Lumineers Vs. Veneers: Comparing the Key Differences

Smile makeovers have become increasingly popular as more people want a beautiful, confident, and healthy smile. However, getting that flawless smile without a bit of help can be challenging. 

Lumineers and veneers are effective options for people who want that Hollywood smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-shaped shells of dental porcelain or composite. On the other hand, Lumineers are a less invasive type of dental veneer. Lumineers and veneers have a lot in common, including the variety of aesthetic issues they treat. Even so, both options differ in some significant ways.

The differences between veneers and Lumineers are as follows.

Preparation

Lumineers require less preparation and dental work than traditional veneers. However, a consultation is the first step for both types of services. The doctor will examine your teeth, determine if you are a candidate, and explain the procedure to you.

As part of the consultation process for Lumineers, your dentist can also take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab that will make them. After the Lumineers are ready, your dentist will bond them to your teeth on the second visit.

For traditional veneers, the second visit requires your dentist to trim your teeth to make room for the laminate's thickness. Your dentist will then make a mold of your prepared teeth and send it to the laboratory. Meanwhile, your dentist will provide you with temporary veneers.

Your dentist will apply your veneers at your next appointment and adjust them for the perfect fit and shape.

Appearance

As Lumineers are thinner than veneers, they are translucent in appearance. Therefore, Lumineers have a realistic appearance. However, Lumineers may not be ideal for people with severely stained or discolored teeth since the color will still slightly show through.

Veneers come in a variety of shades to match your teeth. The thickness of veneers also allows them to be opaque. Hence, veneers are most suitable when teeth appear yellowed or brown or have signs of staining.

Durability

A veneer can last about ten years with proper care. Lumineers should also be able to maintain their integrity for the same length of time as veneers, but that is not always the case. 

The harsh effects of chewing and grinding hard food are more pronounced on Lumineers. Maintaining your Lumineers properly will help you get the most out of them.

Permanence

A traditional veneer is often a permanent treatment option as opposed to a porcelain veneer. To apply veneers, your dentist will have to alter your tooth structure. Veneers are therefore irreversible.

Lumineers are semi-permanent, unlike veneers. The application process is minimally damaging to your teeth so you can remove them without causing damage. Thus, if necessary, you can reverse the procedure.

Cost

Costs vary according to factors such as the location of the tooth and its condition. Moreover, both Lumineers and veneers costs are on a per-tooth basis.

Even so, the cost of porcelain veneers tends to be higher than that of Lumineers. Lumineers cost less than veneers because they require less prep work.



Since both treatments are cosmetic, most insurance plans do not cover them.

A brighter, whiter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Both procedures can fix chipping, gaps, staining, or an uneven bite. You have to decide which one suits your dental issue, budget, and preferences the best. Fortunately, both are highly effective, viable treatments that can bring a noticeable improvement to your teeth's appearance.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you would like to learn more about your options. We will be happy to go over any questions or concerns you may have.