If you’re in the market to transform your smile through cosmetic dentistry, you have some important decisions to make. A smile makeover can completely transform your life, and cosmetic dentistry offers many options for making your dreams a reality. Lumineers and porcelain veneers both have the ability to give you an amazing new smile with just one procedure. Which treatment is right for you?
Lumineers
Lumineers are a unique type of veneer. The main advantage to Lumineers is that they do not require the same degree of preparations on the surface of the teeth as traditional veneers because they are extremely thin and quickly bonded onto the surface of the teeth. Lumineers are an excellent option for quickly transforming your smile for minor teeth imperfections.
Porcelain Veneers
Also called dental porcelain laminates or porcelain laminates, veneers are used for a variety of purposes. Veneers are identified as a permanent solution to minor teeth imperfections such as discoloration, cracks, chips, and even heavily stained or discolored teeth or dental fillings. Veneers are used as a mask to hide whatever imperfections there are on the surfaces of your teeth.
In order for veneers to be bonded onto the surface of existing teeth, the tooth will have to be prepared by reducing the tooth surface area. This means that the surface of each tooth where the veneer will be bonded will have to be shaved by as much as 0.5 millimeters to accommodate for the thickness of the new laminate. Extensive prep work is a large part of ensuring your veneers are flush to the gum line, and this is also one of the most significant differences between porcelain veneers and Lumineers.
Lumineers Vs. Veneers
Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both incredibly effective for transforming your smile and your life. When you’re eligible for both treatments, it’s essential to compare their characteristics and benefits to determine which option is right for you.
Both Veneers and Lumineers Can…
- Improve the appearance of crooked, misaligned teeth
- Give you a whiter, brighter smile
- Hide a cracked or chipped tooth
- Cover gaps between teeth
- Provide a natural appearance in a comfortable way
- Give you a thin layer of porcelain over each tooth
- Be easy to maintain with a strong, durable surface
- Eliminate any possibility for changing color or staining over time
- Be completely custom-made to create a seamless smile
- Be similar in cost
Where The Treatments Differ
Veneers require some removal and reshaping of the original tooth (or teeth). To create a natural appearance that isn’t bulky or overly large, the dentist will remove about 5mm from the tooth’s surface. Enamel is removed, leaving the tooth unprotected until the veneer is applied. If the veneer needs to be removed in the future, the tooth will be unprotected once more. As a long-term solution, this permanent removal of enamel may be concerning to some patients. Veneers can be placed in about two visits.
Lumineers provide the same function as porcelain veneers, but they are not as invasive. The original tooth is left unchanged and the enamel is not damaged, which some patients prefer as a long-term solution. To achieve this, Lumineers are much thinner than veneers (they’re about as thick as a contact lens), but they’re still strong and durable. However, they may look and feel slightly bulkier when compared to veneers. Because of this, it is important that you choose an experienced dentist if you want a flawless, natural smile with Lumineers. Finally, Lumineers are quicker to apply than veneers because the teeth are not shaved down beforehand.
The Best Option For Improving Your Smile
Are Lumineers or porcelain veneers the best option for transforming your smile? Hinsdale Dentistry can help you to make the best decision based on your lifestyle and your smile transformation expectations. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more.