Choosing the Right Material for Every Dental Restoration Case
As a trusted dental laboratory serving South Austin and surrounding areas, we understand that every restoration case is unique. Selecting the right material, whether for strength, esthetics, or long-term function, is key to delivering successful outcomes for your patients. At Electric Arts Dental Lab in Austin, TX, we collaborate closely with dental offices to ensure the right material is matched to each case, every time.
Below, we highlight the pros and cons of two of our most popular materials: eMax and zirconia.
eMax
eMax is a glass-ceramic material made from lithium disilicate, known for its outstanding esthetics and reliable strength. It’s often used in cases where appearance is just as important as function, especially in the front of the mouth.
Best For: Anterior crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays, and bridges with minimal load.
Pros:
Highly Esthetic: eMax is known for its translucency and lifelike appearance, making it ideal for front teeth.
Strong Yet Conservative: It offers a balance of strength and beauty while requiring less tooth reduction.
Versatile: Can be milled or pressed depending on the clinical need.
Cons:
Not Ideal for High-Load Areas: While strong, eMax may not be the best choice for molars or bruxers.
Technique-Sensitive Cementation: Bonding is preferred for optimal strength and longevity.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a high-strength ceramic known for its durability and biocompatibility. It’s available in both full-contour monolithic forms and layered versions for enhanced esthetics, making it suitable for a wide range of restorative needs.
Best For: Posterior crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, and full-arch cases.
Pros:
Extremely Strong: Zirconia is ideal for high-load areas.
Metal-Free and Biocompatible: Safe for patients with metal sensitivities.
Available in Esthetic Options: Translucent and layered zirconia blends beauty with durability.
Cons:
Less Natural Translucency: Full-contour zirconia can look more opaque compared to eMax.
Potential for Wear on Opposing Dentition: Especially if not properly polished or glazed.
Material Selection Is a Collaborative Process
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dental restorations. That’s why we work one-on-one with dentists to evaluate:
The restoration type (crown, bridge, veneer, implant)
Patient habits (bruxism, clenching, diet)
Esthetic demands
Preparation design and occlusal space
Timeline and case complexity
At Electric Arts, our goal is to help you deliver restorations that function beautifully and meet your patients’ expectations.
Let’s Talk About How We Can Support Your Practice
If you’re looking for a dependable dental lab near Austin that values precision, communication, and service, we’d love to connect.
We proudly serve local dental offices across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, and beyond in the state of Texas and nationwide, coast to coast. Whether you're handling complex implant cases or need a go-to lab for everyday crowns, we're here to help your practice succeed.
Work with a dental lab that prioritizes quality, reliability, and patient satisfaction.
Contact us at (512) 615-3544 to learn how we can support your practice!
Our team takes pride in our commitment to quality and precision and offers a wide range of dental lab services to meet your needs. We use only the finest materials and techniques to create a wide range of high-quality in house dental restorations including crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant abutments, as well as orthodontic appliances such as essix retainers and nightguards.
We offer same-day services, consisting of repairs and relines, replacing denture teeth, adding teeth or clasps to acrylic partials, Essix retainers, and whitening/fluoride trays. Our normal turnaround times are 5 days for digital cases and 7 days for traditional cases. All products manufactured in the US.