Emax Veneers

What are Emax veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a very popular way of making crooked or badly sized teeth look straight and in proportion, they can also make the teeth a uniform whiter shade if requested. Emax veneers are a type of hard wearing veneer that can be cut much thinner than their porcelain counterparts, this makes them appear less bulky and can eliminate the need for drilling or reshaping the natural teeth. Conventional treatment usually requires the teeth to be reduced to ‘pegs’ so that there is enough room to fix the shells over the top; this is not necessary with Emax veneers.

Are they better than normal porcelain veneers?

As with most cosmetic dentistry there are pros and cons with Emax veneers, although most people would probably agree that the positives outweigh the negatives, when compared to normal veneers.
Even when cut to very thin measurements, the Emax porcelain retains its strength and durability, not something all veneer manufacturers can claim. The strong ceramic used is able to withstand chips and cracks and lasts longer than the average veneer, their structure is not compromised by how thin they are cut, so they are less obvious and can bond with the enamel much more effectively.

The biggest advantage of Emax veneers is that they don’t require the natural teeth to be ground down or reshaped to the same degree as with similar products. This means there is a possibility that the procedure can be reversed if the patient changes their mind for some reason, with thicker veneers this is not an option as the natural teeth have been altered so drastically they will always need something to cover them up. With conventional treatment, the layers of the tooth that can bond best with the ceramic tend to be chipped away, but with Emax the strong enamel is left more or less intact and fixes better to the veneers than the layers beneath it. Of course, this process is somewhat subjective, and how much cosmetic work needs to be performed on the teeth is at the dentist’s discretion, but generally speaking there is less reshaping to be done with Emax veneers than other types.
Furthermore, the materials used to make up Emax veneers are stained and glazed to give an overall more natural smile than perfectly white porcelains. A higher translucency creates the appearance of real enamel teeth, and a layer of high strength porcelain can be added over the top of the veneer to make it look even more life like. It’s worth noting, however, that this will cost more and make the shell a little thicker, which might require more work on reshaping the natural teeth to make room for them.

Cost is probably the biggest drawback when considering Emax veneers, but there aren’t many cosmetic treatments in dentistry that are going to come cheap, particularly if you want them done well. A polished, natural-looking smile is worth spending your money on if you’re struggling with confidence issues, going for the discounted or less costly option is likely to leave you with a cheaper-looking result. Emax veneers will probably set you back nearly £500 per tooth, but remember that at the Pearl Dental clinic you’re paying for the skill and experience of your dentist, not just a porcelain shell to cover your teeth. A less experienced dentist might not charge as much but it will show when you arrive for treatment.

Are they suitable for me?

That depends on what sort of condition your teeth are currently in, if they are severely crooked or misshapen, you will probably need more extensive drill-work doing to get them down to the right size and shape to fit veneers. It’s possible that in more extreme cases Emax may not be the best option, your dentist can advise you on whether a different procedure is necessary. If you have only mild miss-alignment or small spaces that need fixing, you could be an ideal candidate for Emax.

Patients who don’t have severe dental problems might opt for veneers if they simply don’t like the look, colour or texture of their teeth. Emax are perfect for cosmetically enhancing your smile if you want it to be instantly whiter and straighter. A lot of people won’t be too enthusiastic about waiting for years to see the results of orthodontic treatment, but with veneers you can have a perfect smile in a matter of weeks – another reason why this product is so popular.

How are they fitted?

After an initial consultation, where your dentist will assess your suitability for Emax veneers, you will have a design and colour selected for you, matching to your face shape, size, and the shade of your natural teeth. Before you have the shells permanently bonded to your teeth, you will be able to see what your new smile will look like with a trial model made out of wax, at this stage you can decide whether you want to go ahead with your treatment or chose a different look more suited to you. Any tooth reshaping or sculpting will take place after you have made your decision to purchase veneers, in some cases extractions are called for so that the shells can be fitted in a straight line and you may be required to trial some temporary caps whilst your veneers are manufactured to the specifications provided. This usually takes between a week and ten days, then you can return to the surgery to have your veneers fixed permanently in place with dental bonding or cement.

How long will they last?

With proper care and regular check-ups, Emax veneers will outlast their competition by quite a while, simply because they are much stronger than normal porcelain or composite veneers. Where traditional ceramic veneers can last for seven to ten years, Emax should double that easily – or go beyond it if you maintain a good level or oral hygiene over time. Remember that they are durable but not unbreakable; don’t put massive amounts of pressure on them, as they will crack like normal teeth.