When a tooth that’s visible at the front of the mouth is damaged, it affects the overall appearance of the smile and can have a negative impact on self-confidence. Cosmetic dentistry offers various solutions for restoring teeth that are chipped, gapped, uneven, or severely discoloured – which can be covered by veneers made from materials that look like tooth enamel.
One of the most popular solutions is porcelain veneers, known for using premium ceramic materials to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. They are all translucent, stain-resistant, and durable, but there are different types of porcelain veneers that have slightly different characteristics. So, how do you know which is the right type of veneers for you?
Read on to learn more about feldspathic veneers vs Emax veneers so you can make an informed decision.
Feldspathic Veneers
The standard porcelain option is feldspathic veneers, which are made using a mineral called feldspar. This is ground into a powder that’s used to produce a ceramic material with a glass-like appearance. A specialist technician crafts each custom veneer by painting thin layers of feldspar resin, which are hardened in an oven to produce a translucent contoured veneer.
Feldspathic veneers will be handmade using an impression taken from the patient’s prepared teeth. These veneers preserve more of the tooth structure underneath, as they are very thin and require the removal of less enamel to prepare the tooth for bonding.
What are the benefits of feldspathic veneers?
The major benefit of feldspathic veneers is that they’re the most natural-looking. The translucent material is colour-matched to the rest of your teeth so it blends in perfectly, with the veneers mimicking the colour gradients and reflective quality of real teeth very well. It can be difficult for anyone else to tell that you even have veneers just by looking at them.
Another advantage is that because they are so thin, the dentist only has to remove a small amount of enamel to apply them. Meanwhile, the alternative Emax veneers are thicker and therefore require the removal of more enamel, which can make the underlying teeth weaker. Though they’re thin, once bonded, feldspathic veneers can last up to 10 years.
Who is suitable for feldspathic veneers?
If you have cosmetic issues with the shade and form of your teeth, such as deep discolouration that can’t be lifted by professional cleaning or whitening, or chips or uneven wear around the edges, then feldspathic veneers are ideal for covering these flaws. The thin shell covers the front of the tooth and disguises any cosmetic problems underneath.
If you’re worried about having your teeth shaved for veneers, very little enamel is removed for feldspathic veneers, so it doesn’t feel as drastic of a commitment when more of the tooth structure remains. However, you will still need to get replacement veneers throughout your life, as the prepared enamel shouldn’t be left exposed with no covering.
Emax Veneers
A newer option is Emax veneers, which are made using lithium disilicate – a stronger type of ceramic glass material, which is also used to make durable dental crowns. Unlike the feldspar version, Emax veneers are produced by bonding layers under pressure, which is a faster process. These pressed veneers are also translucent, but typically a bit more opaque.
As they are thicker, a little more enamel needs to be removed to make room for them, though the thickness will depend on the coverage required to achieve the desired look. While being thicker affects the translucency, it also makes them much more resilient.
What are the benefits of Emax veneers?
The main advantage that Emax veneers have over feldspathic veneers is that their increased strength gives them a longer service life. Being more resistant to chips and cracks means they can last for several years longer than feldspar – up to 15 years or more if cared for properly. This makes them a good choice for people who may be more prone to tooth damage.
A longer lifespan also reduces long-term costs, in addition to Emax veneers usually being more affordable than feldspar because they are easier and faster to produce. Making these veneers especially beneficial for patients on a lower budget, and those who want to repair their teeth quickly in as few appointments and as short a timeframe as possible.
Who is suitable for Emax veneers?
Veneers are generally not recommended for people who clench their teeth a lot or grind their teeth in their sleep, especially not feldspathic veneers – but if your dentist considers you a viable candidate, they are likely to recommend Emax veneers that don’t chip or break as easily. Your dentist may also recommend a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
Emax veneers are most suitable for patients who want natural-looking porcelain veneers that will last for as long as possible before they need replacing, with a treatment that can be completed faster. You’ll still have to wait between appointments for a lab to manufacture them, but you can usually have your custom veneers applied sooner this way.
Book a consultation for porcelain veneers
Feldspathic veneers and Emax veneers can work better for different cases, so to determine which porcelain veneers are best for you, you’ll need to attend a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. At The Dental Centre, we offer both feldspathic veneers in London and Emax veneers in London, so our team would be happy to assess your teeth and help you choose the right option for you.
To book a consultation at our practice and learn more about the best veneers to get the smile you really want, give our team a call on 020 7380 0034 – or email us at [email protected] and we will be in touch to confirm a date and time!
