E-max Veneers: What They Are & Why It Matters

The material your veneers are made from directly affects how they look, how long they last, and how much tooth structure needs to be removed. This guide explains why E-max lithium disilicate has become the gold standard for porcelain veneers in the UK.

What Is E-max?

IPS e.max is a brand of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic manufactured by Ivoclar (Liechtenstein). It is produced using a pressable ingot system that allows dental technicians to create ultra-thin veneers while maintaining a flexural strength of approximately 500 MPa — roughly five times stronger than traditional feldspathic porcelain.

The material's crystalline structure scatters light in a way that closely mimics natural tooth enamel, giving veneers a depth and vitality that opaque alternatives cannot match.

Why Fix My Smile Uses E-max

• Minimal-prep compatibility: Can be pressed extremely thin, preserving more natural enamel.
• Natural translucency: Light passes through the ceramic like real enamel — no opaque, "stuck-on" look.
• Stain resistance: Non-porous surface resists coffee, tea, and red wine discolouration.
• Proven longevity: Clinical studies report survival rates above 95 % at ten years.
• Biocompatibility: Inert glass-ceramic; no metal content, no allergic risk.

E-max vs Zirconia: Which Is Better for Veneers?

Both are excellent dental ceramics, but they serve different purposes. The table below compares them in the context of front-tooth veneers.

Bottom line: For front-tooth veneers, E-max delivers a more natural result with less tooth removal. Zirconia's extra strength is advantageous for back-of-mouth restorations where bite forces are greatest.

E-max & Minimal-Prep Protocols

One of E-max's defining advantages is that it can be pressed extremely thin without compromising strength. This directly enables minimal-prep veneer protocols, where only a conservative amount of enamel is adjusted — preserving the vast majority of your natural tooth structure. The amount of preparation is case-dependent and planned by the dentist based on your bite, tooth position, enamel, and desired result.

By contrast, traditional feldspathic porcelain and zirconia generally require more preparation due to their material properties at thin dimensions.

How Long Do E-max Veneers Last?

With proper care, E-max veneers routinely last 15 to 20 years and often longer. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, diet, and whether a night guard is worn if you grind your teeth. For a deeper look at lifespan factors, see our guide on how long veneers last.

Caring for E-max Veneers

E-max requires no special maintenance beyond standard good oral hygiene:

• Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily — veneers protect the front surface, but gum health matters just as much.
• Attend six-monthly hygiene appointments.
• Wear a custom night guard if you clench or grind.
• Avoid using teeth as tools (opening bottles, tearing packaging).

Book Your Free E-Consultation →

Frequently Asked Questions