Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: Cost, Material, Strength, And More

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers

Are you considering getting dental veneers? You may be overwhelmed by the number of options available nowadays. The two most sought-after options in modern cosmetic dentistry today are zirconia vs Emax veneers. Both materials have distinct advantages that are suitable for different preferences. Zirconia veneers provide amazing strength that can last between 20 years, ideal for active lifestyles. Emax veneers offer a very natural appearance with translucency that perfectly imitates real tooth enamel. The difference in cost usually falls between $200 – $ 400 per tooth based on your area and dentist. Knowing these major differences between zirconia vs Emax veneers will enable you to pick the ideal option for your smile goals and budget requirements.

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers

Understanding Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: 

When you consult your dentist regarding veneers, zirconia vs Emax veneers will probably be your primary choices. Both materials allow patients to enjoy greater durability and appearance. 

Zirconia

Zirconia originates from a ceramic substance that undergoes intense heat treatment when being manufactured. Through this production process, the raw material becomes incredibly resilient and hard to damage. This process produces a dense material that can survive years of everyday use without deteriorating.

Emax

Microscopic crystals are added to Emax during its composition. These small components provide the material its signature transparent look, which makes it appear so real. In contrast to zirconia, Emax is manufactured under a controlled heat process. This produces a material that has superior aesthetics rather than great strength.

Both options are compatible with CAD (computer-aided design technology) that guarantees your veneers will be a perfect fit. Your dentist will consider factors such as your bite, grinding behavior, and aesthetic ideals when choosing between these options.

Emax Veneers

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: Material Composition

The composition difference between zirconia vs Emax veneers makes a big difference in their performance in the mouth. Knowing their composition will help you determine which one is better for you.  

Zirconia:

Zirconia is made from ceramic materials that are fired at high temperatures when manufactured.

This produces a material that doesn’t break and keeps its form for many decades. The heating ensures that the structure is trapped in permanently.

Emax:

Emax is made with glass ceramic technology that has crystal particles integrated throughout. The crystals enable light to pass through the material naturally. The glass foundation gives strength while the crystals produce the translucent appearance.

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: Differences in Appearance

In the zirconia  vs Emax veneers comparison, the aesthetics make a big difference. The appearance of your veneers determines whether you’ll adore your new smile or be dissatisfied with the outcome. The aesthetic differences between these materials are quite evident to trained eyes.

Zirconia:

Makes a more even look that can cover badly discolored teeth underneath successfully. Light reflects off the surface instead of passing right through. This provides you with that shiny, bright appearance most individuals desire.

Zirconia Veneers

Emax:

Imitates natural tooth color by allowing light to penetrate and bounce back naturally. This adds depth and vitality that makes teeth appear to be alive and healthy. The transparent nature recolors itself very well with adjacent natural teeth.

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: Strength And Durability

Your veneers must withstand everything from hard steaks to fork bites that weren’t intentional. Let’s see the strength and durability difference between zirconia vs Emax veneers:

Zirconia:

It provides superior resistance to fracturing and can withstand tremendous chewing forces without failure. If you clench or grind your teeth, zirconia’s toughness will work great for you. Its expected lifespan is 15-20 years with regular dental maintenance.

Emax:

Emax offers sufficient strength for routine eating and speaking functions during the day. But heavy grinding or clenching will lead to wear and tear with this material over time. If you keep it well-maintained, it will last for 10-15 years.

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers: Cost Comparison

Having an idea of the cost of both options allows you to allocate your treatment costs as per plan. Here is the Emax vs zirconia veneers cost difference: 

Zirconia:

The cost of zirconia veneers varies between $1,000 and $ 2,500 per unit because it has advanced manufacturing needs and equipment. The advanced production process requires specialized furnaces and a long processing time.

Emax:

Price usually ranges between $8,00 – $ 2,000 per unit since production is not so complicated in general. Basic dental laboratory equipment is sufficient to produce the fabrication process efficiently.

Zirconia vs Emax Veneers

Emax or Zirconia: Which is Better?

The choice between zirconia vs Emax veneers comes down to balancing your individual priorities and lifestyle needs. Both are better suited for varying circumstances and patient cases.

Zirconia:

Zirconia veneers are ideal for patients who want worry-free performance and longevity above all else. It is ideal for athletes, heavy grinders, or those wanting maximum durability from their investment. It is best for you if you prefer function over a perfect natural appearance.

Emax:

It is the optimal choice if natural appearance is your top priority above all else. Emax is ideal for professionals whose smile must appear flawless in photographs. It is also the ideal choice when merging with current teeth is of utmost importance.

Treatment Considerations and Patient Factors

There are several factors that determine which material is best suited to your individual case. Your dentist will assess each of these points prior to making their suggestion for your treatment.

Your bite type and jaw strength have a significant impact on material selection. Heavy biters and grinders require zirconia’s greater strength to avoid fractures. Individuals with light bites can reap Emax’s aesthetic benefits without concern about durability.

Aidite Zirconia Material

Aidite Dental is a global manufacturer of digital dental materials known for its high-performing and durable materials. Their innovative zirconia range combines strength with natural appearance, especially when comparing zirconia vs Emax veneers.

Aidite Ezneer:

Aidite has developed Ezneer zirconia material specifically for veneers. As compared to traditional zirconia it offers 60% translucency. Due to its high translucency it closely matches the natural enamel. This makes it ideal for veneers, combining natural light transmission properties and long-term clinical performance.  

Here are some more features that make it standout:

  • It comes pre-shaded and multi-layered that ensures consistent and lifelike color transitions. 
  • It has flexural strength of 600MPa that makes durable but thin veneers. 
  • Its advanced masking ability allows it to effectively conceal discoloration and enamel defects which gives it an edge in zirconia vs emax veneers.
Aidite Ezneer Zirconia

What are the disadvantages of Emax Veneers?

E-max veneers are more vulnerable to damage from heavy grinding or clenching behaviors. They are best suited for front teeth, where the chewing forces remain relatively light. Some patients experience temperature sensitivity shortly after getting Emax veneers.

Which is better, Emax or zirconia?

No single material ranks as universally superior since each material excels in different areas. Emax offers a more natural appearance, while zirconia leads in strength and longevity. The answer to this question is based on your specific needs and priorities.

What is the strongest material for veneers?

Zirconia is now the strongest veneer material used today. Its strength surpasses that of Emax and conventional porcelain by wide margins. But both have sufficient strength for the majority of patient requirements.

Is it better to get a crown or veneers?

Veneers preserve more of the natural tooth structure because they cover only the front surface area. Crowns are required when teeth are damaged extensively, have huge fillings, or are structurally weakened. Your dentist will advise according to your tooth status and treatment objectives.

Conclusion

Whether to use zirconia or Emax veneers is a matter of balancing aesthetics, durability, and cost factors. Zirconia provides unparalleled strength that manages challenging lifestyles without compromise. Emax delivers an outstanding natural appearance that produces incredible, lifelike smiles. 

The latest technology from manufacturers such as Aidite, including their EZneer translucent zirconia and Multi-Layer AiZir ceramics, keeps advancing both in strength and aesthetics. These developments narrow the gap between durability and elegance. Your dentist will assess your grinding habits, aesthetic needs, and lifestyle requirements to make the decision.