Emax crowns are ceramic dental crowns made from lithium disilicate. They are an alternative to traditional porcelain or metal-based crowns and are free from metals, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities. Their translucent appearance makes them particularly suited to front teeth. This page explains the characteristics of Emax crowns, how they compare to other crown types, the treatment process, costs, and risks.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
Durability: Emax crowns are made with lithium disilicate, providing strength. They typically last 10 to 15 years with appropriate care, though individual longevity depends on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the condition of the underlying tooth.
Custom fabrication: Emax crowns are fabricated from moulds and scans of your teeth, designed to fit the specific tooth being treated.
Tooth function: Once placed, Emax crowns are designed to function like natural teeth for chewing and biting. However, as with all dental restorations, there are limitations — hard or crunchy foods may still pose a risk of damage.
Metal-free: Emax crowns contain no metals, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities. This also makes them appropriate for children.
Cost: Emax crowns are more expensive than some other crown types. Payment plans are available to help manage the cost.
Translucency with dark teeth: The translucent design that gives Emax crowns their natural appearance can also allow underlying dark or stained tooth colour to show through. If your teeth are heavily discoloured, your dentist may recommend whitening before crown placement, or an alternative crown material.
At Gorgeous Smiles, several crown types are available:
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns — metal core with porcelain exterior, combining strength with a tooth-coloured appearance.
Resin crowns — made from dental plastic, colour-matched to natural teeth.
Stainless steel crowns — typically used as temporary restorations.
Zirconia crowns — strong and durable, often suited to back teeth. More opaque than Emax.
Gold crowns — typically used for back teeth, providing durability with less tooth preparation.
Porcelain crowns — tooth-coloured and translucent, suited to front teeth.
Your dentist will assess your clinical situation and discuss which crown type is most appropriate based on the tooth location, your bite, your oral health, and any allergies or sensitivities.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Emax crowns cost between $1,200 and $2,100 per tooth at Gorgeous Smiles. The cost depends on the complexity of your case and any additional dental work required before the crown can be placed.
Payment plans are available through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip, including interest-free options.
Your dentist examines your mouth using X-rays and scans to assess your oral health and determine whether an Emax crown is appropriate. The treatment plan, cost, and alternatives are discussed.
The tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Local anaesthetic is used, though you may experience some discomfort during or after preparation.
Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken so the Emax crown can be fabricated in a laboratory. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is made.
When the Emax crown is ready, it is fitted, checked for comfort and bite alignment, and bonded with dental cement. Your dentist provides aftercare instructions.
Care for your Emax crown as you would natural teeth — brush and floss daily. Avoid biting hard objects. If you grind your teeth, discuss a night guard with your dentist. Attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the crown and your oral health.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of Emax crown treatment include tooth sensitivity after placement, which may be temporary or in some cases persist; the possibility of the crown loosening, cracking, or failing over time; the potential need for root canal treatment if the nerve of the tooth is affected during preparation; decay developing under or around the crown if oral hygiene is not maintained; bite changes or discomfort after placement; and the underlying tooth colour showing through the translucent crown material in some cases. Emax crowns, while durable, are not guaranteed to last indefinitely.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you're considering a dental crown, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your tooth, discuss whether an Emax crown or another type is clinically appropriate, provide a treatment plan with costs, and discuss all risks involved.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
Emax crowns typically last 10 to 15 years with appropriate care. Individual longevity depends on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the condition of the underlying tooth. Like all dental restorations, they may eventually need replacement.
Emax crowns have a translucent quality that reflects light similarly to natural teeth, which can help them blend with surrounding teeth. However, if the underlying tooth is dark or heavily stained, the discolouration may show through.
Emax crowns are made from biocompatible lithium disilicate and are generally well tolerated. They are metal-free, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies. However, like all crown treatments, they carry risks including sensitivity, crown failure, and the need for replacement. Your dentist will discuss all risks before treatment.
No. Emax crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. The shade is selected before fabrication. If you want a lighter overall tooth colour, whitening should be done on natural teeth before the crown is made.
Emax crowns can be placed on back teeth, but zirconia crowns are generally stronger and may be more appropriate for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material.
Emax crowns should not damage adjacent teeth under normal circumstances. However, if you grind your teeth, the crown and adjacent teeth may be affected. If you have bruxism, discuss this with your dentist before having a crown placed.
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.