Zirconia and Emax Crowns: Are They the Best Option?

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Dental crowns help restore diseased or damaged teeth. However, as modern dentistry advances, more options for making crowns hit the market. Today, two all-ceramic crowns, Zirconia and Emax, are available from our dentists in Indianapolis, IN. They may not be the right choice for everyone, though.

What Are Zirconia and Emax Crowns?

What sets Zirconia and Emax crowns apart from other types is the material used to make them. Traditionally, crowns are made of porcelain fused to metal or composite resin. Zirconia and Emax crowns may offer more benefits, depending on the location of the tooth.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from a ceramic called zirconium dioxide. They are stronger than both porcelain and Emax, which makes them a practical choice for back teeth that do most of the chewing. Dental professionals often refer to the material as ceramic steel.

Since Zirconia can be more opaque than other options, it also looks less natural. Putting them in the back makes them less noticeable, as well.

Emax Crowns

Emax crowns come from lithium disilicate glass. That allows them to be more translucent and natural-looking than Zirconia crowns. In addition, they can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth closely.

They are not, however, as strong. That means they are more suitable for low-stress areas, such as the front teeth.

Both Zirconia and Emax crowns are biocompatible, meaning they are less likely to cause a reaction within the body.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are often considered the gold standard because they closely resemble natural teeth. However, they can be prone to chipping and cracking.

To make them stronger, the porcelain is often fused to metal to create PFM crowns. The metal lining can sometimes be visible at the gum line, making the look less aesthetically pleasing.

Which crown is right for your needs? That is something only your dentist in Indianapolis, IN can tell you. Call today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options for dental crowns.