Veneers, laminates and zirconia — the difference
- Veneers (e-max): a thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of the tooth after very light preparation — the best aesthetic option for front teeth.
- Ultra-thin laminates: thinner than veneers with minimal preparation, suitable for limited cases where colour and shape are already close to the target.
- Zirconia crowns: cover the whole tooth and are the strongest option for back teeth, root-treated teeth or broken teeth.
- Whitening alone: sometimes it is enough without touching the enamel — and we say so openly when that is the case.
Who is a good candidate?
The ideal candidate has healthy gums and teeth and wants to improve colour or shape, close gaps or repair small chips. If there is decay, gum inflammation or a bite problem, we treat that first: restorations built on an unhealthy foundation do not last.
Will my teeth be filed down?
Preparation depends on the case and the material: veneers usually need less than a millimetre, while zirconia needs more because it covers the whole tooth. Our aim is always to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
How long does it last?
Good restorations with regular hygiene and six-monthly check-ups last for years. What shortens their life: night grinding without a guard, heavy smoking and neglected gums.
Your treatment journey
We start with diagnosis and photographs, then design and discuss the look with you, then prepare and fit temporaries so you can test shape and function, and finally place the definitive work once you approve the trial.
