Porcelain veneers and Emax veneers are two types of dental veneers used to alter the appearance of teeth. While both involve bonding a hardened material over the natural tooth, the main difference is the material used. Porcelain veneers are made from traditional dental porcelain, while Emax veneers are made from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. This page compares the two across treatment approach, duration, technology, cost, aftercare, and risks.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
Treatment approach, treatment duration, technological features, cost, aftercare, and risks.
Step 1 — Scans and exams: During your initial consultation, the dentist assesses your tooth condition and determines whether veneers are suitable. Digital scanning and 3D printing technology are used to create mockups so you can see proposed changes before committing.
Step 2 — Preparing your teeth: Porcelain veneers require the teeth to be prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel so the veneer material can fit without appearing bulky. This preparation is irreversible. Local anaesthetic is used before preparation. If the veneers are not fitted in the same appointment, temporary veneers are placed while permanent veneers are fabricated.
Step 3 — Bonding the veneers: The permanent veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth using a dental adhesive. The dentist checks fit, colour, and shape before finalising placement.
Step 1 — Initial comprehensive consultation: You'll have a consultation where the dentist assesses your teeth and discusses whether Emax veneers are appropriate. You'll discuss the colour, shape, and number of teeth to be treated, and the different veneer options available.
Step 2 — Tooth preparation and digital impressions: Emax veneers are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers and may require less enamel removal, though some preparation is still necessary. This preparation is irreversible for most cases. Digital impressions are taken so the veneers can be custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory.
Step 3 — Custom-made veneers bonded to your teeth: At a subsequent appointment, the Emax veneers are bonded to the teeth with a dental adhesive. The dentist checks fit and makes adjustments before finalising.
Porcelain veneers usually take around three weeks from start to finish, as multiple appointments are typically needed for assessment, preparation, and fitting. At Gorgeous Smiles, digital scanners and 3D printing technology are used to assist with the process.
Emax veneers typically require two to three appointments. Emax veneers are fabricated using CAD/CAM technology, which can reduce fabrication time compared to some other veneer types. The total timeline depends on the complexity of your case and appointment scheduling.
Gorgeous Smiles uses digital scanners and 3D printers for treatment planning and veneer design. Thin layers of porcelain are used in fabrication.
Emax veneers are thinner than traditional porcelain and may require less enamel removal, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. The lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material is designed for both strength and a translucent appearance similar to natural teeth.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Porcelain veneers are priced based on the material, fabrication, and clinical time involved. According to Australia's national dental fee survey, the average cost is approximately $2,036 per veneer, though pricing varies between clinics and depends on the number of teeth being treated.
Emax veneers typically cost slightly more than traditional porcelain veneers due to the materials and fabrication technology. Expect approximately $2,200 to $2,800 per tooth. Pricing for multiple teeth may differ from the per-tooth rate — your dentist will provide a specific quote at consultation.
Aftercare for porcelain veneers involves brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and attending dental check-ups and cleans every six months. Avoid biting hard objects, and if you grind your teeth, discuss a night guard with your dentist. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions.
Emax veneer aftercare is similar. Brush and floss daily, attend regular dental check-ups, and avoid biting on hard objects such as nails, pens, or ice, as this can increase the risk of chipping or breakage.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of veneer treatment (both porcelain and Emax) include tooth sensitivity during and after preparation, which may be temporary or in some cases persist; the irreversible removal of natural enamel during tooth preparation, meaning the teeth will always require veneers or another restoration; the possibility of veneers chipping, cracking, debonding, or failing over time; colour mismatch between the veneers and natural teeth, which may become more apparent as natural teeth change shade over time; the potential need for root canal treatment on prepared teeth if the nerve is affected during preparation; and the need for eventual replacement, as veneers are not permanent — porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 20 years, and Emax veneers typically last up to 15 years, depending on care and individual factors.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment begins.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Both porcelain and Emax veneers are options for altering the appearance of teeth, but there are differences between them that may affect which is more appropriate for your situation. Porcelain veneers may last longer (up to 20 years compared to up to 15 for Emax), while Emax veneers may require less tooth preparation. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss which option is clinically appropriate at your consultation.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.