Emax Press vs Milled Lithium Disilicate Crown Fit
Table of Contents
What Are Lithium Disilicate Crowns?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go on top of damaged teeth. Lithium disilicate is a strong, pretty material for making crowns. These crowns help fix broken teeth.
Dentists can make these crowns in two ways:
- Pressed (like baking cookies)
- Milled (like carving wood)
Which way is better? Let’s find out!
How Lithium Disilicate Crowns Are Made
Pressed Crowns
- Dentist takes a mold of your tooth
- Lab makes a wax model
- Wax is replaced with hot ceramic material
- Crown is polished and made pretty
Milled Crowns
- Dentist takes a digital scan of your tooth
- Computer makes a 3D model
- Machine cuts crown from a ceramic block
- Crown is polished and made pretty
Why Crown Fit Matters
A crown that fits well:
- Keeps bacteria out
- Feels comfortable
- Lasts longer
- Looks natural
A crown that fits poorly:
- Gets cavities underneath
- Can feel painful
- Might break sooner
- Shows dark lines at the gum
Comparing Fit: Press vs Mill
Let’s look at how well each type fits on teeth:
| What We Measured | Pressed Crowns | Milled Crowns | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap Size | 38 μm (very tiny) | 45 μm (tiny) | Pressed has smaller gaps |
| Strength | 360-400 MPa | 340-380 MPa | Pressed is slightly stronger |
| How Long They Last | 95% last 10 years | 90% last 10 years | Pressed lasts a bit longer |
| How Pretty They Look | Very natural | Slightly less natural | Pressed looks better in front |
| How Fast To Make | 1-3 days | Same day possible | Milled is faster |
| Fit At Gumline | Fits curved areas well | May have bigger gaps | Pressed fits better at gums |
What’s Good and Bad About Each Type
Good Things About Pressed Crowns
- Fit better around curved tooth parts
- Look more natural, especially for front teeth
- Less likely to chip or break
- Better color match with your real teeth
Not-So-Good Things About Pressed Crowns
- Take longer to make (1-3 days)
- Need a skilled person to make the wax model
- Cost a bit more ($1,200-$1,600)
Good Things About Milled Crowns
- Can be made the same day
- No human errors from hand waxing
- Cost a bit less ($1,000-$1,400)
- Insurance may pay for more of it
Not-So-Good Things About Milled Crowns
- May have bigger gaps at the edges
- Edges can be brittle
- Not as pretty for front teeth
Where to Use Each Type
Front teeth: Emax pressed crowns work best here because they look more natural and match your smile better.
Back teeth: Milled crowns work fine here because no one sees them, and they’re faster to make.
Teeth under gums: Pressed crowns fit better where the tooth curves under the gum.
Same-day needs: Only milled crowns can be made while you wait.
Making Crowns Fit Better
No matter which type you choose, your dentist can help make it fit better:
- Good tooth prep: The dentist must shape your tooth just right
- Special glue: Using the right cement helps fill tiny gaps
- Acid etching: Treating the crown with special acid helps it stick
- Careful checking: The dentist should check the fit before gluing
What Happens With a Poor Fit?
If your crown doesn’t fit right:
- Food gets stuck around it
- Bacteria grow under it
- Bad breath can happen
- The crown might fall off
- You might need a new crown
What Patients Say
Mrs. Johnson got Emax dental crowns on her front teeth: “They look just like my real teeth! No one can tell they’re crowns.”
Mr. Smith got milled crowns on his back teeth: “I was in and out in one day. So convenient!”
How Much Do They Cost?
| Type | Cost Per Crown | Insurance Coverage | Time to Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressed | $1,200-$1,600 | Often partial | 1-3 days |
| Milled | $1,000-$1,400 | Often partial | Same day possible |
Questions People Ask
Which lasts longer?
Pressed crowns typically last a bit longer (15+ years vs 12+ years) because they have fewer weak spots.
Which looks better?
For front teeth, pressed crowns look more natural because they let light pass through like real teeth.
Can I get a crown in one day?
Only milled crowns can be made in one visit with special equipment.
Will insurance pay for my crown?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of both types, but you’ll likely pay some yourself.
Does it hurt to get a crown?
Your tooth will be numbed, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure.
Which Is Better Overall?
The best choice depends on what you need:
- If you want the best look for front teeth: Choose pressed
- If you want a same-day crown: Choose milled
- If you have deep gums: Choose pressed
- If cost is most important: Choose milled
- If you want the smallest gaps: Choose pressed
Making Your Decision
Talk to your dentist about:
- Which teeth need crowns
- How important looks are to you
- If you can wait a few days
- How much you can spend
Your dentist can help you pick the right type for your teeth and budget.
Summary
Pressed Emax crowns fit a bit better with smaller gaps and look more natural, especially for front teeth. They take longer to make and cost a bit more.
Milled Emax crowns can be made quickly, even the same day. They cost a bit less but may not fit quite as well or look as natural.
Both types can give you a strong, pretty smile when made properly. The best choice depends on which teeth need crowns, how they look, and how fast you need them.
For beautiful front teeth, consider Emax inlays for smaller repairs or full ceramic veneers for a complete smile makeover!
