E-max Veneers

E-max is a brand of lithium disilicate, a glass ceramic pressed into shape and then layered by hand. It transmits light in a way that reads as natural enamel, which is why it is the usual choice for the front six or eight teeth where translucency matters most.

How it's done

1. 01

   Shade and design

   Existing shade is recorded and the target shade agreed. Going more than a few shades lighter than your natural teeth is where results start to look artificial.

2. 02

   Minimal preparation

   Roughly 0.3–0.5 mm is removed from the front face of the tooth — less than for a crown, and often confined to enamel.

3. 03

   Impression or scan

   An intraoral scan captures the prepared teeth. Temporary veneers are placed while the lab works.

4. 04

   Lab layering

   Each veneer is pressed then characterised by hand, so the shade varies slightly from the gum line to the edge as a real tooth does.

5. 05

   Bonding

   Veneers are bonded with resin cement under isolation. This step is technique-sensitive and is where longevity is won or lost.

Who it suits

Front teeth that are discoloured, slightly misshapen, chipped or have small gaps, where the underlying tooth is otherwise healthy.

Where it falls short

Not suited to heavily filled or broken-down teeth, which need a crown for strength. Grinding without a night guard is the fastest way to fracture one.

Recovery

Mild sensitivity for one to two weeks. No restriction on speaking or normal eating once bonded.