Porcelain veneers and Lumineers can both be excellent ways to beautify a smile, but there is some confusion floating around about the difference between them. While they are both used to cover extensive flaws in natural teeth such as cracks, chips, gaps, discoloration, and stains, their shapes and the means by which they are attached to the teeth make them significantly different treatments. Here’s some information about the differences between Lumineers and porcelain veneers to help give you an idea of which option might be right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
The popularity of porcelain veneers has increased massively in recent decades. In fact, they are the secret behind the flawless smiles of many movie stars and television personalities. Veneers are porcelain covers designed to be attached to the fronts of the treated teeth. To place them, the dentist will have to shave a tiny amount of enamel, about half of a millimeter, away from the teeth. This will create room for the veneers as well as surface area for them to be cemented to. This allows veneers to realign smiles without orthodontic treatments in some cases.
Teeth that have been fitted with veneers will need to wear them for the rest of their lives. While veneers can last for two decades or more with excellent care, they will eventually need to be replaced. Teeth that have been treated with veneers do not require any more hygiene efforts than normal teeth.
What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a cosmetic dental treatment that is quite similar to veneers. The main difference is that Lumineers are made from incredibly thin materials, allowing them to be cemented to the fronts of your teeth without the removal of any enamel. Teeth that have received Lumineers will not need to wear them for life, so a patient can have them removed later if they choose to do so.
However, since they do not require the removal of any enamel, Lumineers can make some people’s teeth appear bulkier. This also means that they aren’t ideal for overcrowded smiles or crooked teeth.
You have options if you’re interested in enhancing your smile. While veneers and Lumineers both have their advantages, only a trained dental professional can make the call as to whether you are a good candidate for either one of them.
About the Practice
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys goes above and beyond to make smiles shine in Big Pine Key, FL. Led by Drs. Amanda Cobb and Dan Mazor, the staff ensures patients have positive experiences with the latest technology and old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers and Lumineers. For more information on cosmetic dental treatments, contact the office online or dial (305) 680-1553.