What are better Veneers: emax vs feldspathic?

Question

I am a man and I want to get 10 up and 6 down veneers to get a great smile. What is the best aesthetical option: emax or feldspathic? What is the cost for either option? Ty

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

I get this question a lot and my advice is always the same: Select a dentist who does fantastic work and has fantastic before/after cases with great Google Reviews.  More important than the type of material used, is the dentist using the materials.  You can go to an average artist and demand the highest quality paints be used, however; the most important factor is making sure you choose the best artist that can create the best piece of art.I hope this helps and follow me if you may have more questions.Dr. Sarah ThompsonSt. Louis, MO  and O'Fallon, ILThese dentists usually work with top level ceramist who can make either type of porcelain look good!

Michael D. Kosdon, DDS · Answer

This is a complicated question to answer as every veneer case is different and every patients mouth presents a unique environment. Also, it really depends on the ceramist who is making the veneers and the process they use. All art is not created equal, and the same can be said for porcelain veneers. Strength - eMax veneers are stronger and are better suited for someone who clenches and grinds their teeth. Esthetics- Traditionally Feldspathic are more esthetic as they allow more light to shine thru the porcelain which creates more depth and natural looking porcelain. That being said, there are some amazing ceramist who make eMax veneers thru a cut back and layering technique that comes very close to matching the esthetics of Feldspathic porcelain. Another factor is the color/condition of your natural teeth, If your teeth are really dark and discolored, I've found Feldspathic veneers do a much better job at masking out the colors. In this situation, eMax porcelain tends to look more opaque and unnatural. Again, the lab and ceramist can make all the difference here.Best advise is to choose a dentist who does amazing work and who has an impressive portfolio of before/after cases. These dentists usually work with top level ceramist who can make either type of porcelain look good!

Ruben Mateo, DDS · Answer

emax veneers are more resistant but are less aesthetic than feldspathic. Generally to men I recommend emax, if you clench your teeth or you are just not willing to make changes in your lifestyle, go for the emax you do not have to be so careful and you will have aesthetic results.

Dr. Ruben Mateo

Dr. Ruben Mateo

Amber Garcia, DDS · Answer

If you're doing that many, either will be fine because they will all match each other. Either option should cost about the same. In my office, the fee is $1400 per tooth.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Each option can be good.  Normally for people that are clencher or grinders I recommend Emax veneers.  Feldspathic veneers are more natural with better light penetration.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Brian Alan Klaich, DMD · Answer

In my experience, esthetically, you will receive a superior result with Emax porcelain. Tooth structure is removed for Emax, but imperfections in size, shape and symmetry (the crucial elements of cosmetic dentistry) can be corrected through traditional veneers.  
Unless your dentition is practically perfect for the procedure, feldspathic porcelain has aesthetic limitations.  If a dentist recommends feldspathic porcelain, ask to see their case before and after photos and decide for yourself.  
I'd say a fair range for each veneer should be between 1,200 and 1,600.  In New York, you may pay a whole lot more to receive a high quality restoration from an experienced cosmetic dentist with the proper training and premium laboratories.

Mario Montoya, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

There are many brands and options to use and of very good quality and at a great price.In Colombia the approximate price for 20 teeth (10 above and 10 below) with veneers 80% porcelain and 20% composite are from $ 5,000 to $ 7,000 USD

Richard Gochman, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hi Ty- In my opinion - when someone is looking to for a smile makeover with veneers- the most esthetic- and the best bonding to tooth is with Feldspathic hand built veneers. Translucency and lifelike tooth shading can be accomplished better than with Emax-- ESPECIALLY if the emax is not done as pressed and then layered over it. ( EMax is normally a monolithic  block that comes in about 20 different shades) If they are made layered to make them more lifelike- then the material will have to be slightly thicker, than what can be accomplished with Feldspathic.  Most offices will give you a fee for the veneers, it will be up to you to ask what material they use. If you are not satisfied with the answer- seek a second opinion. I see you are in NY- so there is no shortage of qualified dentists.

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hey Ty, You ask an excellent question. Emax is a ceramic called lithium disilicate. It is very hard and comes in a variety of shades. Feldspathic porcelain is powdered glass and is not as hard as Emax. Both are harder than tooth enamel. Emax is stronger but porcelain is more aesthetic. What I like to do is to make the deeper portions from Emax and layer porcelain over the top for aesthetics. If you dentist decides to do this, he should speak with Ivoclar who manufactures Emax to learn how it is done. There are certain limitations to thickness and the amount of Emax has to exceed porcelain. Also check out the photos in the photo gallery on my website regarding veneers. You will learn something about the many details of aesthetics. For example the veneers should be five parts wide to six parts tall. The surface should have subtle irregularities which are called developmental ridges and grooves and perikymata. Also there should be more translucency at the chewing edge and less at the gum line but the translucency should not form a straight line but rather waver up and down like natural teeth.

What are better Veneers: emax vs feldspathic?

Answers (9)

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