e.Max Abutments? One Question – Why?
March 22, 2010
Just learned that Straumann is going to be introducing a milled e.Max implant abutment in Europe later this month, and in North America sometime in June.
I don’t get it.
If its milled e.Max, then it has a flexural strength of 360 MPa. Most zirconia abutments on the market are in the 900-1300 MPa range. Somebody please explain why I would choose a material that is approximately 40-60% weaker than something that’s already on the market?
I’m trying to think of something –
Shade? Nope, we can make a zirconia hybrid abutment, featuring a titanium screw seat and interface, in all 16 Vita Classic Shades which I think would be sufficient for something that is, ostensibly, not seen. (BTW – in the images I saw, the e.Max abutment is solid e.Max – How well is that design going to hold up when you start torquing the screw?)
Fit? – Really? You’re telling me you can machine glass that has to be sintered to higher tolerances than titanium?
Cost? – I could see that if the company in question was Sirona. Maybe Ivoclar wants to use Straumann to prove the efficacy of the abutments, and then they’ll make a deal with Sirona so dentists will be able to mill abutments chairside while the patient waits?
If you have a possible explanation, please feel free to comment…
© 2010, Jeff Saylors. All rights reserved.
Hi jeff,
i am a technician from the uk, from what i have been led to believe although it is named emax, infact it is made from white Zirconia.
In answer to your main question ‘WHY’ well indeed why?
Thanks, Adam. Although, I must admit that news bewilders me even more. I realize there has always been the ZirCAD element to the e.Max product line, but I think this is really going to confuse the marketplace.
Im not sure why people keep getting confused here but EMAX is the name of the system family not just lithium disilicate. This comprises of EMAX CAD (Lithium Metasilicate/Disilicate), EMAX Press (Lithium Disilicate) and EMAX Zirconia which the abutments are made from.
They come in stright and 15 degree angles and are a cost effective alternative to customized zirconia abutments (around £100 cheaper than strauman cares etc)
the price is the point, hope that helps.
So that means e-maz zirconia at 900 mpa
why? other zircon is 1100 to 1200 mpa!
that,s right
I asked my dentist about zirconia bridge and he replied that the problem is that zirconia is too hard and does not wear. Therefore it puts additional pressure onto regular teeth which makes a problem.
He contacted the lab and got confirmation that emax would be good alternative, as per person from the lab who attended some conference where there was talk about that.
Suggest you look at this link:
http://www.box.net/shared/5ra6qj87pg
Just food for thought…