The present invention relates to preparing an improved lithium silicate
glass ceramic for the manufacture of blocks for dental appliance
fabrication using a CAD/CAM process and hot pressing system. The lithium
silicate material has a chemical composition that is different from those
reported in the prior art with 1 to 10% of germanium dioxide in final
composition. The softening points are close to the crystallization final
temperature of 830.degree. C. indicating that the samples will support
the temperature process without shape deformation.