Veneers
Porcelain veneers - materials, lifespan, and candidacy
Porcelain veneers for UK patients at Picasso Dental Clinic — Emax Press, Emax Press Plus, Lisi materials, GBP pricing, conservative prep protocol, and candidacy guide.
Porcelain veneers at Picasso Dental Clinic cost GBP 261–348 per tooth (Emax Press to Lisi) and typically last 10–15 years with proper care. UK patients receive a written GBP quote before booking flights, shade approval in-chair using temporaries, and a 7-year manufacturer warranty. Conservative preparation — removing the minimum enamel compatible with the aesthetic change — is the clinical standard.
Porcelain veneer materials at Picasso
Picasso uses three porcelain systems for veneers, all in the lithium-disilicate (glass-ceramic) family:
| Material | Price per tooth | Warranty | Clinical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emax Press | GBP 261 | 7 years | Most common — balance of aesthetics and strength for full-smile makeovers |
| Emax Press Plus | GBP 290 | 7 years | Higher translucency; preferred for lighter, more natural shade goals |
| Lisi (lithium-disilicate reinforced) | GBP 348 | 7 years | Strongest option; preferred for patients with heavier bites or mild bruxism |
All three materials are fired in a certified off-site dental laboratory, not milled chairside. Composite veneers (hand-layered resin) are a separate, lower-cost option — see composite veneers.
UK vs Picasso cost comparison
| Scenario | UK private practice | Picasso Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Single veneer | GBP 726–1,210+ (London/Manchester) | GBP 261–348 |
| 6-veneer upper arch | GBP 4,356–7,260+ | GBP 1,566–2,088 |
| 10-veneer smile | GBP 7,260–12,100+ | GBP 2,610–3,480 |
| 16-veneer full smile | GBP 11,616–19,355+ | GBP 4,176–5,568 |
Return flights from London or Manchester to Vietnam average GBP 700–1,100 and hotel accommodation GBP 40–80 per night. Even after adding travel costs, savings on 8+ veneers typically exceed GBP 4,000. See veneer cost: UK vs Vietnam for a full break-even analysis.
The Portrait Sitting — shade and shape approval
Before any enamel is touched, Picasso’s clinical photography and shade mapping session establishes:
- Baseline records — clinical photos from 8 angles, panoramic X-ray, bite assessment
- Shade mapping — colour is selected against your skin tone, eye colour, and lip line, not from a generic shade guide
- Wax-up or mock-up — the proposed shape is visualised on models or temporarily applied to the teeth without preparation
- Consent point — you approve shade and morphology before irreversible work begins
This session differentiates a planned aesthetic outcome from the “Hollywood white” one-template approach common in high-volume dental tourism.
Preparation — how conservative?
The clinical standard at Picasso is: remove the minimum enamel compatible with the aesthetic change and a durable bond.
Typical preparation depth:
- Minimal-prep: 0.3–0.5mm for teeth that are slightly small or discoloured
- Standard prep: 0.5–0.7mm for most cases
- Non-prep (no-prep): possible in select cases where the tooth is slightly undersize — no enamel removal
Preparation depth is determined after clinical examination and shade planning. It is agreed with the patient before any irreversible work — this is a clinical decision, not a volume-driven one.
Temporaries — the functional prototype
After preparation, laboratory-fabricated temporaries are bonded for the duration of the lab work (typically 3–5 days). Temporaries serve three purposes:
- Protect the prepared tooth from sensitivity and decay
- Test the new shape — you wear the temporaries and give feedback before the final ceramics are made
- Guide the lab — the ceramist uses photographs of the temporaries to fine-tune the final shape
If the temporaries reveal something you want changed — shade slightly too warm, incisal edge too long — adjustments are made at the try-in appointment before final bonding.
Appointment flow — typical 7–10 days
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Consultation, X-rays, clinical photos, shade mapping |
| 2 | Portrait Sitting — wax-up review, shade approval |
| 3 | Preparation, temporary fabrication and bonding |
| 5–6 | Try-in — check shape, shade, and bite |
| 7–8 | Final bond — cementation, bite check, hygiene instructions |
Combining with implants, crowns, or whitening? The timeline extends by 2–4 days. Your coordinator maps the full itinerary before you book flights.
Candidacy — who is suitable?
Well-suited:
- Adults with healthy gum tissue and stable bite
- Patients with existing staining, worn edges, or minor shape irregularities that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone
- Patients wanting a durable result lasting 10–15+ years
- Bruxists with a commitment to wearing a night guard
Requires evaluation before proceeding:
- Active periodontitis — gum disease must be treated and stable first
- Severe bruxism without compliance intent — realistic expectations essential
- Very deep overbite — bite must be assessed for veneer clearance
- Heavily restored teeth — multiple fillings may mean crowns are more appropriate
Not suitable:
- Children and adolescents with developing teeth
- Active caries or infection — treated first
Aftercare and lifespan
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Night guard compliance (bruxists) | Very high — prevents premature fracture |
| Non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste | High — preserves glaze surface |
| 6-monthly hygienist visits | High — cleans cement margins |
| Avoiding biting nails, ice, pens | Moderate — prevents point-load chipping |
| Contact sports mouthguard | High for rugby/boxing/hockey patients |
Expected lifespan: 10–15 years with good care; many veneers last 20+ years.
See veneer care tips and night guards and bruxism for the full maintenance guide.
Warranty
Emax Press, Emax Press Plus, and Lisi veneers carry a 7-year warranty against manufacturing defects at Picasso. Exclusions include trauma, grinding without a prescribed guard, and marginal decay. Full terms at /warranty/.