What’s an E.max Crown, and Why Do I Need One?

August 27, 2024 | Restorative Dentistry

If you’re like most adults, the chances are that you have needed (or will need) a dental filling or crown at some point in your life. Tooth decay happens, and so do dental accidents. Often, a dental crown is the best way to protect your natural tooth and prevent further decay or damage.

You’ve likely heard of many different types of dental crowns—gold, porcelain, ceramic—but you might not be familiar with the e.max crown. The team at Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, your dentist in Great Falls, Montana, is here to tell you that these dental crowns are changing the game in dentistry.

What is an e.max crown?

Let’s get right to it. An e.max crown is a type of ceramic crown made from lithium disilicate, a high-strength porcelain that is manufactured from a solid block. This advanced material process makes these type of crowns significantly stronger and longer lasting than traditional porcelain crowns.

The use of lithium disilicate gives the e.max crown superior strength, making it a preferred choice for many dentists over other types of porcelain or ceramic crowns. The material’s seriously strong nature allows the crown to withstand the daily pressures of chewing and biting without compromising your smile’s appearance.

Next up, let’s go deep into the many benefits of opting for an e.max crown and why it might be the best choice for your damaged tooth.

Benefits of e.max Crowns

When you have dental work done, you want to know that it is going to last. Even though filling cavities and getting dental crowns today is easier and more painless than ever, the last thing you want is to have to return to the dentist in a year or two to go through it all again. And that’s just one of the reasons we think e.max crowns are so beneficial.

Let’s summarize and call out some of what we shared before.

Visual appeal: An e.max crown offers a natural appearance, thanks to their translucence and ability to match the color of your surrounding teeth. This makes them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Long-lasting: The strength of lithium disilicate used in these types of crowns helps them withstand the forces of biting and chewing. This means they are less likely to crack or chip over time.
Biocompatibility: An e.max crown is compatible with body tissues, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. This makes it a safe choice for individuals with sensitivities to certain materials.

When is an e.max crown recommended?

We have already talked about how dentists may suggest e.max crowns because they are super strong and long-lasting—10 to 15 years. But there is more to it than that. Here are just some reasons why your dentist in Great Falls, Montana may decide that an e.max crown is the best option for you.

Front tooth restoration: If you need a crown on a front tooth, an e.max crown is often the top choice. Patients appreciate the natural appearance and ability to blend in with remaining teeth.
Cosmetic appearance: When how your teeth look is important, an e.max crown is ideal. It closely matches the color and translucency of your natural teeth, giving you a seamless smile.
Long-lasting solution: For patients seeking a dental solution that lasts, these types of crowns are a great choice. Their strength and resistance to wear mean they can withstand the daily pressures of chewing and biting for many years.
Replacing large fillings: If you have a large filling that needs to be replaced, an e.max crown can provide better protection and a more natural look than other options.
Cracked or broken teeth: For teeth that are cracked or broken, an e.max crown offers a strong and reliable way to restore function and appearance.
Teeth grinding (bruxism): If you grind your teeth out of habit or from stress, you need a crown that can handle the pressure—an e.max crown’s strength makes it a good choice for patients with bruxism.

Caring for Your e.max Crown

We know we’ve covered a lot. But, you probably have one question remaining—how do I take care of my e.max crown? And we have good news for you. Caring for your e.max crown is no different from caring for any other type of dental crown. In fact, we have the same recommendations that we would offer for protecting your natural teeth, too.

Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to keep bacteria from forming in your mouth.
Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing to rinse away food particles and debris.
Avoid the temptation to use your teeth as tools. This not only wears down the enamel of your natural teeth, but it is not good for your new crown, either.
Avoid hard foods that could damage your crown. Examples include ice, hard candies, and unpopped popcorn kernels.

Schedule your next dental appointment with your dentist in Great Falls, Montana.

Whether you require general dentistry services such as a professional cleaning or are looking at cosmetic dentistry, like tooth whitening, veneers, or an e.max crown, the dental team at Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, is here to help.