eMax Crowns in Queens, NY

eMax crowns are milled from lithium disilicate. This is a glass ceramic known for how much light it lets through, compared with denser materials like zirconia or metal. Discolored or damaged front teeth are highly visible when you smile. That see-through quality is exactly what makes eMax a go-to choice for a cosmetic dentist restoring an incisor or canine.

Advantages of eMax crowns include:

• A very natural, tooth-like appearance, especially on front teeth
• Solid strength for a glass ceramic, though generally less than full-strength zirconia
• No metal alloys in the crown itself
• Precision digital design for a consistent fit

eMax crown prep happens right in your Queens dental office. First, we finish any other work, like filling a cavity or placing an implant. Then we numb your mouth and remove a thin layer of the tooth's outer surface. If you're anxious about the process, CitiDental of Woodhaven also offers sedation dentistry.

We take a digital scan or impression of the prepared tooth. We use it to design the crown, which is then milled from a lithium disilicate block and shade-matched to your smile. Many eMax cases can be finished in a single visit with in-office milling. But a lab-made crown over two visits is still common, depending on the case.

Here's the short version. eMax wins on looks. Zirconia wins on raw strength. For a front tooth where appearance is the priority, eMax's see-through quality usually makes it the better match. For a molar that takes heavy chewing forces, or for a patient who grinds their teeth, zirconia (or the branded BruxZir) tends to hold up better over time.

Your dentist looks at the specific tooth, your bite, and whether you grind at night before recommending one over the other. It isn't a one-size-fits-all decision.

Risks with eMax crowns are minor, similar to any crown procedure. You might have brief sensitivity to hot or cold after the tooth is prepared. There's a small chance of an allergic reaction to numbing medication. In rare cases, an abscess can form that needs a root canal. Chipping or fracture is uncommon with normal use. But it's more likely than with zirconia if the crown is on a tooth that takes heavy biting force.

Call your dentist if discomfort lasts more than a day or two after the procedure.

An eMax crown doesn't need any special products. Brush and floss it like your natural teeth, and keep up with cleanings and checkups twice a year, so your dentist can catch any wear early. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, mention it. A night guard protects an eMax crown, and your natural teeth, from unnecessary stress.

Contact CitiDental of Woodhaven to find out whether eMax is the right fit for your smile.

An eMax crown is made from lithium disilicate, a pressed glass-ceramic sold under the IPS e.max name. It contains no metal substructure, which is why it can transmit light in a way similar to natural tooth enamel.

Neither is universally better — they have different strengths. Zirconia is generally the stronger material and is often chosen for back teeth or for patients who grind. eMax is often chosen where natural translucency matters most, such as an upper front tooth. Your dentist can determine which suits the specific tooth after examining your bite.

Cost depends on the tooth being treated, whether other work such as a root canal or build-up is needed first, and your insurance coverage. CitiDental of Woodhaven accepts United Healthcare, MetLife, Guardian, Delta Dental and Cigna, and offers CareCredit financing. The office can give you a specific figure after an exam. If you do not have dental insurance, the exam, X-ray and consultation are free.

A crown is typically completed over two visits: the first to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and the second to fit and cement the finished crown once it comes back from the lab. A temporary crown protects the tooth in between. Your dentist will confirm what your case requires.