Advances in cosmetic dentistry give patients several options when it comes to fixing crooked, chipped, gapped or misshapen teeth. Two of the most popular and lasting treatments are porcelain veneers and Lumineers. While both can address minor tooth imperfections and are similarly priced, there are some differences that potential candidates should know. An in-depth consultation with your dental professional will help determine which treatment is best suited for your particular case when choosing between Lumineers vs. veneers.
Similarities of Lumineers and veneers
Dental veneers and Lumineers are both crafted from a thin layer of porcelain and are designed to repair and cover the surface of damaged or misaligned teeth.
In this respect, both types of custom-made restoration:
- Address cosmetic imperfections such as gaps between the teeth
- Hide cracks or chips
- May add length to a tooth
- Can correct severe discoloration
- Promise a flawless smile that is whiter and brighter
- Are durable and easy to maintain
- Offer a beautiful, natural-looking result
- Will not discolor or get darker over time
- Yield little to no tooth sensitivity
Primary differences of veneers and Lumineers
The notable difference between the two is that Lumineers require no tooth preparation, reshaping or drilling prior to placement. Because Lumineers are only .2 to .3 millimeters thick, they can be bonded directly to the exterior of the tooth without removing enamel beforehand – a process known as “trimming.” This simple application process is one of the great advantages of Lumineers, which can normally be placed in just one office visit. People who are especially anxious about dental work or who cannot tolerate numbing shots may be ideal candidates for Lumineers.
By contrast, porcelain veneers are roughly .5 mm thick, which requires tooth reshaping and trimming to achieve a more aesthetically-pleasing outcome. This involves numbing injections and the etching away of enamel, which is the tooth’s natural protective barrier. In the event that the veneer comes off or needs to be replaced, the tooth is more vulnerable to decay and injury.
Pros and cons of both
Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and choosing the right protocol will depend on many factors. Those who are looking for minor changes such as covering a small chip or camouflaging a lightly stained tooth may do better with “no-prep” Lumineers, as long as they are placed by a highly experienced cosmetic dentist. However, because of their ultra-thin composition, darker stains may still show through.
For more extreme dental makeovers, such as addressing large gaps between teeth, traditional dental veneers are frequently recommended. However, because of the more invasive nature of their placement and necessary tooth preparation, the process is irreversible.
If you live in Suffolk County and have additional questions about Lumineers and porcelain veneers, and which is right for you, we invite you to call Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Elliot or Dr. Nick. Call 631-296-0588 or stop by our Rocky Point dental office today.
In an effort to make quality cosmetic dentistry affordable to all of our patients, we offer attractive financing options and low monthly payment plans.
