Both are made from lithium disilicate (e.max), known for its strength and esthetics, but they differ in how they’re finished:

1. e.max Monolithic restorations are milled from a single block and stained or glazed for color. They are highly durable and ideal for posterior crowns or areas with less esthetic demand.
2. e.max Layered restorations have a milled core with hand-layered porcelain on top. This allows for more translucency and lifelike detail, making them perfect for anterior cases where esthetics are a top priority.

In short, monolithic = more strength, layered = more esthetics.

Material selection depends on the clinical situation and the patient’s priorities, such as strength, esthetics, and space limitations.

• e.max is ideal for cases where esthetics are more important than strength. Its high translucency and natural appearance make it a popular choice for anterior restorations. However, it is not as strong as zirconia, so it’s best reserved for areas with lower bite force.
• Zirconia has become the go-to material for many restorations since the early 2000s. It offers excellent strength and durability, making it suitable for both anterior and posterior cases. It has largely replaced PFM in many common indications.
• PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) is still a preferred option in certain situations—especially when there’s minimal occlusal space, long or short-span bridges, or limited interarch space for implants. It provides a reliable balance of strength and adaptability in complex restorative cases.

No-prep veneers, also known as minimal prep or prepless veneers, are a type of cosmetic dental treatment that involves applying ultra-thin porcelain or composite laminates to the front surface of teeth. The key feature of no-prep veneers is that they require little to no alteration of the natural tooth structure before placement, setting them apart from traditional veneers.

If a crown isn’t seating, check for internal interferences, tight contacts, or discrepancies in the impression. We’re happy to evaluate the case and make adjustments or remakes as needed. Please return the original restoration along with a new impression or scan.

The numbers 3Y, 4Y, and 5Y refer to the amount of yttria (yttrium oxide) used to stabilize zirconia. This affects the strength, translucency, and ideal use of each type:

• 3Y-TZP (3 mol% yttria): The strongest type, best for posterior crowns, bridges, and implant restorations. It’s less translucent but extremely durable.

• 4Y-PSZ (4 mol% yttria): Offers a balance of strength and improved translucency. Ideal for anterior crowns and bridges where both esthetics and durability are important.

• 5Y-PSZ (5 mol% yttria): The most translucent and lifelike, perfect for highly esthetic anterior work. However, it’s more brittle and not recommended for high-stress areas or long-span bridges.

Choosing the right zirconia type depends on the case—location in the mouth, esthetic needs, and functional requirements all play a role.

If there’s limited space, we may recommend a high-strength material like full-contour zirconia or PFM. We will contact your office before proceeding if the clearance is critically low to discuss possible adjustments.

Our standard turnaround time is 5–7 business days from the date we receive the case. Rush services are available for qualifying cases—please contact us in advance to schedule.

For zirconia: a resin-reinforced glass ionomer or self-adhesive resin cement is typically recommended.
For e.max: total-etch or self-etch resin cement offers strong adhesion and improved esthetics. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure proper isolation.