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Cosmetic dentistry

E-max crown

A translucent glass-ceramic crown, mostly considered for front teeth. On this page we explain when E-max is considered, the difference between a full crown and a veneer, and how treatment proceeds.

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On this page
  1. In brief
  2. What is E-max crown?
  3. Who may it suit?
  4. Step-by-step process
  5. Aftercare
  6. Possible risks and precautions
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Dentists who provide this treatment
  9. Related treatments and articles

In brief

Sessions
Usually 2–3
Total time
Usually 1–2 weeks
Anaesthesia
Mostly local anaesthesia
In between
Temporary crown

Durations are general information and vary from person to person. Your own timeline is written in your treatment plan after the examination.

What is E-max crown?

E-max is the common name for crowns made of a glass ceramic called lithium disilicate. Because it lets light through much like natural enamel, it can look natural, especially on front teeth. It contains no metal.

E-max can be used in two ways: a full crown that covers the whole tooth, or a thin veneer that covers only the front surface. A veneer needs less reduction than a full crown, but it does not suit every tooth.

E-max is less strong than zirconia. That is why other options are usually considered for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces, for long bridges, or for people who clench their teeth noticeably.

Who may it suit?

Usually considered

  • People with colour, shape or size concerns on their front teeth
  • Broken or worn front teeth
  • Front teeth with small gaps between them
  • Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
  • People with good oral care and healthy gums

Further assessment may be needed

  • Clenching or grinding at night
  • Use on back teeth or as a bridge
  • Very dark discolouration (the colour underneath may show through)
  • Untreated gum disease or decay
  • Crowded teeth (orthodontic treatment may be considered first)

Even a veneer removes some tooth structure irreversibly. If the only concern is colour, whitening is discussed first; if it is alignment, orthodontic treatment is discussed first.

Step-by-step process

  1. Examination and planning

    The teeth, gums and bite are assessed. Your expectations are discussed; if needed, photographs and a digital design give an idea of the result.

  2. Preparing the tooth

    The tooth is mostly numbed with local anaesthesia and reduced as needed for a full crown or a veneer.

  3. Impression and shade

    An impression is taken with a digital intraoral scanner; the shade is chosen together to match the neighbouring teeth.

  4. Temporary crown

    A temporary crown is used until the permanent one is ready.

  5. Try-in

    The crown is tried in the mouth; fit, colour and appearance are checked together.

  6. Bonding

    Once approved, the crown is bonded to the tooth with a special adhesive and the bite is checked.

  7. Check-ups

    The crown and gum are monitored with regular check-ups.

Aftercare

The first days

  • While you have the temporary crown, avoid sticky and hard foods.
  • For a few days after the permanent crown, there may be slight sensitivity.
  • If your bite feels high, call us for a check.

In the long term

  • Do not bite hard things (bones, pits, ice) with your front teeth; avoid habits such as nail or pen biting.
  • Brush the crown edges too; use floss or interdental brushes.
  • If you clench at night, a night guard may be recommended.

Possible risks and precautions

The possible risks of an E-max crown are explained to you at the examination.

  • There may be temporary sensitivity after reduction.
  • Rarely, the nerve of the tooth may be affected and root canal treatment may be needed.
  • The crown may break or come off; this risk is higher with clenching.
  • Over time the gum may recede and the crown edge may become visible.
  • With insufficient care, decay and gum inflammation may develop at the edge.
  • The crown’s colour does not change later; a colour difference with neighbouring teeth may appear.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a veneer and a full crown?

A veneer is a thin layer that covers only the front surface of the tooth and needs less reduction. A full crown covers the tooth on all sides; it may be more suitable if the tooth has a large filling or a fracture.

Can E-max be used on back teeth?

In some cases it can be used as a single crown. However, for back teeth with heavy chewing forces and for bridges, stronger options such as zirconia are usually considered.

Do I choose the colour of the crown?

The colour is chosen together, taking into account how it matches your neighbouring teeth. A colour very different from the surrounding teeth is usually not recommended for a natural look.

Can I whiten my teeth later?

Whitening does not change the colour of a crown. If you are considering whitening, it is recommended before the crown so that the crown’s colour can be chosen to match.

Dentists who provide this treatment

Related treatments and articles

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