A detailed comparison of the two most popular crown materials - E-Max and Zirconia - to help you choose the best option for your smile.
When it comes to dental crowns, two materials dominate the market: E-Max and Zirconia. Both are excellent choices, but they have distinct characteristics that make each better suited for different situations.
E-Max (lithium disilicate) is a type of glass-ceramic known for its exceptional aesthetics. It's manufactured by Ivoclar Vivadent and has become the gold standard for front teeth restorations.
Key Characteristics:
• Highly translucent - mimics natural tooth enamel
• Excellent light transmission
• Can be made very thin (0.3-0.5mm)
• Stain and plaque resistant
Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is an extremely strong ceramic material. Originally used in aerospace and engineering, it's now widely used in dentistry for its durability.
Key Characteristics:
• Exceptionally strong - virtually unbreakable
• Biocompatible - rarely causes allergic reactions
• Can withstand heavy biting forces
• Available in different translucency levels
Aesthetics:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Superior translucency, most natural appearance
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Good aesthetics, but slightly more opaque
Strength:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Strong, but can chip under extreme force
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Extremely strong, ideal for heavy grinders
Tooth Preservation:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Requires minimal tooth reduction
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Requires slightly more reduction
Longevity:
• Both typically last 15-20+ years with proper care
Choose E-Max for:
• Front teeth (incisors, canines)
• Veneers
• Patients who prioritise aesthetics
• Minimal-prep restorations
Choose Zirconia for:
• Back teeth (molars, premolars)
• Patients who grind their teeth
• Dental bridges
• Implant crowns
Many dentists recommend a combination: E-Max for visible front teeth where aesthetics matter most, and Zirconia for back teeth where strength is crucial.
E-Max Crown (per tooth):
• USA: £800 - £1,500
• UK: £500 - £900
• Australia: £600 - £1,100
• Germany: £400 - £700
• Spain: £250 - £450
• Hungary: £180 - £300
• Turkey: £150 - £250
• Mexico: £200 - £350
Zirconia Crown (per tooth):
• USA: £700 - £1,400
• UK: £450 - £800
• Australia: £550 - £1,000
• Germany: £350 - £600
• Spain: £200 - £400
• Hungary: £150 - £280
• Turkey: £120 - £220
• Mexico: £180 - £320
• Which material do you recommend for my specific case?
• What brand of E-Max/Zirconia do you use?
• How many crowns of this type have you placed?
• What's included in the warranty?
• Can I see before/after photos of similar cases?
There's no universally "better" option - the right choice depends on the tooth location, your bite, aesthetic goals, and budget. A qualified dentist will help you decide based on your individual needs.
At MyDentalFly, our partner clinics use premium materials from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you get the quality you deserve wherever you choose to have treatment.
What is E-Max?
E-Max (lithium disilicate) is a type of glass-ceramic known for its exceptional aesthetics. It's manufactured by Ivoclar Vivadent and has become the gold standard for front teeth restorations.
Key Characteristics:
• Highly translucent - mimics natural tooth enamel
• Excellent light transmission
• Can be made very thin (0.3-0.5mm)
• Stain and plaque resistant
What is Zirconia?
Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is an extremely strong ceramic material. Originally used in aerospace and engineering, it's now widely used in dentistry for its durability.
Key Characteristics:
• Exceptionally strong - virtually unbreakable
• Biocompatible - rarely causes allergic reactions
• Can withstand heavy biting forces
• Available in different translucency levels
Head-to-Head Comparison
Aesthetics:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Superior translucency, most natural appearance
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Good aesthetics, but slightly more opaque
Strength:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Strong, but can chip under extreme force
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Extremely strong, ideal for heavy grinders
Tooth Preservation:
• E-Max: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Requires minimal tooth reduction
• Zirconia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Requires slightly more reduction
Longevity:
• Both typically last 15-20+ years with proper care
Best Uses
Choose E-Max for:
• Front teeth (incisors, canines)
• Veneers
• Patients who prioritise aesthetics
• Minimal-prep restorations
Choose Zirconia for:
• Back teeth (molars, premolars)
• Patients who grind their teeth
• Dental bridges
• Implant crowns
The Hybrid Approach
Many dentists recommend a combination: E-Max for visible front teeth where aesthetics matter most, and Zirconia for back teeth where strength is crucial.
Global Price Comparison
E-Max Crown (per tooth):
• USA: £800 - £1,500
• UK: £500 - £900
• Australia: £600 - £1,100
• Germany: £400 - £700
• Spain: £250 - £450
• Hungary: £180 - £300
• Turkey: £150 - £250
• Mexico: £200 - £350
Zirconia Crown (per tooth):
• USA: £700 - £1,400
• UK: £450 - £800
• Australia: £550 - £1,000
• Germany: £350 - £600
• Spain: £200 - £400
• Hungary: £150 - £280
• Turkey: £120 - £220
• Mexico: £180 - £320
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
• Which material do you recommend for my specific case?
• What brand of E-Max/Zirconia do you use?
• How many crowns of this type have you placed?
• What's included in the warranty?
• Can I see before/after photos of similar cases?
Making Your Choice
There's no universally "better" option - the right choice depends on the tooth location, your bite, aesthetic goals, and budget. A qualified dentist will help you decide based on your individual needs.
At MyDentalFly, our partner clinics use premium materials from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you get the quality you deserve wherever you choose to have treatment.