Lithium disilicate (e.max)

Lithium disilicate is a glass-based ceramic. It is shaded to look like natural tooth and can be thin, so a dentist may remove less tooth than with some other crowns. A review in the NIH library notes that lithium disilicate crowns are monolithic, meaning they are made of one material rather than layered. It is often used for front teeth and veneers, and sometimes for back teeth. Many offices cut it from a block using CAD/CAM, or press it in a lab. Compared with zirconia, it is usually a little less strong and a little more see-through. Your dentist will talk with you about which fits. See our dental crown page.