3D model of zirconia and emax dental crowns showing natural tooth-like appearance

Dental Crowns That Look Natural & Built to Last

A dental crown is one of the most versatile and reliable restorations in dentistry, capable of saving a damaged tooth, strengthening a compromised one, completing a dental implant, and dramatically improving the appearance of a smile. But not all crowns are created equal.

At Seven Bridges Dental Studio, Dr. Querishi uses Zirconia and EMAX crown materials exclusively, two of the most advanced, durable, and aesthetically superior options available in modern restorative dentistry. These materials are stronger than the traditional metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns of the past, and they deliver a natural, tooth-colored result that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Whether your crown is needed to restore a broken tooth, protect a tooth after a root canal, or anchor a dental bridge, you can expect exceptional results in appearance, in function, and in longevity.

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What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits completely over a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised tooth, from the gumline up. Think of it as a protective cap that encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its original shape, size, strength, and appearance in a single restoration.

At Seven Bridges Dental Studio, every crown we place is made from either Zirconia or EMAX, two of the most advanced ceramic materials available in modern dentistry. Zirconia and EMAX crowns are tooth-colored, biocompatible, and crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so your restoration looks like it was always part of your smile.

Zirconia vs. EMAX — Which Crown is Right for You?

Both Zirconia and EMAX are premium crown materials that represent a significant advancement over older options like porcelain-fused-to-metal or traditional metal crowns. The choice between them depends on the location of the tooth, the forces it's subjected to, and the aesthetic goals of the restoration. Dr. Querishi will recommend the most appropriate material for your specific situation at your consultation.

Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is an exceptionally strong ceramic material, one of the toughest available in dentistry today. It is the preferred choice for back teeth that endure the highest biting and chewing forces, including molars and premolars. Modern monolithic zirconia crowns are milled from a single solid block of the material, eliminating the risk of chipping or delamination that was common with older layered porcelain crowns. Zirconia is also biocompatible, meaning it is fully accepted by the body without irritating the gum tissue. Today's high-translucency zirconia options offer impressive aesthetics alongside their unmatched strength.
EMAX Crowns: EMAX is a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material celebrated for its exceptional optical properties and lifelike translucency. EMAX crowns beautifully mimic the light-reflecting qualities of natural tooth enamel, making them the preferred choice for front teeth and highly visible areas of the smile where aesthetics are the top priority. While slightly less resistant to extreme chewing forces than zirconia, EMAX is still a highly durable material and the most natural-looking crown option available.

What to Expect During Your Crown Procedure

1

Consultation & Treatment Planning

Dr. Querishi will evaluate the tooth, review your X-rays, and discuss the most appropriate crown material and approach for your situation. You'll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of the procedure, the timeline, and what the final result will look like.

2

Tooth Preparation

The tooth is gently shaped to create room for the crown to fit over it properly. Local anesthesia ensures you remain completely comfortable throughout. The amount of tooth structure removed is kept to the minimum necessary, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

3

Impressions & Temporary Crown

A precise digital or physical impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to our dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated to exact specifications. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and maintain your appearance and function while your permanent crown is being crafted.

4

Crown Fabrication

Your Zirconia or EMAX crown is custom-made by a skilled dental laboratory technician to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth with exceptional precision. This process typically takes one to two weeks.

5

Final Placement & Adjustment

When your permanent crown is ready, you'll return to have it placed and adjusted. Dr. Querishi will check the fit, bite, and appearance meticulously before cementing it permanently in place, ensuring it feels completely natural and functions perfectly from day one.

Why We Don't Use Metal or Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Traditional metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have been used in dentistry for decades but the materials available today are simply superior in almost every meaningful way. At Seven Bridges Dental Studio, we've moved entirely to tooth-colored Zirconia and EMAX restorations because our patients deserve better.

Metal crowns are highly durable but create an obvious dark or silver appearance that is unmistakably unnatural and over time, the metal can show through at the gumline as a dark shadow. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns attempt to combine aesthetics and strength but are prone to chipping at the porcelain layer and still contain the same visible metal margin issues. Neither option provides the seamless, natural appearance or the biocompatibility of modern ceramic materials.

Zirconia and EMAX crowns give you the best of both worlds, strength and beauty, without compromise.

Restore Your Tooth With a Crown That Looks and Feels Like Your Own

If you have a tooth that's cracked, severely decayed, broken, or in need of protection after a root canal, the sooner you act, the more of your natural tooth we can save. Dr. Querishi and the Seven Bridges team are welcoming new patients and would love to help restore your smile to full strength and beauty.

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Serving patients in Woodridge, Darien, Lisle, Bolingbrook & surrounding communities

Frequently Asked Questions About Zirconia & EMAX Crowns

With proper care, Zirconia crowns can last 15 to 25 years or longer — making them among the most durable restorations available. EMAX crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or more. The longevity of any crown depends on your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and how consistently you attend regular dental exams. Dr. Querishi will discuss how to maximize the lifespan of your crown at your appointment.

The crown procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia so you should feel no pain during tooth preparation. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or soreness in the days following preparation — particularly with temperature changes — which typically resolves on its own. Once the permanent crown is placed, most patients report that the restored tooth feels completely natural and comfortable.

In most cases, yes — particularly for back teeth. Root canal treatment removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, making it significantly more brittle and susceptible to fracture under normal chewing forces. A crown placed after a root canal provides the full coverage protection needed to keep the tooth strong and functional for many years. Front teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may not always require a crown — Dr. Querishi will evaluate each case individually.

Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental crowns when they are deemed medically necessary — typically covering a percentage of the cost after your deductible. Coverage for specific materials like Zirconia and EMAX varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and provide a clear breakdown of your estimated out-of-pocket costs so you can make an informed decision. Flexible financing through Cherry is also available for patients who need it.

Zirconia & EMAX Crowns in Woodridge, IL