What’s the difference between full silhouette and layered Emax?

The primary difference between full contour and layered Emax restorations lies in their fabrication techniques and aesthetic outcomes:

1. Full Contour Emax:

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• Fabrication: Full contour Emax restorations are milled from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic material.
• Aesthetic Appearance: They offer a monolithic appearance with uniform color and translucency throughout the restoration. Due to their single-block construction, they may lack the nuanced layering seen in layered Emax restorations.
• Strength: Full contour Emax restorations are known for their high strength and are suitable for posterior restorations requiring durability.

3. Layered Emax:

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• Fabrication: Layered Emax restorations involve the application of multiple layers of ceramic materials, including an opaque layer, dentin layer, and enamel layer, to achieve lifelike aesthetics.
• Aesthetic Appearance: Layered Emax restorations mimic the natural appearance of teeth by recreating the subtle color variations and translucency found in natural dentition. This layering technique allows for customization of the restoration's appearance to match adjacent teeth.
• Versatility: Layered Emax restorations are versatile and can be used for both anterior and posterior restorations where aesthetics are a priority.
• Complexity: The layering process adds complexity to the fabrication process, requiring skilled technicians to achieve optimal results.

In summary, while both full contour and layered Emax restorations are made from the same material, they differ in their fabrication techniques and aesthetic outcomes. Full contour restorations prioritize strength and simplicity, while layered restorations offer superior aesthetics through meticulous layering techniques. The choice between the two depends on the specific clinical requirements and the desired aesthetic result for the patient.