Contemporary Monolithic Ceramics & the Digital Dental Team: Advancing Lithium Disilicate Technology with the Human Touch

Dr. Ed McLaren will present the latest developments in high-strength, esthetic lithium disilicate ceramics, covering both machinable and pressable forms. The program introduces the “Digital Dental Team” (DDT) workflow, which integrates digital tools (scanning, design, milling, and printing) with traditional artistry. Participants will see how technology and craftsmanship combine to produce precise, natural-looking restorations, supported by clinical cases, material updates, and live demonstrations.

Lecture Overview

Monolithic ceramics are reshaping esthetic dentistry. In this cutting-edge program, Dr. Ed McLaren will present the latest evolution of high-strength, esthetic lithium disilicate ceramics—both machinable and pressable—highlighting their material advancements and clinical applications.

Dr. McLaren will introduce the concept of the “Digital Dental Team” (DDT)—a workflow that integrates advanced digital processes (scanning, designing, milling, and printing) with the artistry of the human touch. This collaborative approach ensures restorations that are not only precise but also individually customized for natural esthetics.

Through clinical cases, material science updates, and step-by-step demonstrations, participants will learn how to merge technology and craftsmanship—leveraging digital accuracy while applying analog artistry in surface texture, color characterization, glaze, and polish to achieve truly lifelike results.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

• Identify preparation guidelines for CAD/CAM-specific restorations.
• Differentiate between a good digital scan and an excellent scan for optimal outcomes.
• Understand the role of chairside scanning technologies and materials for ideal image capture.
• Review the evolution of esthetic ceramic materials, with a focus on next-generation lithium disilicate.
• Select the most appropriate monolithic materials for varying clinical situations.
• Evaluate best practices in 3D printing and milling for predictable restorative workflows.
• Apply advanced finishing techniques (“The Final Touch”) including:
  • Step-by-step creation of natural surface texture
  • Custom color layering and characterization
  • Techniques for achieving optimal luster and long-term esthetics