Lumineers vs. Porcelain Veneers

When your Haymarket dentist gives you the green light for a cosmetic smile makeover, you have some decisions to make. Revamping your entire smile can happen with several cosmetic dentistry procedures, or you can achieve that amazing new smile with just one procedure, like Lumineers or porcelain veneers. Which treatment is right for you?

Pros and Cons of Lumineers and Veneers

Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both amazing, revolutionary cosmetic dentistry treatments that transform smiles and lives. When you’re eligible for both procedures, it’s important to compare their characteristics to determine whether veneers or Lumineers are right for you.

• Veneers are thin. But Lumineers are even thinner, like contact lenses. Both cosmetic dentistry treatments are equally strong and durable.
• Porcelain veneers, without question, always require the removal of a significant amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Lumineers are sometimes referred to as no-prep veneers and require little if any enamel to be sanded away. This difference qualifies Lumineers as the non-invasive cosmetic dentistry solution, an option that is especially attractive to dental-phobic patients.
• Even though Lumineers are thinner than veneers, and the very composition of the Lumineer shields makes the no-prep element possible, once in place the Lumineers can look a little thick or bulky. This “chunkiness” can make the Lumineers look slightly less authentic than veneers, but no less impressive overall as a smile makeover treatment.
• Lip treatment. While veneers and Lumineers are incredibly thin, they will both bump the lips out slightly (a perk that adults with thinning lips love). However, the preparation for veneers and the snug placement of the veneers means they will always rest more cleanly and naturally against the teeth.
• Lumineers and veneers are both custom-made to suit your smile. The shields are designed to be appropriate for you alone in size, shape, and shading. The goal is to provide a natural-looking smile enhancement. Both cosmetic dentistry treatments deliver.
• Tooth structure. Because very little tooth reduction is needed when teeth are being prepped for Lumineers, the procedure can often be reversed without leaving much damage to the natural tooth.
• Natural teeth reflect light. It’s not just the whiteness of your Lumineers or veneers that matters, but the level of translucency. Without this important element, your smile makeover will look fake. Veneers and Lumineers are made with translucency in mind, but Lumineers will be slightly opaque.
• This is usually the make-it-or-break-it element of Lumineers vs. veneers. The Lumineer procedure is painless, non-invasive, and efficient. There is no drilling and no need for anesthesia or discomfort of any kind.

Are you eligible for Lumineers or porcelain veneers? Only your Haymarket dentist knows for sure. There are many elements that will impact your ability to be a good candidate for veneers. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sina Reangber at My LifeTime Smiles in Haymarket, VA, or our Burke Dentist office to learn more.

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