Pros and Cons

If you’re not familiar with cosmetic dental treatments, you could be forgiven for thinking that all types of veneers are the same, and while they are used to achieve a perfect, white smile, they don’t all have the same properties and they won’t all give the same outcome. Not only does it depend what type of veneer you choose, the result also rests on the skill and artistry of your dental technician. Emax veneers are among the more expensive dental veneers available, but they do perform well and last longer than their cheaper counterparts, so it’s just a question of weighing up the benefits and disadvantages of certain treatments. Let’s take a look at Emax veneers in a little bit more detail, so you can determine whether they would be right for you.

What’s good about Emax veneers?

Emax veneers might seem the same as any other dental veneer to the untrained eye, but they are actually much more effective and long-lasting, there are lots of positive aspects to this top-quality treatment.

Less tooth re-shaping required – Thanks to their slim design, Emax veneers can, in some cases, be placed directly over the natural teeth, without looking too bulky or unnatural. The traditional porcelain variety are cut much thicker, so they require the teeth to be scaled back and extensively re-moulded, in order to fit comfortably. It’s the strength of the specially formulated porcelain that means Emax products can be cut so thin, without losing any of their structural integrity.

You might be somewhat familiar with the ‘peg’ look, featured in makeover shows on TV, this involves filing the teeth down from their original size, leaving them resembling a peg. It’s understandable that this could be very off-putting, especially if you’re not fitted with a temporary veneer while you wait for your new teeth to be manufactured, but don’t let this stop you getting a set of Emax veneers. There is likely to be some sort of re-shaping required, but it’s nowhere near as much as with traditional veneers.

Furthermore, because the teeth aren’t shaved down as much – or at all, in some cases – the patient is less at risk from problems with sensitivity. With the porcelain variety, so much of the protective layers are shaved away that the nerves are exposed to changes in temperature, causing them to register pain more noticeably. Emax veneers don’t leave the roots unprotected, so you don’t have to worry about sensitivity issues. Of course, the amount of re-shaping that needs to be done does depend on what sort of condition your teeth were in to begin with, if they were several misalignments, you may have to have some filing done – and if you have extreme malocclusions, you might be told to consider other options.

Long-lasting – Because they are made from highly-durable pressed ceramic, Emax veneers can outlast their counterparts by as much as ten years. A lot of patients might rush into surgery without considering the fact that veneers, whilst long-lasting, don’t last forever, and can succumb to chips or cracks over time. Emax veneers are very hard wearing, and when fitted by a skilled dentist, they can remain in peak condition for up to twenty years. In addition, because the natural teeth don’t need to be extensively re-modelled, the process is completely reversible for most patients, making it not quite as permanent as normal porcelain veneers.

Stronger bonding process – Again, because the teeth don’t have to be shaved back as much, the veneers can be bonded with the surface enamel, rather than the weaker dentin layer beneath it. Studies have shown that dentin bonding is not as strong as enamel bonding, which allows the veneers to last longer and perform to a higher standard.

Shorter treatment time – Cutting down on drilling and filing means that the preparation process for Emax veneers is much shorter than that of traditional products. Treatment doesn’t normally require any type of temporary veneer between appointments, because the appearance and function of the teeth has not been significantly altered. Thin Emax veneers can usually be fitted in just two sittings; the first for tooth preparation and the second for bonding the synthetic shells in place.

What’s bad about Emax veneers?

There’s nothing innately ‘bad’ about Emax veneers, but they do have their drawbacks, much like any other type of dental product. If you think you would be a suitable candidate for treatment, book an appointment with the Pearl Dental Clinic to speak with a consultant.

Little room for error – Because the shells are so thin, it leaves little to no room for mistakes once the bonding process begins. Badly placed veneers can be more trouble than they’re worth, as far as cleaning is concerned; because the Emax veneers are bonded to the whole surface of the natural tooth, this can sometimes lead to small ridges forming on the biting edge of the teeth and around the gums. This might sound like an insignificant point, but over time, bacteria and food debris can collect in the ridges, putting the teeth below at risk of decay. Booking a skilled, experienced surgeon is the best way to avoid this problem.

Not easily available – Emax veneers are relatively new to the UK market, so you might struggle to find someone who supplies them at the moment. They started life in the US and only recently made it over the pond, they also require more training to be fitted correctly, and many of the dentists who would like to provide them have yet to gain the right qualifications.

Can be costly – As is often the case with top-quality cosmetic procedures, the cost can put a lot of people off. Emax veneers are gaining popularity on the dental market, so it stands to reason that they are going to require a little extra investment. If you can organise financing, it’s well worth considering a set of Emax veneers, just make sure you are being treated by a qualified surgeon who can give you the best results for your money.