What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are “covers” attached to the front face of your teeth. They immediately transform the external appearance of your teeth, covering all the gaps, chips, cracks, discoloration, crookedness, and other cosmetic concerns. Dental Veneers and Lumineers are ideal for patients who want to address all their cosmetic concerns at once instead of opting for multiple treatments to address each specific issue, which may take several years and countless procedures.
Lumineers vs Veneers
Both Veneers and Lumineers address the same primary concerns by covering your actual teeth, but they have some crucial differences. Below, we describe the differences between Veneers and Lumineers to help you make the correct decision for your procedure.
Veneers and Lumineers Treat…
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Minor misalignment
- Tiny teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Stained teeth
- Uneven or worn edges
- Chipped or cracked teeth
Veneers vs. Lumineers: Overview
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Veneers
Veneers are tooth-colored and tooth-shaped porcelain chips attached to the front face of your teeth. Before receiving the veneers, the dentist needs to prepare your teeth by removing approximately 1/2mm of enamel. The porcelain veneers are then bonded to your teeth.
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Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin variations on traditional veneers. They’re made of extremely thin materials that can be bonded to the front face of your teeth without preparation — there’s no need to file away some of the enamel from your teeth.
Veneers vs. Lumineers: Materials
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Veneers
Veneers are made of composite resin or porcelain, though the latter is the most popular option. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, and they resemble the color and texture of actual enamel, making them extremely natural.
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Lumineers
Lumineers are made of ultra-thin carinate porcelain materials ranging from .2mm to .5mm in thickness. They’re also stain-resistant, and they resemble the color and texture of actual enamel, making them extremely natural.
Veneers vs. Lumineers: Application
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Veneers
The dentist will shave off approximately .2mm to .5mm of the enamel on the front face of your teeth to accommodate the veneers. This prevents your teeth from looking overly large or bulky.
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Lumineers
Because Lumineers are ultra-thin, the dentist doesn’t need to prepare your teeth or shave off the surface enamel. They’re directly placed over your existing teeth without preparation.
Pros & Cons of Veneers
Pros:
- Brighter and whiter teeth
- Completely safe
- Stain-resistant
- It covers most cosmetic concerns
Cons:
- It cannot be reversed
- The enamel has to be shaved
Pros & Cons of Lumineers
Pros:
- No preparation required
- Less invasive alternative
- No damage to the teeth or nerves
- Can be taken off or reversed
- Stain-resistant
Cons:
- Can look bulkier
- Not ideal for overcrowded or crooked teeth
The Ideal Option for You
Veneers and Lumineers address most of the same concerns, but they have some crucial differences. Veneers need more preparation, are more invasive and irreversible, but they can address more cosmetic concerns. Lumineers are reversible and don’t require preparation, but they’re not suitable for all cosmetic concerns. Your dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the ideal option for your specific needs and goals. Schedule a consultation today!