I use LTs almost exclusively...when e.max is prescribed, but they are losing market share because they fall in between the FCZ and my PFZ. Want cheap, tough, etc...that's the Zr, and even though theyre reflective and opaque, with the right touch and materials they can look pretty ok. My PFZ are the same price as my e.max, and theres nearly no issues with stump shades, so now that Doctors are becoming more confident that theyre durable and don't chip, ...there goes my e.max.
As far as getting mono LD to look good, if your Doctor is prescribing the same shade for everyone, don't sweat it. I try to use an ingot that will require the least amount of stain, because stains block light and look like a turd. Its a b!tch that they tend to run low in value. I use the e.max fluoro glaze as a thin starter base to help me apply and see the stain I use, but then everything gets finished with a good helping of InSync glaze. Throw away your e.max blue. Try the Insync side by side with the light blocking e.max blue on your cusp tips and youll see. With everything else, a little goes a long way. make sure you are working under quality light and check your stuff under a variety of different lights. real teeth have some occ. stain or at least a bit of enhanced chroma on the pits, and don't forget some added interprox color at the cervical.