Veneers and Lumineers are both common cosmetic procedures used to enhance the aesthetics of the smile and correct imperfections in the teeth. However, these procedures have subtle differences that can make all the difference. Read on in this blog from Camellia Dentistry to find out what sets Veneers and Lumineers apart.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are shells that are fabricated out of porcelain to hide cosmetic imperfections in your teeth that are detracting from your smile. They’re commonly used to cover discoloration, minor damage to the teeth, small gaps, misaligned teeth, or to change the size and shape of the teeth entirely.
Veneers can help you take control of your smile by achieving the aesthetic of your teeth that you’ve always wanted. By creating the illusion of straighter, whiter, more symmetrical teeth, Veneers can help make you look younger and feel more confident.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are durable and have a lifespan of up to 15 years. They’re also incredibly effective at improving cosmetic imperfections because the Veneers are opaque but still look very natural.
They’re stain-resistant which makes them a better and longer-term solution to discoloration than teeth whitening. However, Veneers require removing .5 mm of enamel from your teeth to prevent the Veneers from sticking out.
This is because Veneers are too thick to bond directly to the teeth without any alteration of your natural teeth. For this reason, you need to think carefully before deciding to get Veneers. They’re a lifelong commitment since the change to your natural teeth is permanent and will result in much thinner enamel.
You cannot go backtrack on your decision to get Veneers because removing them would put your filed-down teeth at risk. They need to be covered for the rest of your life and are also costly to maintain. Damaged Veneers also cannot be repaired and require replacement.
What are Lumineers
Lumineers are thinner versions of Veneers that are also made of porcelain and used to treat the same cosmetic imperfections. Since Lumineers are only .2 mm thick, they can be bonded directly to the teeth without any preparation. They are often called “no-prep Veneers” because the natural enamel remains unaltered.
The process of getting Lumineers is the same as traditional Veneers except that you won’t need to wear temporary Veneers to cover your teeth while you wait for your official Veneers to be fabricated since there will be no change to your natural teeth.
Pros and Cons of Lumineers
Lumineers enable patients to get most of the benefits of traditional Veneers without all of the commitments. While most of us want to improve our smile, we may not want to permanently alter our natural teeth in case we change our minds later on.
Someone who gets Lumineers has the freedom to get them removed without any damage to their natural teeth and without being left with super-thin and fragile teeth. Lumineers are also cheaper than Veneers. Since Lumineers require less preparation, the process of getting Lumineers is less time-consuming.
However, because they’re not as thick, they’re not as effective at covering up severe imperfections like extensive staining, which may show through the more transparent porcelain shell.
Many reports suggest that Lumineers can last between 10 to 20 years but there are very few long-term studies on the lifespan of Lumineers. If a Lumineer is damaged, it can more easily be repaired.
Which is Right for Me?
Veneers and Lumineers are very similar procedures with subtle differences. However, these subtle differences can have significant consequences on your teeth. Veneers are best suited for patients who are looking for a reliable, long-term solution to severe cosmetic issues with their teeth and who are certain that they want Veneers for the rest of their life.
Lumineers are a better option for patients who are hesitant to make a long-term commitment, are on a budget, or have minor cosmetic issues with their teeth. The best way to find out which is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Camellia Dentistry with Dr. Ethan Park.