E-Max Dental Crowns in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, artistry and innovation meet to transform your smile. At our cutting-edge dental practice, led by the esteemed Greater Washington dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis, we proudly offer IPS e. max® crowns, a breakthrough solution for achieving natural, durable, and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.

Located in the vibrant Bethesda/Chevy Chase area of Greater Washington, our commitment to excellence in dentistry is matched only by our dedication to your oral health and overall well-being. If you're ready to discover the transformative power of E-Max crowns, contact us today at 301-652-0656 and take the first step towards your most radiant smile.

E-Max dental crowns, also known as E.Max crowns or Emax all-ceramic crowns, are a state-of-the-art all-ceramic system for dental restoration, renowned for their exceptional strength, natural aesthetics, and durability. These dental caps are crafted from a high-quality lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material, which is known for creating incredible translucency, close to that of natural teeth.

E-Max dental caps are a popular choice for individuals seeking not only improved dental function but also a beautiful, seamless smile. The precision and artistry involved in creating E-Max pressed dental caps make them an excellent choice for individuals looking to achieve both optimal aesthetics and structural integrity in their dental restorations.

E-Max dental caps offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for individuals seeking dental restorations. Some of these advantages include:

• Aesthetic Appeal: E-Max pressed dental caps closely resemble natural teeth in terms of color, translucency, and light reflection. Their ability to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth ensures a natural, pleasing smile and makes them the superior aesthetic choice.
• Exceptional Strength: These dental caps are incredibly strong and durable. They can withstand the forces of biting and chewing, making them a long-lasting solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth.
• Minimal Tooth Reduction: E-Max crowns require less tooth reduction compared to some other crown types, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. This minimally invasive approach is beneficial for overall oral health.
• Biocompatibility: The lithium disilicate material used in E-Max dental caps is biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergies or sensitivities, which can be a concern with some other materials.
• Precision Fit: E-Max pressed dental caps are precisely designed and fabricated for a snug fit, reducing the likelihood of bacteria and debris getting trapped between the dental cap and the tooth, thus lowering the risk of decay.
• Versatility: These dental caps are versatile and can be used for various dental applications, including covering discolored or damaged teeth, restoring tooth shape and size, anchoring dental bridges, and topping dental implants.
• Longevity: E-Max dental caps are known for their longevity, often lasting many years with proper care and maintenance. This can provide peace of mind and cost-effectiveness in the long term.
• Easy Maintenance: Maintaining E-Max pressed dental caps is straightforward, requiring regular oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, much like caring for your natural teeth.
• Enhanced Self-Confidence: The natural look and feel of E-Max dental caps can boost your self-confidence by giving you a beautiful and functional smile, improving your overall quality of life.
• Customization: These dental caps can be customized to match the shape, size, and shade of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and harmonious appearance.

Zirconia crowns, also known as zirconium crowns or zirconia dental caps, are made from powdered zirconium dioxide and are well-known for their durability. However, while offering good aesthetics, original zirconia crowns may lack the natural translucency found in E.Max dental caps. Zirconia crowns also require slightly more tooth reduction during preparation. For reasons such as these, some patients may choose to pass on zirconia crowns.

Traditional porcelain crowns, while offering good aesthetics, may not match the natural translucency and color-matching abilities of E-Max crowns. They typically require more tooth reduction during preparation. Porcelain crowns can be a suitable choice for dental restorations, but they might not provide the same level of natural aesthetics or strength as E-Max crowns.

E-Max dental caps, on the other hand, offer some distinct advantages over zirconia and porcelain dental caps. They are prized for their lifelike aesthetics, closely replicating the appearance of natural teeth. They’re particularly well-suited for front teeth due to their natural translucency and exceptional color matching.

E-Max crowns also require minimal tooth reduction, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. Additionally, they’re biocompatible, reducing the risk of sensitivities, and their versatility allows for precise customization to harmonize with your existing teeth.

The key distinction lies in E-Max crowns' ability to provide superior aesthetics while preserving your natural tooth structure. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals seeking both a beautiful smile and a conservative approach to dental restorations.

E-Max all-ceramic crowns can be an excellent option for a range of individuals who have specific dental needs. Qualification for these dental caps typically depends on the following factors:

• Tooth Damage or Discoloration: E-Max crowns are often recommended for individuals with damaged, discolored, or misshapen teeth. They can effectively cover these imperfections, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Structural Integrity: Qualification may also depend on the overall structural integrity of the tooth in question. If the tooth is compromised but still has a solid foundation, an E-Max pressed dental crown can help restore both the form and function of the tooth.
• Minimally Invasive Approach: E-Max dental caps are often chosen when a minimally invasive approach is preferred. They require less tooth reduction compared to some other dental cap types, which can be beneficial for preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
• Compatibility: The biocompatibility of the lithium disilicate material used in E-Max dental caps makes them a suitable option for most individuals, reducing the risk of allergies or sensitivities.

Consultation

Before you can get your new dental cap, you’ll have a consultation with your greater Washington area dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis. During the consultation phase, you and your dentist will discuss your dental concerns and aesthetic goals. This is an opportunity to determine if E-Max pressed crowns are the right solution for you. Dr. Markogiannakis will assess your oral health and discuss the treatment plan, including any alternative options.

Preparation

If you decide to proceed with E-Max dental caps, the preparation phase begins. Dr. Markogiannakis will prepare the affected tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the dental cap. Impressions of the prepared tooth will be taken to ensure a precise fit for the crown. In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

Design

The design phase involves creating a custom E-Max pressed ceramic crown to match the size, shape, and color of your other natural teeth well. Your impressions and digital images will be used to create a very realistic-looking tooth replacement. Skilled technicians or digital technology will be employed to craft all-ceramic dental caps with precision.

Fabrication

Once the design of the full Emax crowns is finalized, the fabrication process begins. The E-Max ceramic crown is created in a dental laboratory using high-quality lithium disilicate material. This material is known for its strength and natural appearance. The E-Max crowns are carefully shaped and fired to achieve the desired aesthetics and durability.

Try-In and Adjustments

After the crown is fabricated, a try-in appointment will be scheduled. During this phase, the crown is temporarily placed to ensure it fits correctly and blends seamlessly with your other teeth. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and natural bite.

Placement

With the caps' fit and appearance confirmed, it's time for the placement phase. The temporary crown, if used, will be removed, and the permanent E-Max pressed ceramic crown will be bonded in place using dental cement. Dr. Markogiannakis will ensure the crown is securely positioned and that your bite itself is comfortable.

Final Polishing

Following the placement of the crown, your greater Washington area dentist will perform any final polishing and adjustments to guarantee a smooth and natural finish. This step is essential for both aesthetics and maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Post-Placement Care

Dr. Markogiannakis will provide instructions for post-placement care, which typically includes regular oral hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the dental cap and overall oral health.

Caring for your E-Max pressed ceramic crowns is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain your overall oral health. Here's a detailed list of steps to help you care for your dental cap:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your E-Max crowns gently. Brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you reach all surfaces of your teeth and crowns. Pay particular attention to the gumline and the area where the crowns meet your natural tooth.
• Regular flossing is crucial to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around the crowns. Use a dental floss threader if needed to reach beneath the crowns for thorough cleaning.
• Rinse with an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of gum infections and to keep your breath fresh.
• Steer clear of biting on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels, as this can damage your crowns.
• Avoid sticky or chewy candies, which can dislodge or damage the dental caps.
• Consider wearing a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and your dental cap from excessive wear if you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night.
• Schedule bi-annual dental check-ups with your dentist to monitor the condition of your E-Max crowns. Dr. Markogiannakis will also perform professional cleanings and check for any signs of wear, damage, or issues with the crown's fit.
• If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can lead to staining and potential dental cap discoloration.
• Limit your consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods.
• Contact your dentist immediately for prompt assessment and repair if you experience any discomfort, mobility, or damage to your E-Max dental caps.

Are E-Max crowns as strong as traditional metal-based crowns?

E-Max crowns are exceptionally strong and durable, often rivaling traditional metal-based crowns in strength. They are an excellent choice for both anterior teeth and posterior teeth.

What is the longevity of E-Max ceramic crowns, and do they require special care?

E-Max crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years with proper care. Regular oral hygiene practices and routine dental check-ups are usually sufficient for their maintenance. They do not typically require special care beyond good oral hygiene.

Are E-Max dental crowns covered by insurance?

The coverage of E.Max dental crowns by insurance varies depending on your specific plan. The reason for the crown and whether there are alternative materials can influence coverage. Consider seeking pre-authorization to understand expected coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Discuss your plan, coverage, and costs with your dentist and insurance provider for a clear understanding of your situation.

Are there any dietary restrictions with E-Max crowns?

While E-Max crowns are strong and durable, it's advisable to avoid biting on extremely hard objects like ice or using your front teeth as tools. However, there are generally no specific dietary restrictions, and you can enjoy a wide range of foods as long as you exercise caution with very hard or sticky items.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of a brand new smile with lifelike E-Max crowns? At Smiles of Chevy Chase, under the guidance of Dr. Markogiannakis, we're here to help you transform your smile with these exceptional restorations.

Take the first step towards your most radiant smile. Schedule a consultation by calling us at 301-652-0656. Discover how E-Max ceramic crowns can restore your smile and boost your confidence. Dr. Markogiannakis offers all-ceramic crowns to patients in the greater Washington area, including Chevy Chase and surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD.