Is Emax better than zirconia?

When it comes to modern dentistry, Emax and zirconia are certainly the best materials for dental crowns currently available on the market. Choosing which is better typically varies with what you need the crown for and its placement position. So if your dentist recommended one or the other and you’re not sure if it’s the right fit, stick around a little longer because this article will compare the two materials—let’s see which one comes out on top.

What are some of the benefits of Emax crowns?

Emax crowns consist of a lithium disilicate glass, making it an all-ceramic system. It’s one of the most esthetically pleasing crowns on the market. Because Emax crowns are partially translucent, just like human teeth, they give teeth an incredibly realistic look. That’s a major advantage when it comes to fixing front teeth, which are naturally thin and less opaque. With an Emax crown, you won’t feel like your dentist has put something artificial on your tooth.

A single block of lithium disilicate can only shape one Emax crown. That’s what gives the crown it’s strength and reduces the likelihood of cracking or fracturing, helping it to last longer. Since Emax crowns have zero metal, patients with gum recession can also get tooth restorations done using this system as there is no obvious gray line that can sometimes be visible with metal crowns.

What are some of the benefits of zirconia crowns?

One thing that often surprises most people about zirconia crowns is that it’s actually made from two materials; zirconium and porcelain. The zirconium part of the crown is what gives it its toughness and durability while the porcelain finish makes it more esthetically pleasing. It’s tooth-colored appearance also means that zirconia crowns can blend well with your natural teeth and won’t show any unsightly lines, unlike other porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Zirconia crowns’ toughness and appearance make it suitable for placement both in the front and back teeth.

Emax crowns vs zirconia crowns: which is better?

When it comes to choosing which is better between Emax and zirconia crowns, the answer will depend on the tooth’s location in your mouth and your personal preferences. In terms of strength, both crowns can withstand all kinds of wear and tear, but zirconia will offer more lasting results. That’s why dentists often recommend zirconia crowns in areas of the bite where you need extra strength, like your molars and premolars. If you’d like an Emax crown on these posterior teeth, your dentist will need to shave the enamel of your teeth down further to ensure a natural-feeling crown that isn’t too bulky. Emax crowns are also suitable for patients with metal allergies or people who prefer zero-metal restorations.

While both crowns can improve the appearance of a discolored or disfigured tooth, an Emax crown is better for those who are conscious of esthetics. Zirconia crowns, however, would look more natural if the placement is on a darker tooth because it’s more effective at masking discolorations. The biggest plus of the Emax system is that it’s not limited to all-ceramic crowns. Dentists can also use it to fabricate veneers, inlays, overlays, and even short-span bridges for missing front teeth, providing multiple options for tooth restoration.

When do you need a crown?

Two of the main reasons you may need a crown are to restore a damaged tooth or replace a missing one. As much as we try to protect our teeth through good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments, sometimes injuries happen and infections get out of hand. A dental crown can cover the entire tooth and create a barrier between the vulnerable tooth and the rest of your mouth. This can give a fractured, chipped, or cracked tooth it’s strength back so it can continue doing its job without you worrying about it becoming further damaged.

A dental crown can simultaneously restore your tooth back to its original size and shape, and fix any resulting bite issues, giving you back a full-functioning mouth that allows you to speak and chew without issue. These are just some of the reasons why crowns have made it possible for people to keep their natural teeth longer.

Find out which crown is best for you today!

Although there are many ways to restore a tooth, for instance using veneers, we have often found that crowns provide our patients with a unique level of stability and protection that other treatment options do not. Feel free to book a consultation with us to discuss which type of dental restoration may suit your needs. Dr. Alhadef has the very best technology for both lab and same day crowns and can advise on which is best for you. Allow us to help you and your family smile, confidently!