Effect of Dental Heat Pressing on the Microstructure of SiO2-K2O-B2O3-MgO-F Glass-Ceramic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dental heat pressing on the microstructure of a glass–ceramic located in a SiO2–K2O–B2O3–MgO–F system. DTA, SEM and XRD techniques and mechanical testing methods were used. The results confirmed that the glass–ceramic could be successfully pressed with commercial dental equipment. The SEM observation revealed crystals aligned along the direction of pressing. The mechanical property along the direction of heat pressing was higher than that of the heat-treated controls. It was concluded that dental heat-pressing procedure led to an anisotropic structure, which could improve the mechanical property in the perpendicular direction.