Why e.max needs its own design rules
Lithium disilicate is chosen for aesthetics, especially in the anterior region. It is less forgiving than zirconia about thin areas and sharp internal angles, so the design must respect the minimum thicknesses given by the material manufacturer for each indication (crown, veneer, onlay or inlay).
Monolithic, cut-back or stained?
Most posterior e.max crowns are designed full-contour and characterised with stains and glaze. For demanding anterior cases, a cut-back design leaves room for layering ceramic on the incisal area. Tell your designer which technique your lab uses before the design starts.
Design checklist
- Thickness at or above the manufacturer's minimum for the indication, including at the margin
- Smooth, rounded internal geometry that your mill can reproduce
- Clean, continuous margin on the preparation line
- Cement gap matched to your milling unit and cementation protocol (adhesive or conventional)
- Contacts and occlusion checked against the antagonist and bite scan
- For cut-back designs: even support for the layering ceramic
What to send
Send the preparation scan, the antagonist, a bite registration and a shade or photo when aesthetics matter. Let the designer know the block or ingot you use, so the design fits your process.
See our crown and bridge design service and pricing page for turnaround and cost.