E.max Crowns

An e.max crown is used when a tooth needs full coverage with a fixed restoration. Lithium disilicate crowns and bridges are used on natural teeth after prosthodontic treatment.

Crown treatment usually starts with reshaping the tooth and taking an impression. A temporary crown is cemented in place to protect the prepared tooth between visits.

Clinical studies of complete-coverage lithium disilicate crowns reported favourable gum responses and most reported no pulpal involvement, recurrent decay or postoperative sensitivity during follow-up.

Reviews of lithium disilicate CAD/CAM crowns found high short- to medium-term survival. Longer follow-up studies with larger groups are still needed.

At the first visit, the tooth is reshaped and an impression is sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary crown is fitted, then the permanent crown is cemented about two weeks later.

The temporary crown remains in place while the permanent crown is made. At the fitting visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented.

Other full-coverage restorative materials are used for crowns and bridges. A tooth can sometimes be rebuilt with a white filling, and a porcelain veneer can be an option for a front tooth without a heavy bite.

The treatment normally involves two visits. The first protects the prepared tooth with a temporary crown, while the second cements the permanent restoration.

An e.max crown requires laboratory work after the tooth is prepared and before the permanent crown is cemented. The treatment generally takes two visits.