Lumineers vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

A beautiful smile can have a huge impact on your overall appearance and self-confidence. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to have a perfect smile naturally. Most people need some help fixing some defects and flaws that make their smiles appear less desirable. When it comes to fixing issues with your smile, porcelain veneers and Lumineers are two of the most effective options.

How Do They Compare?

Dentists use both porcelain veneers and Lumineers to correct the appearance of the following:

• Cracked or chipped teeth.

• Crooked teeth.

• Teeth with worn or uneven edges.

• Gaps between teeth.

• Deeply stained teeth.

• Teeth that appear too small.

The preparation and application process for porcelain veneers is fairly lengthy. Lumineers, on the other hand, require less preparation, and they are potentially reversible. Once in place, the process of caring for both is the same. They require regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental visits to ensure the restorations are in good shape.

Porcelain Veneers

These are thin, custom-made shells or casings of tooth-colored porcelain material. Dentists bond them to the front surface of teeth, enhancing their appearance by changing their length, size, shape, or color. They are what perfect teeth should look like — glossy, white, and bright.

They are more resistant to staining since they are non-porous, unlike tooth enamel. After several years, however, the edges of the dental veneer may stain. This cosmetic dentistry option is ideal for people with brown or yellowed teeth. It is also appropriate for those with teeth showing signs of decay.

Behind porcelain veneers, chipped or broken teeth, unusually shaped teeth, and smaller than average teeth become invisible. However, they require a lengthy, multistep preparation and application process customized to your specific needs.

When you choose to get porcelain veneers, there is no turning back because they are permanent. They will also make it harder to reach your gumline while cleaning your teeth, increasing your risk of developing gum disease. On average, porcelain veneers can last up to ten years. However, they can last significantly longer if you take good care of them.

Lumineers

These are a brand of ultra-thin veneers made of laminate. They require less preparation and dental work than porcelain veneers. This is why people often call them no-prep veneers. Like porcelain veneers, dentists use them to cover unusually shaped and discolored teeth. They are slick and smooth to the touch and are a bit more translucent than porcelain veneers.

Because of this, they are not an ideal option if you have severely discolored teeth. Since they are so thin, your dentist will not need to grind your teeth before application. Also, unlike porcelain veneers, they are semi-permanent. Your dentist can remove them with very little damage to your teeth.

But like porcelain veneers, they can make it harder to clean around your gumline, increasing your risk of gum disease. According to the manufacturers of these super-thin veneers, they can last up to 20 years before needing replacement.

Which Is the Right Option for You?

Both of these cosmetic dentistry options treat the same issues; however, there are some significant differences. You need to understand these differences to determine the right option for you.

To learn more about Lumineers and porcelain veneers, visit Dr. Rudell Gary Jacinto, DMD General and Cosmetic Dentistry at our office in Los Angeles, California. You can also call (323) 405-9428 today to schedule an appointment.