Written by Dr. Halil Emre Uygun (DentSpa)
A Closer Look at Zirconia Crowns vs E-Max Crowns: Materials, Appearance and Strength
For decades, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were one of the standard solutions for damaged or missing teeth. While they remain useful in certain situations, advances in dental technology have introduced newer and better materials that offer improved aesthetics, strength, and durability.
Two of the most popular options today are E-Max and zirconia crowns. But here is the thing; while they both fix nearly the same issues, choosing the one that would fit your specific need is not always straightforward. The right option depends on several factors, and in this guide, we are going to look at some of the most important ones.
We will also provide a comprehensive comparison between the two materials, explore the advantages and limitations of each so that you will know which option is suitable for the type of smile you want to achieve.
Table of Contents
What Are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia metal-free crowns are made entirely out of yttria stabilized zirconia and unlike traditional metal crowns, they are biocompatible, very durable and resistant to wear.
They’re not popular just because of their strength. They are also designed to look very much like natural teeth. They look so real you might not even know they aren’t real
Another interesting thing about zirconia crowns is that they don’t take long to make. With the use of tools like CAD/CAM and digital scanners, the entire process can be done in a matter of hours. So all you have to do is come to your appointment and you could be going home the same day with a renewed smile.
Key features of Zirconia Crowns
To truly understand what zirconia brings to your smile, we shall break down some of its defining characteristics:
High crack resistance
One of the many reasons why zirconia crowns are so hyped is because of their exceptional strength and durability. A big part of this comes from a process called transformation toughening.
Basically, when cracks start forming on the crown, the zirconia crystals around the tip of the crack change shape and expand a bit. This small change puts pressure on the crack, squeezing it shut and stopping it from getting any worse. That’s what gives zirconia crowns such impressive crack resistance.
Biocompatibility
Usually when you place a man-made material in your body, there exists some potential for a negative reaction. Fortunately with Zirconia Crowns; you do not have to be concerned about this.
In short, Zirconia Crowns are extremely inert and hypoallergenic. They were created to exist adjacent to your gum tissue, and have virtually no chance of causing a severe allergic reaction or irritation. Additionally, studies show that Zirconia will tend to collect less bacteria-plaque than natural tooth enamel. These features make it a great choice for supporting your gums.
Minimal preparation depth
Because zirconia is extremely strong, your dentist only needs to shave a small amount of your natural, healthy tooth structure to make room for the crown. This helps preserve more of the tooth’s own strength compared to older crown materials that require 1.5–2.0 mm of removal.
More affordable
Zirconia crowns also have advantages when it comes to price. They are generally priced lower than many other alternatives such as E-max. The price for milling and fitting a zirconia crown is normally £700 to £1,300 in the UK and about $1,000 to $2,500 in the USA. The best value can however be found in Turkey. You might find a good quality zirconia crown for as little as €150 or €350.
What Are E-Max Crowns?
E-Max crowns are made from lithium disilicate glass which has a reputation for its natural appearance and excellent esthetics. This material makes these crowns very similar to the translucency and color of real teeth, so they blend in seamlessly.
E-Max crowns are not only attractive, but they are strong enough to be used as full crowns. Also, they can bond strongly to the tooth structure with the help of special dental adhesives, which makes the final result both robust and long-lasting.
Key features of E-max Crowns
In the last few years, the use of E-Max crowns has been on the rise, and based on their numerous unique features, it is not hard to see why. Here are some of their key features:
Enamel-Like Translucency
E-Max is famed for many things, but one that really gives it its hype is its premium aesthetics and translucency. Thanks to its unique material composition, E-Max crowns can closely mimic the natural appearance of real teeth, making them an ideal choice for highly aesthetic restorations.
Decent durability
Although E-Max are not as strong as zirconia crowns, they are still durable enough to handle the biting forces placed on the front teeth. This makes them a suitable option for restoring defective front teeth because the bite force is much lower there, compared to your molar.
Perfect for thin veneers and onlays
E-max crowns have excellent bonding strength, making them a great material for partial-coverage restorations such as veneers, inlays, and even onlays. Their strong bond with the tooth structure also allows dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth.
Extremely kind to your bite
E-Max is highly enamel-compatible, and its wear rate is similar to that of your natural teeth. What this means, in simple terms, is that it can help maintain a more natural and balanced bite while reducing excessive wear on the teeth it comes into contact with over time.
Zirconia Crowns vs. E-Max Crowns: Key Differences
To make the comparison simple and easily understandable, here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the two dental materials
| Key Features | Zirconia Crowns | E-Max Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Pure polycrystalline ceramic. No glass content and definitely, no metal | 70% lithium disilicate crystals in a 30% glassy matrix |
| Best clinical use | Bridges and posterior crowns | Anterior crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays |
| Strength | Extremely strong. i.e They can handle stronger bite force. (>1,000 MPa ) | Reasonably strong |
| Fracture toughness | Excellent | Moderate |
| Minimum prep thickness | Highly conservative | Typically requires more enamel reduction |
| Bonding mechanical | Mechanical retention or luting cement | Adhesive Bonding (Acid-etched & resin cement) |
| Translucency | Good enough | Much better because of their glass composition |
One common misconception about zirconia crowns is the notion that they tend to grind down the natural teeth they come into contact with.
Debunking this myth, Dr. Halil Emre Uygun, a Prosthodontics Specialist at DentSpa explains
“It is not necessarily the hardness of a material that causes opposing teeth to wear down. Instead, factors such as the smoothness or roughness of the crown’s surface play a much bigger role.”
He continues
“Zirconia crowns are hard enough to withstand strong biting forces, but when properly finished and polished, they can be gentle on the opposing natural teeth. So, the fact that zirconia is extremely hard does not automatically mean it will cause excessive wear.”
How to Know Which Dental Crowns Are Right for You
When it comes to zirconia crowns vs e-max crowns, there is simply no “better” material. Instead, the focus should be on which one is right for you. In this section, we will look at a few key factors that can help you determine which option best suits your needs.
Front teeth vs back molar
The choice between the two materials comes down to the part of the mouth you are trying to fix. For instance, if it is the front teeth, E-max can be a great choice because of its exceptional aesthetics and natural-looking translucency. Conversely, if it is the back molar, zirconia it is then. They are much stronger and durable!
Bruxism
Choice of crown material also depends on whether you grind your teeth. If you do, E-max is a big no no. The reason is simple: they are not strong enough to withstand strong grinding force. Zirconia, combined with a night guard, may provide a more suitable solution for protecting your teeth and restoration from excessive grinding forces.
Aesthetic appeal
If you are all about the athletic glitz, no material does this better than E-max. As Dr. Halil Emre Uygun explains: “E-Max is very much the premier material for smile makeovers because we can combine it with veneers seamlessly to ensure a flawless, bright, and harmonious look.”
Worn down bite
For patients whose teeth are severely worn down due to age or grinding, an E-Max crown may not be ideal for this kind of situation. The space between the upper and lower teeth may have become too small, meaning the dentist would need to remove more tooth structure to create the 1.5 mm clearance needed for the dental crowns.
This then makes Zirconia crown a best option in this situation. They can be fabricated at an ultra-thin thickness of around 0.5 mm in certain cases, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
FAQs About Zirconia Crowns vs. E-Max Crowns
Which lasts longer, zirconia or e-max crowns?
Zirconia crowns are generally more durable and tend to have a longer lifespan than E-Max crowns. This is partly thanks to a process called transformation toughening which helps zirconia resist cracks and prevents them from spreading.
On average, zirconia can last around 10 to 15 years while e-max crowns typically last 8 to 12 years. However, these are only general estimates. Either type of crown can last much longer or even fail earlier. It all comes down to how well you care for them!
Are zirconia crowns more resistant to staining than E-Max crowns?
E-max crowns and zirconia both have excellent stain resistance. The sole distinction is that, due to its glass composition, E-max has a minor advantage in long-term color stability. However, with the right upkeep and care, both crown materials can retain their color for over 15 years.
Can E-Max crowns be used for back teeth?
While E-Max crowns can be used for some back teeth, they are generally not the first choice when the tooth is exposed to heavy biting forces. This is mainly because they are not as strong as zirconia, therefore they can not handle greater chewing pressure.
What can lead to premature damage or failure for Zirconia or E-Max Crowns?
If there is no adequate bonding of the Zirconia or E-Max Crown; there will be gaps allowing Bacteria to get under the crown. This could result in decay which would weaken the retention of the crown. In extreme cases, the crown could loosen up & eventually fall out. Repeated pressure from excessive teeth grinding (Bruxism) could also create an extreme amount of stress on the crown. The repeated pressure over time could result in cracks/chips/damage to the crown.
Are Zirconia Crowns More Expensive Than E-Max Crowns?
There is no fixed price for either zirconia or E-Max crowns. The cost can vary depending on the country, clinic, and other factors.
For example, in the US and UK, the average price for e-max and zirconia crowns can range between $1,000 to $2,500. Turkey however, is generally much more affordable. Dental crowns over here are about 70–85% cheaper than what you will pay in the UK and in the US.
Improve your smile with DentSpa’s professional care today
Choosing whether to use Zirconia or E-Max for a Crown, isn’t really based on the quality of the materials; rather it is selecting the one that best fits your oral needs both functionally & esthetically. This is where DentSpa comes in.
DentSpa is based in Istanbul, and their team of highly skilled and experienced dentists can evaluate your teeth; discuss your goals, and recommend the type of crown material that best fits your needs. The clinic was crowned Best Dental Clinic in Europe at the 2024 European Awards in Medicine.
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