The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
What should you choose – E-max veneers or zirconia? Strength and durability, aesthetic quality, safety, or cost – what should you focus on in your specific case? This article will help you understand the differences between ceramic and zirconia veneers, highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each one, and make a confident choice between the two types.
What are E-max veneers?
E-max ceramic veneers are innovative micro-prostheses with a thickness of no more than 0.3 mm. They are attached to the outer surface of the teeth to mask aesthetic defects. They are made from lithium disilicate ceramic, which has good flexural strength of up to 400 MPa. This makes the veneers less prone to damage under pressure. The exceptional transparency of E-max allows for an accurate imitation of the natural appearance of tooth enamel, providing a flawless result.
Why is E-max ceramic popular?
E-max ceramic veneers have become popular among our patients due to their high aesthetic quality and durability. The placement of E-max veneers requires minimal enamel reduction, preserving a larger portion of the natural tooth. This material has high biocompatibility, though it is important to remember that individual reactions to any material can vary. Therefore, we always conduct a thorough diagnosis before starting treatment.
How long do E-max veneers last?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, E-max veneers can last between 10 and 15 years.How are E-max veneers installed?
The installation process typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and temporary veneers are placed. During the second visit, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a strong adhesive.
Zirconia veneers are made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and biocompatible ceramic material. Resistant to chewing loads, this material naturally mimics the natural tone of enamel (the shade of zirconia is selected individually).
In our dental clinic, we use Zeus veneers, which come with FDA and CDSCO certifications. While Zeus veneers do not have the same high level of transparency as E-max, they appear much more natural than other zirconia options. Zeus Zirconia veneers are available in various shades that match the natural color of enamel. The strength of zirconium dioxide often exceeds 1000 MPa, providing high resistance to wear, chipping, and cracking.
Zeus zirconium dioxide veneers are exceptionally strong, so we confidently recommend them to patients with bruxism. For full mouth reconstruction, we can combine zirconia veneers with crowns. Since the material has a high degree of biocompatibility, this option is suitable for nearly 100% of patients with sensitive teeth and gums.
Advantages of E-max vs Zirconia veneers
E-max
- Minimal thickness. Significant preparation of units is not required before placement.
- Impeccable aesthetic result. The material is as translucent as natural tooth enamel.
- Comfort in use. There is no need to get used to veneers; they are imperceptible.
- Affordability. Their price is lower than Zirconia.
Zirconia
- Exceptionally high strength. Suitable even for patients with bruxism.
- Flawless precision of fitting. Ensured by manufacturing technology.
- Durability. Due to the wear resistance of Zirconia, they last longer than others.
Limitations of E-max vs Zirconia
E-max
- Risk of developing allergies. The material is not suitable for all patients.
- Limited service life. Glass-ceramics are not as durable as zirconia.
- Not suitable for bite disorders or bruxism.
Zirconia
- Partial translucency. More suitable for restorations of posterior teeth.
- Requires substantial enamel reduction. This is due to its thicker nature, up to 0.7 mm.
- High cost. This is due to the complexity of the manufacturing technology.
Comparing E-max and Zirconia Veneers
- E-max veneers are very thin, allowing for high detail levels including microtextures, making them practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. Zirconia veneers, while not as thin, provide greater strength, which is suitable for patients with enamel wear.
- The high translucency of E-max allows light to pass through the material, creating depth and natural shine, making it the preferred choice for restoration of the front teeth. Zirconia veneers are less translucent, which can be advantageous for heavily pigmented teeth, such as those affected by fluorosis, as zirconia effectively hides aesthetic defects.
- A wide range of shades and translucency levels allows for precise color matching of E-max to the patient's natural teeth. Specialists can blend different shades to achieve perfect harmony. Zirconia veneers are also available in various shades, but their palette is somewhat limited compared to E-max.
- The service life of ceramic veneers ranges from 10 to 15 years. They are resistant to chipping and cracking but are less durable than zirconia veneers, which can be damaged if subjected to significant pressure or impact. With proper care, zirconia veneers can last 15-20 years or longer, remaining resistant to chips and cracks even under intense stress.
- Biocompatibility. Both materials (E-max and zirconia) demonstrate excellent compatibility with gum tissues and are safe for the body, causing no toxic reactions.
Rare Cases
E-max material is suitable for most patients, but in rare cases, it can cause allergies. In such situations, swelling, changes in gum color, itching, or other unusual symptoms may occur.
To ensure maximum safety and comfort for our patients before placing ceramic veneers, specialists at our clinic conduct checks for possible reactions to the material. We offer additional tests. With this approach, avoiding an adverse reaction from the body is possible in almost 100% of cases.
How can you choose correctly?
When choosing veneers, it's crucial to consider the specifics of each clinical case:
- For front teeth, E-max veneers are preferred as they are the most aesthetic
- For patients with bruxism, the strongest option would be Zeus Zirconia veneers
- For patients with sensitive teeth, thin ceramic veneers that require minimal tooth preparation are recommended
It's important to discuss all details with your dentist. During your appointment, they will assess your situation, determine the feasibility for your teeth, and recommend the most suitable type of veneers. During the consultation, you can inquire about all aspects of the procedure, including whether it will be painful to have the veneers placed and how long it will take to get used to them.
FAQ
Yes, if desired, old veneers can be replaced with E-max or zirconia. However, it's important to consult with a dentist before making the change.
Sources of information
- "Esthetic Dentistry: A Clinical Approach to Techniques and Materials" by Kenneth W. Aschheim
- "Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics" by Stephen F. Rosenstiel, Martin F. Land, and Junhei Fujimoto
- "Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics" by Herbert T. Shillingburg
- "Advanced Esthetic Dentistry" by Adamo E. Notarantonio, Edward J. Swift Jr., and Douglas A. Terry
