When you need a crown, veneer or bridge, you will likely hear about Zirconia and E.max. Both are metal-free ceramics, each with its strengths.
Zirconia
- Very strong and fracture resistant.
- Often suited to back teeth and bridges.
- Modern versions look more natural than older ones.
E.max
- A glass-ceramic known for translucency close to natural enamel.
- Often preferred for front teeth and veneers.
- Strong, though less so than Zirconia under heavy loads.
What decides the choice?
- Tooth position: front or back.
- Bite forces and habits such as clenching.
- The colour of the underlying tooth and neighbouring teeth.
- Restoration type: single crown, veneer or bridge.
Digital scanning helps transfer precise detail to the lab. Ultimately, the dentist recommends the best material for each tooth after examination.
This page offers general information and does not replace an examination. The right treatment is decided after assessing each case.