The name veneers have been in the public lexicon for a long time, but have you heard of Lumineers? They’re very similar to veneers in their structure and purpose but differ in some important ways, such as the thickness of materials.
This difference in thickness may seem like a minor detail but it makes a big difference in terms of suitability for certain cosmetic problems, their longevity, and even the process of adhering them to and removing them from the teeth. Is your interest piqued? We hope so! Read on to find out more about Lumineers vs traditional veneers.
Lumineers and veneers are almost the same product. They both act as “caps” for the front side of the teeth that people see when they smile. People get Lumineers or veneers to cover up dental imperfections and insecurities, such as stained or crooked teeth, big gaps, or uneven teeth in terms of size and shape.
Both Lumineers and veneers can be used to cover up these cosmetic issues and leave you with a pearly white smile and evenly sized and shaped teeth. Lumineers are made of porcelain and veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin.
The actual process of attaching the Lumineers and veneers is also very similar. The process begins with an oral exam and cleaning of your natural teeth. You need to have healthy teeth to be a suitable candidate, so any presence of decay or gum disease will need to be treated before receiving Lumineers or veneers.
Then, impressions are taken of your teeth and are used as models to create the porcelain shells that will attach to them. These impressions are sent out to a dental lab which will create your Lumineers or veneers. Within 2-3 weeks, they will be ready to be bonded onto your tooth enamel.
Lumineers are essentially reversible veneers. That is, the thickness of the Lumineer material is only .2mm whereas traditional veneers are .5 mm thick. Because veneers are so much thicker, they require .5 mm of the natural tooth enamel to be shaved off for the veneers to snugly fit inside the mouth. In contrast, Lumineers require minimal to no prep work of the tooth enamel before being bonded.
This is a significant difference, as shaving down the natural tooth enamel is irreversible. While veneers and Lumineers both have to be replaced over time, veneers require a permanent change to the natural tooth structure.
This means that choosing to get veneers will permanently alter your tooth enamel and you will always have to cover them up either with veneers or some other method. Lumineers give you more flexibility because they are not a permanent commitment.
You are free to choose to have your Lumineers removed down the line and your natural teeth will be the same. Lumineers are also more transparent because they are ultra-thin. This can be desirable because they look very natural, but it is not ideal for severely discolored or chipped teeth. These imperfections will be seen through the Lumineers.
However, if you have minimal to moderate cosmetic problems that you would like to have covered up, Lumineers are just as durable as veneers and even have a longer lifespan. Veneers only last for 7-15 years but Lumineers can last for up to 20.
It can be difficult to decide between Lumineers and veneers without having access to all of the vital information. When taking into account that veneers are an irreversible procedure with a shorter lifespan, Lumineers are a much more convenient and long-term solution.
When considering cost, Lumineers are generally more expensive than veneers. However, this price difference has been minimized in recent years and Lumineers are a more cost-effective investment since they’re so durable and last nearly twice as long as veneers.
For someone with severely stained or chipped teeth, Lumineers may be too transparent to cover up these imperfections. The best way to decide which would be best for you is to book a consultation and discuss your options with your dentist.
At Origin Dental, we offer high-quality Lumineers that will transform your smile and your confidence. To find out if Lumineers are the right choice for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Victor Tran. Enjoy a fresh pair of pearly whites that last longer, look more natural, and aren’t a life-long commitment!
