Crowns and Bridges: Zirconia or E.max, and What to Expect
A crown is a custom cap that covers a weak, broken or heavily filled tooth and brings back its shape, strength and colour. A bridge uses crowns on the teeth next to a gap to hold a replacement tooth in between.
When is a crown the right choice?
A tooth that has a large filling and is starting to crack
A tooth after root canal treatment, which becomes more brittle
A broken or badly worn tooth, often from grinding
A tooth that looks very different in shape or colour from its neighbours
Zirconia or E.max?
Both are metal-free ceramics. Zirconia is very strong, so it suits back teeth and people who grind. E.max (lithium disilicate) is highly natural-looking and translucent, so it is often chosen for front teeth. The choice depends on where the tooth is, your bite and how much tooth structure is left, and it is made together after the examination.
What to expect
Usually 2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks
Visit 1: the tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic and scanned digitally; a temporary crown protects it
Visit 2: the final crown is checked for fit, bite and colour, then fixed in place
Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal
If you grind your teeth
Grinding puts heavy force on crowns and bridges. A custom night guard worn every night protects the new work and the natural teeth around it.
Looking after a crown
Brush twice a day and floss daily around the crown edges, where decay can start
Avoid using the crown to open packages or bite very hard objects
Keep regular check-ups so the crown and gum can be checked
Insurance accepted. The exact plan and number of visits are confirmed after your examination.
Questions? Message Dr. Mohamed Basha on WhatsApp: wa.me/97455737731
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