Translucency
Lithium disilicate
A glass ceramic that transmits light like natural enamel, which is why it suits the anterior aesthetic zone.
Aesthetic fixed · Lithium disilicate
IPS e.max, for when aesthetics lead.
Short answer: IPS e.max is a lithium-disilicate glass ceramic with the highest translucency of the restorative materials we offer. We suggest it for anterior crowns, veneers (e.max Press) and inlays and onlays where aesthetics are paramount; for strength-first posterior work, consider zirconia.
IPS e.max: key facts
- Material
- IPS e.max lithium-disilicate glass ceramic (Ivoclar)
- Best for
- Anterior crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays
- Fabrication
- Both IPS e.max CAD (milled) and IPS e.max Press. Veneers and bridges are typically pressed; crowns and inlays are typically milled.
- Suggested cement
- Ivoclar Vivadent Multilink
- Turnaround
- Typically 4–5 lab days
Indications
When should you prescribe IPS e.max instead of zirconia?
IPS e.max offers the utmost translucency, so it is a perfect option for anterior restorations where aesthetic concerns are paramount.
- Anterior single crowns in the aesthetic zone
- Porcelain veneers using the IPS e.max Press technique
- All-ceramic inlays and onlays
- Patients who want a metal-free restoration with natural translucency
- For heavy posterior loading or minimal clearance, we suggest full-contour zirconia instead
Materials & process
What do you need to know about e.max materials and process?
Preparation guidelines for e.max: see the IPS e.max crown prep guide below.
Veneers
IPS e.max Press
Pressed veneers with very minimal reduction of existing tooth structure. See veneers.
Conservative
e.max inlays & onlays
All-ceramic indirect restorations, superior to direct composite. See inlays & onlays.
How a case moves through the lab
Scan or impression
Send a digital scan from your intraoral scanner, or send a conventional impression with your Rx. We accept scans from iTero, 3Shape, Medit, Shining 3D, Straumann AXS, Dexis, DS Core and more. Our iTero Lab ID is 4364; other systems can link to us via info@adlny.com.
Designed by our technicians
Every case is designed digitally in CAD by our technicians, and we can review a design with you remotely.
Made in house
Ceramics are wet-milled and models and appliances 3D printed in our Madison Avenue lab.
Finished by hand
Stain mixed at the bench, inspected under magnification and glazed with a brush before it ships back.
Prep guide · Lithium disilicate
How should you prep for an e.max crown?
IPS e.max (lithium disilicate) needs more room than zirconia. Reduce evenly, follow the anatomy, round every edge and finish on a rounded shoulder or deep chamfer.
| Area | Anterior | Posterior |
|---|---|---|
| Incisal / occlusal reduction | 1.5–2.0 mm (min. 1.5 mm) | 1.5–2.0 mm (min. 1.5 mm) |
| Labial / lingual / axial | 1.2–1.5 mm (min. 1.2 mm) | 1.5 mm |
| Margin | Rounded shoulder or deep chamfer, at least 1.0 mm wide, angled 10–30° | |
| Taper | About 4–8° for conventional cementation | |
| Edges | No angles or sharp edges; rounded internal line angles | |
| Cementation | Minimally invasive crowns (1.0 mm) need adhesive cementation. Conventional or self-adhesive cement needs a retentive prep. | |
| Bridges | No fixed span or connector numbers: design is case-specific. Send the scan for a design review before you prep. | |
Margin design
Chamfer
Recommended
Deep chamfer, ≥1.0 mm.
Rounded shoulder
Recommended
Rounded inner edge, ≥1.0 mm.
Knife-edge / feather
Not recommended
Sharp 90° shoulder
Not recommended
Do & don’t
Do Rounded internal line angles
Don’t sharp line angles and edges
Do Slight taper, one path of insertion
Don’t undercuts or parallel walls
Do Smooth, continuous margin
Don’t ragged or ditched margin
Where sources differ
- Ivoclar’s documents differ slightly: an older chairside guide lists 1.0–1.5 mm facial reduction and a newer one 1.2 mm posterior axial. We show the larger figures.
- Feather-edge margins and bevels are not among Ivoclar’s recommended designs for e.max crowns.
Based on: Ivoclar IPS e.max CAD instructions for use (labside and chairside), Ivoclar chairside preparation guides for IPS e.max.
General guidelines based on published manufacturer recommendations; contact Advanced Dental Laboratory for case-specific questions.
IPS e.max Prep Guide: PDF, US Letter.
Turnaround
How long does an e.max case take?
Typically 4–5 lab days; complex cases, such as multi-unit veneer cases, need longer.
We serve dentists nationwide. Local pickup and delivery across the NY metro area, including Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island; FedEx shipping anywhere in the continental US, to 274 Madison Avenue, Suite 1701, New York, NY 10016. Call by 12 noon, Monday–Friday, for guaranteed same-day pickup in Manhattan. After noon, we still pick up as soon as we can. Outside Manhattan, pickup in our local area is usually the next business day (Monday–Friday).
Every restoration we make carries a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We take any restoration failure seriously, so each concern is reviewed individually and the options are discussed directly with you, the doctor.
From the bench
Anterior ceramics.
What dentists say
What dentists say.
…David is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and very invested in making sure his work is what we need. I send patients to him for shades routinely, which is an enormous service to me and the patient.
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I have used Advanced for many years; their work is top flite. David is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and very invested in making sure his work is what we need.
I send patients to him for shades routinely, which is an enormous service to me and the patient.
Advanced Dental is hands down the best lab I’ve worked with. Their work is consistently precise, beautiful, and reliable… Highly recommend to any dentist looking for a trusted lab partner…
Read full review
Advanced Dental is hands down the best lab I’ve worked with. Their work is consistently precise, beautiful, and reliable. Communication is always easy, and they truly care about the final result. Highly recommend to any dentist looking for a trusted lab partner.Thank you David and your team for your dedication and expertise!
…The quality of their work is consistently outstanding, with incredible attention to detail, fit, and esthetics. Communication is seamless, turnaround times are reliable… They feel like an extension of our clinical team. Highly recommend.
Read full review
David and his team at Advanced Dental Lab are truly exceptional. The quality of their work is consistently outstanding, with incredible attention to detail, fit, and esthetics. Communication is seamless, turnaround times are reliable, and they genuinely care about helping you deliver the best possible result for your patients. They feel like an extension of our clinical team. Highly recommend.
IPS e.max FAQ
Questions dentists ask about IPS e.max.
Is e.max or zirconia better for anterior crowns?
For anterior crowns where aesthetics are paramount, IPS e.max offers the highest translucency of our materials. Multilayer zirconia is our universal option when you need more strength with good aesthetics.
Which cement do you suggest for e.max?
Ivoclar Vivadent Multilink.
Do you mill or press e.max?
Both. We work with IPS e.max CAD (milled) and IPS e.max Press. Veneers and bridges are typically pressed; crowns and inlays are typically milled.
Do you make e.max veneers?
Yes, using the IPS e.max Press technique, alongside feldspathic veneers. See veneers.
Can e.max be used for inlays and onlays?
Yes. We make IPS e.max all-ceramic inlays and onlays, as well as nano-zirconia reinforced resin.
How long does an e.max crown take?
Typically 4–5 lab days; complex cases need longer.
Fee schedule
Request our fee schedule.
Tell us about your practice and we will send our current fee schedule. No pricing is published online.