What type of materials do we use for crowns and veneers?
E.max vs Zirconia
Over history there have been many materials used for crown and veneer fabrication. While many materials are still used, our office mainly uses E.max and full Zirconia materials. Full metal is used only when needed or requested by patient.
So what is E.max and what is zirconia??
E.max crowns and full zirconia crowns are both popular options in dental restorations, but they differ in material, appearance, and other properties:
1. Material:
2. Aesthetics:
3. Strength:
4. Indications:
5. Preparation:
6. Cost:
In summary, E.max crowns are often preferred for their superior aesthetics and translucency in visible areas, while full zirconia crowns are chosen for their unmatched strength and durability, particularly for back teeth.
More information on these two materials can be found here:
https://glidewelldental.com/company/blog/how-to-choose-between-zirconia-crowns-and-ips-e-max-r-crowns .
So what is E.max and what is zirconia??
E.max crowns and full zirconia crowns are both popular options in dental restorations, but they differ in material, appearance, and other properties:
1. Material:
- E.max Crown: Made from lithium disilicate, a glass-ceramic material known for its strength and translucency.
- Full Zirconia Crown: Made from zirconium dioxide, a metal oxide known for its extreme durability and strength.
2. Aesthetics:
- E.max Crown: Highly esthetic with a more natural, translucent appearance, making it ideal for front teeth (anterior restorations). It closely mimics the look of natural enamel.
- Full Zirconia Crown: Less translucent and more opaque compared to E.max. While newer zirconia materials are improving in aesthetics, they are typically not as lifelike as E.max. However, they can still provide a decent appearance, especially in posterior (back teeth) restorations.
3. Strength:
- E.max Crown: Strong, but not as durable as zirconia. Suitable for most areas in the mouth, though it may not be ideal for patients who have heavy biting forces or grinding habits (bruxism).
- Full Zirconia Crown: Extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for molars and patients with heavy biting forces. It is much more resistant to fracture or chipping.
4. Indications:
- E.max Crown: Preferred for anterior restorations due to its excellent aesthetics. It is also used for inlays, onlays, and partial crowns.
- Full Zirconia Crown: Often used for posterior teeth where strength is more important than aesthetics. It's a good option for patients with bruxism or where bite forces are higher.
5. Preparation:
- E.max Crown: Requires slightly more tooth reduction compared to zirconia due to the thickness needed for optimal strength and aesthetics.
- Full Zirconia Crown: Requires minimal tooth reduction due to its strength even at thinner dimensions.
6. Cost:
- E.max Crown: Typically more expensive due to its high-end aesthetics and material properties.
- Full Zirconia Crown: Usually less expensive, especially for basic, non-aesthetic posterior crowns.
In summary, E.max crowns are often preferred for their superior aesthetics and translucency in visible areas, while full zirconia crowns are chosen for their unmatched strength and durability, particularly for back teeth.
More information on these two materials can be found here:
https://glidewelldental.com/company/blog/how-to-choose-between-zirconia-crowns-and-ips-e-max-r-crowns .