Zirconium and Emax crowns are advanced restorative solutions in modern dentistry, combining aesthetics, durability, and biocompatibility. Thanks to their metal-free structure, results closest to natural teeth are achieved while aiming for long-term, stable use.
What Is a Zirconium Crown?
A zirconium crown is a ceramic system with a high-strength substructure that provides superior resistance to chewing forces.
What Is an Emax Crown?
An Emax crown features a glass-ceramic substructure with high light translucency and is preferred in cases with maximum aesthetic expectations.
Both crown types are compatible with natural tooth structure and support natural aesthetics.
Grande Smile Effect
Zirconium and Emax crowns are frequently chosen not only for functional needs but also purely for aesthetic expectations. For patients dissatisfied with tooth color, shape, or alignment, they deliver high aesthetic outcomes with minimal intervention.
In cases of discoloration, spacing, shape irregularities, or teeth that negatively affect smile aesthetics, zirconium or Emax crowns can be applied for aesthetic purposes even without tooth loss. This approach, within the scope of smile design, aims for a natural and balanced appearance.
For single or multiple missing teeth, zirconium or Emax bridge crowns can be planned using adjacent teeth as support. This method restores chewing function while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Zirconium and Emax crowns are safely applied as fixed restorations on dental implants. They are suitable for a wide range of indications, from single-tooth implant crowns to multi-implant supported fixed prostheses.
Titanium Bar (iBar) Systems
Also known as iBar systems, titanium bars unite multiple implants into a single framework in complex cases. When combined with zirconium superstructures, they provide high stability and long-term durability.
Toronto Titanium Bar
The Toronto titanium bar system is preferred especially for full-arch fixed rehabilitations. A zirconium superstructure placed over the titanium bar delivers superior aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Made in Switzerland World-Class Zirconium Manufacturer Aesthetic Excellence and Durability Combined
Ivoclar is globally recognized as a reference brand in dental ceramics. With high color stability, natural light translucency, and biocompatible structure, it delivers both aesthetics and durability in zirconium and Emax restorations.
How Does the Crown Treatment Process Progress?
Tooth Preparation
Teeth planned for crowns are contoured in a controlled manner while preserving natural tooth structure. The objective is precise fit and long-term biological balance.
Impression Taking and Laboratory Process
High precision is achieved using digital impression systems. Crowns are custom-fabricated in the laboratory using advanced Swiss-origin Ivoclar ceramic materials.
Click the image to review shades
Shade selection is a critical step to ensure harmony with natural teeth. The Ivoclar shade guide includes BL (Bleach), A, B, C, and D series. BL shades are preferred for whiter, aesthetic-focused smiles, while A–D series represent tones closest to natural dentition.
Tone selection is determined by evaluating existing tooth color, skin tone, lip structure, and the patient’s aesthetic expectations together. The goal is a natural, balanced, and non-artificial result.
Digital Smile Design makes the aesthetic success of zirconium and Emax treatments predictable and controlled through modern planning. Facial features, lip structure, gingival levels, smile line, and tooth proportions are digitally analyzed.
Using high-resolution photographs, videos, and intraoral scans, a personalized smile simulation is created. Planned tooth shape, size, and shade are visually presented to the patient before treatment. This allows clear evaluation of the expected outcome prior to completion.
Digital smile design aims not merely for white teeth, but for a natural and harmonious aesthetic that aligns with facial features—enhancing both aesthetic satisfaction and functional accuracy.
Differences Between Zirconium Crowns and Metal-Porcelain Crowns
Zirconium Crowns
Natural and translucent
Metal-free
High gingival compatibility
High durability
Modern technology
Metal-Porcelain (Conventional System)
Opaque, limited aesthetics
Contains metal
Lower gingival compatibility, darkening over time
Moderate durability
Older generation technology
ℹ️ Due to its high fracture resistance, zirconium can be safely used in posterior teeth. Long-term clinical success is maintained for years when supported by proper application and regular care.
Oral Care After Crowns
Post-treatment oral hygiene is essential for protecting both the crowns and the underlying natural teeth. Regular brushing, interdental cleaning, and routine dental check-ups should not be neglected.
Additionally, the use of an oral irrigator helps effectively remove plaque and food debris from beneath crowns and bridge areas. It is especially beneficial for zirconium bridges and implant-supported restorations.
Night guards are recommended for patients with teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) to protect crowns from excessive forces. Night guard use extends the lifespan of restorations while safeguarding natural teeth and implant structures.
Risks of Neglected Care
Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to plaque and food accumulation beneath crowns. This may cause gingival problems, loss of crown function, damage to the underlying natural tooth, and even tooth loss.