial LiSi veneering ceramic and GC Initial™ Lustre Pastes NF Pressing ceramics Low GC Initial™ IQ – Lustre Paste NF Liquids – Creates color depth and lifelike translucency with a single paint-on application <br>- Optimal match to both “low” and “high” CTE range <br>- Thicker application compared to conventional stains and glazes <br>- Fine thixotropic property for easy and exact applications Almost all types of dental ceramic Painting on ceramics N/A Custom Peg Putty II – Soft creamy consistency – not firm or sticky <br>- Can form to very small areas creating a solid matrix <br>- Stable up to 1926°C/3500°F All ceramic restorations; i.e. pressable ceramics (Cerpress SL), porcelain laminates, porcelain jacket crowns, AIOx crowns, porcelain fused to gold crowns Repairing cracked pressable ceramic restorations N/A Disposable Plungers for Use with e.max Ingots – Offers a uniform cooling rate between the mold and the plunger, eliminating the thermal shock that occurs with ALOX plungers that can lead to cracks in pressed restorations Any type of pressable ceramic system Pressing ceramics N/A GC Initial™ IQ, Lustre Paste NF Set – Creates color depth and lifelike translucency with a single paint-on application <br>- Optimal match to both “low” and “high” CTE range <br>- Thicker application compared to conventional stains and glazes <br>- Fine thixotropic property for easy and exact applications Almost all types of dental ceramic Painting on ceramics N/A
Top 10 Ceramic Miscellaneous Supplies in Dentistry
1. GC Initial™ LiSi Press – Ingot by GC America Inc Product Description GC Initial™ LiSi Press is a high-performance lithium disilicate glass-ceramic ingot designed for pressing dental restorations with unmatched strength and esthetics. Utilizing HDM (High Density Micronization) technology, it delivers exceptional flexural strength and lifelike visual characteristics.
Product Overview With a flexural strength of 450 MPa, GC Initial™ LiSi Press offers superior durability and natural translucency for crowns, veneers, and other all-ceramic restorations. The material features warm, vibrant colors with excellent fluorescence and low wear, making it ideal for both anterior and posterior cases. It produces virtually no reaction layer upon divestment, resulting in cleaner presses and efficient workflows. It is optimized for use with GC Initial™ LiSi veneering ceramic and Lustre Pastes NF, ensuring a consistent, high-quality finish with a seamless learning curve.
Key Features
HDM technology for high strength and esthetics
Flexural strength of 450 MPa
Warm, vibrant color tones with natural fluorescence
Minimal reaction layer after divesting for clean presses
High wear resistance and low abrasion
Compatible with GC Initial™ LiSi ceramics and Lustre Pastes NF
Low chemical solubility and excellent color stability
Common Applications
Pressable ceramic restorations
Anterior and posterior crowns
Veneers and inlays/onlays
Esthetic restorative cases
Technical Specifications Product Name: GC Initial™ LiSi Press – Ingot
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Outstanding strength and translucency
No reaction layer means minimal post-processing
Smooth integration with GC veneering systems
Excellent handling and consistent esthetic outcomes
Top 10 Silane Ceramic and Zirconia Repair Kits in Dentistry
2. GC Initial™ IQ – Lustre Paste NF Liquids Product Description GC Initial™ IQ – Lustre Paste NF Liquids are advanced 3D ceramic pastes designed to enhance color depth, surface texture, and translucency in dental restorations with a single paint-on application. This new formula allows for efficient customization while delivering a lifelike esthetic finish.
Product Overview These pastes offer a thicker consistency than traditional stains and glazes and possess fine thixotropic properties, enabling precise, controlled application. Compatible with a wide range of ceramics in both low and high CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) ranges, Lustre Paste NF Liquids provide seamless integration with various ceramic systems for reliable esthetic outcomes.
Key Features
3D ceramic paste for color depth and translucency
Single-layer application for efficiency and lifelike esthetics
Compatible with most dental ceramics (low and high CTE)
Thicker than conventional stains for bolder results
Thixotropic properties for easy and accurate handling
Common Applications
Customizing the surface of ceramic restorations
Enhancing esthetics of crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays
Use in laboratory or chairside ceramic finishing procedures
Technical Specifications Product Name: GC Initial™ IQ – Lustre Paste NF Liquids
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Easy to apply with great precision
Produces deep, vibrant colors with realistic translucency
Compatible with most ceramics on the market
A go-to product for artistic customization in lab settings
3. Custom Peg Putty II Product Description Custom Peg Putty II is a high-temperature refractory material designed for creating custom firing pegs for a wide range of all-ceramic restorations. Its creamy consistency allows for precise application and matrix formation, offering stability and support during the firing process.
Product Overview This material is ideal for pressable ceramics, porcelain laminates, jacket crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, and more. It also functions as an investment to repair cracked restorations. Custom Peg Putty II remains stable up to 1926°C (3500°F), making it reliable under extreme firing conditions. It does not discolor restorations and can form very small, intricate support areas with ease.
Key Features
Designed for custom firing peg fabrication
Soft, creamy consistency for easy application
Suitable for repairing cracked ceramic restorations
Withstands extreme temperatures up to 1926°C (3500°F)
Does not discolor ceramics during firing
Forms small, detailed support structures
Common Applications
Creating custom firing pegs for all-ceramic restorations
Supporting pressable ceramics, laminates, and crowns
Repairing and reinvesting fractured ceramic restorations
Use in dental laboratories for precision firing
Technical Specifications Product Name: Custom Peg Putty II
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Extremely stable under high heat
Easy to work with for fine detail applications
Great for custom peg creation and restoration support
A reliable solution in ceramic restoration workflows
4. Disposable Plungers for Use with e.max Ingots Product Description Vacalon Disposable Plungers are single-use plungers designed for compatibility with all pressable ceramic systems, including e.max ingots. These plungers help reduce thermal shock during pressing and simplify the workflow by eliminating the need for cleaning or reusing plungers.
Product Overview Constructed from refractory material similar to that used in investment molds, these plungers promote a uniform cooling rate between mold and plunger, helping to prevent cracking in pressed restorations. Each plunger is pre-fired for strength and ready-to-use straight out of the package. The plungers are economically priced, made in the USA, and packaged securely to prevent breakage.
Key Features
Designed for use with all pressable ceramic systems, including e.max
Refractory composition matches investment mold for thermal compatibility
Reduces risk of cracks from thermal shock
Pre-fired and ready to use
Disposable—no cleaning or reuse needed
Packaged for protection and durability
Made in the USA
Common Applications
Pressing e.max and other ceramic ingots
Preventing cracks during ceramic pressing
Single-use pressing procedures in dental laboratories
Technical Specifications Product Name: Disposable Plungers for Use with e.max Ingots
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Prevents thermal shock effectively
Simple to use and dispose of
No need for cleaning or maintenance
Durable packaging ensures product integrity
5. GC Initial™ IQ, Lustre Paste NF Set Product Description The GC Initial™ IQ Lustre Paste NF Set is a complete system of 3-dimensional ceramic pastes designed to deliver lifelike translucency and deep color effects with just one paint-on application. This new formula enhances esthetics while streamlining the ceramic finishing process.
Product Overview These lustre pastes offer a thicker consistency than conventional stains and glazes and feature thixotropic behavior for smooth, precise handling. Designed to work with ceramics in both low and high CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) ranges, this set is compatible with nearly all dental ceramic systems. It’s ideal for technicians and clinicians aiming for high-end esthetic outcomes with minimal layering.
Key Features
3D ceramic pastes for enhanced translucency and color depth
Single-layer paint-on application for efficient use
Thicker than standard stains and glazes
Fine thixotropic property ensures controlled application
Compatible with most dental ceramics (low and high CTE)
Ideal for esthetic finalization of crowns, veneers, and bridges
Common Applications
Esthetic surface customization of ceramic restorations
Enhancing color and translucency in crowns and veneers
Final finishing of inlays, onlays, and bridges
Laboratory and chairside ceramic enhancement
Technical Specifications Product Name: GC Initial™ IQ, Lustre Paste NF Set
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Produces vibrant, realistic esthetic results
Very easy to control and apply
Saves time compared to multi-layering techniques
A staple for high-end laboratory work
6. TriVest Disposable Plunger Product Description The TriVest Disposable Plunger is a high-strength, single-use plunger designed for 13 mm pressable ceramic applications. Its dual-rounded ends allow for bidirectional pressing, offering versatility and ease of use in ceramic pressing procedures.
Product Overview Engineered for durability and smooth performance, the TriVest plunger helps ensure uniform pressure distribution during pressing. Its disposable nature eliminates the risk of contamination and simplifies the workflow in dental laboratories. The plunger’s refined surface supports clean, consistent results and minimizes the risk of defects in ceramic restorations.
Key Features
Rounded on both ends for bidirectional pressing
Designed for 13 mm ceramic pressing applications
Superior strength and surface smoothness
Single-use design for contamination-free workflows
Enhances consistency in pressable ceramic outcomes
Common Applications
Pressing ceramic ingots for crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers
Use in dental labs for precision ceramic restoration fabrication
Single-use procedures for maintaining clean pressing systems
Technical Specifications Product Name: TriVest Disposable Plunger
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Reliable performance for pressing applications
Easy to use and discard
Smooth finish helps reduce flaws in restorations
A trusted option for efficient lab workflows
7. Cerpress SL™ AIOx Plungers Product Description Cerpress SL™ AIOx Plungers are precision plungers specifically designed for use with the Cerpress SL™ Pressable Ceramic System. They are engineered to support high-temperature ceramic pressing applications and ensure consistent, accurate restoration outcomes.
Product Overview These plungers are made from high-quality AIOx (aluminum oxide) material, providing durability and thermal stability during pressing cycles. Used as part of the Cerpress SL™ system, they help facilitate clean presses and minimize the risk of defects in ceramic restorations. Packaged in pairs, they are ideal for use in both clinical and laboratory environments.
Key Features
Designed for the Cerpress SL™ Pressable Ceramic System
Made of durable AIOx (aluminum oxide) for high heat tolerance
Provides consistent results in pressable ceramic workflows
Supports clean pressing with minimal risk of distortion
Packaged in a convenient 2-piece set
Common Applications
Pressing ceramic ingots for crowns, bridges, and veneers
Use in dental laboratories with Cerpress SL™ systems
High-temperature ceramic firing processes
Technical Specifications Product Name: Cerpress SL™ AIOx Plungers
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Performs well in high-heat ceramic pressing
Reliable and durable under repeated use
Excellent compatibility with Cerpress SL™ restorations
Trusted for quality results in lab settings
8. Cerpress SL™ High Translucent by A.D.S. Inc Product Description Cerpress SL™ High Translucent Ingots by A.D.S. Inc are pressable ceramic ingots designed for esthetic restorations that require a balance of translucency and coverage. With approximately 28% opacity, these ingots are ideal for reflecting underlying tooth structure in light-shaded preparations or posterior restorations.
Product Overview These high translucent ingots are suitable for use in restorations where the preparation color is light or when the esthetic demand for masking is low. They are commonly used for inlays, onlays, and posterior crowns, particularly in cases where natural light reflection is desired without sacrificing material strength. Their balanced translucency makes them a versatile option within the Cerpress SL™ system.
Key Features
28% opacity for optimal translucency and esthetics
Ideal for inlays, onlays, and posterior restorations
Reflects underlying tooth structure in light preps
Suitable for cases with less critical masking needs
Designed for use within the Cerpress SL™ system
Common Applications
Pressable ceramic restorations with light tooth preparations
Inlays and onlays requiring natural color blending
Posterior crowns where light and prep color are less dominant
Esthetic restorative cases requiring moderate translucency
Technical Specifications Product Name: Cerpress SL™ High Translucent
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Provides natural-looking results with light preparations
Excellent choice for posterior or less esthetically demanding areas
Reliable handling and pressing performance
Trusted by labs for blending and layering flexibility
9. Cerpress SL™ High Opacity Ingots by A.D.S. Inc Product Description Cerpress SL™ High Opacity Ingots by A.D.S. Inc are specially formulated pressable ceramic ingots with an approximate opacity level of 85%. They are designed to effectively mask dark underlying tooth structures, making them ideal for challenging esthetic cases.
Product Overview These high-opacity ingots are intended for situations requiring significant masking ability, such as dark preps, post and core restorations, or teeth discolored by tetracycline staining. Their high masking power ensures that the final restoration retains a consistent and esthetic appearance, regardless of the underlying tooth shade. They are compatible with the Cerpress SL™ system and maintain strength and form during the pressing process.
Key Features
85% opacity for maximum masking capability
Ideal for dark preps, post and core build-ups, and tetracycline stains
Maintains esthetic integrity of the final restoration
Compatible with the Cerpress SL™ pressable ceramic system
Suitable for anterior and posterior applications
Common Applications
Masking dark tooth preparations or discolored dentin
Covering metal or post and core structures
Tetracycline-stained teeth
Restorations requiring high opacity for consistent shading
Technical Specifications Product Name: Cerpress SL™ High Opacity Ingots
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Excellent for masking dark or stained preps
Maintains esthetics even in difficult cases
Easy to press and finish
A go-to material for high-opacity restoration needs
10. GC Initial™ IQ – One Body, Layering Over Metal Powder Refills Product Description GC Initial™ IQ – One Body, Layering Over Metal (LOM) Powder Refills are part of a simplified ceramic system that enables natural-looking restorations with just one ceramic powder. Designed to enhance efficiency without compromising esthetics, this system is ideal for metal-based restorations.
Product Overview Using a single powder to build up crowns over metal frameworks, the GC Initial™ IQ One Body system allows ceramists to focus entirely on shaping and functional design. It enables fast and reliable reproduction of Vita® shades when combined with GC Lustre Pastes. The powders are fully compatible with the GC Initial MC range and a wide variety of dental alloys, making this system a practical and time-saving solution for both beginners and experienced technicians.
Key Features
Single powder system for simplified ceramic layering
Enables precise shaping and functional design
Reproduces standard Vita® shades quickly with Lustre Pastes
Fully compatible with GC Initial MC and most dental alloys
Reduces layering steps for greater efficiency
Excellent starting point for new ceramists
Common Applications
Layering over metal frameworks for crowns and bridges
Fast and efficient ceramic build-up
Standard shade reproduction with minimal material inventory
Entry-level ceramic system for dental labs
Technical Specifications Product Name: GC Initial™ IQ – One Body, Layering Over Metal Powder Refills
Customer Ratings Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Great time-saver with impressive esthetic results
Easy to learn and apply, perfect for new ceramists
Provides reliable shade reproduction with minimal effort
Reduces material waste and simplifies lab workflows
Related Reading: Top 10 Dental Porcelain Brands for Crowns | Top 10 Porcelain Stains for Dental Labs
